AboutMike Mascio Expertise I have been an avid gardener since 1985 and an AllExpert volunteer since
1998. I specialize in soil preparation, seed starting and plant
propagation, flowers, vegetables, and general landscaping. I am a strong
advocate of the square foot method of gardening and the use of organic
controls for pests and diseases.
Question We have a huge split leaf philodendren in our southern sunroom that needs to be transplanted. There are 2 plants together that will need to be separated. The plant must be terribly rootbound in the pot it is in and I'd like to know how to divide and replant. It will be an indoor plant but I would like to transplant early this fall while I can do it outside. If you cannot help me, would you please direct me to someone who can? Thank you.
Answer Tricia, the best time to divide perennials is in the early fall. That gives the plants sufficient time to establish their roots over the winter months when the daylight is shorter. In the case of plants to be transplanted outdoors, they also experience less transplant stress because of the cooler temperatures and shorter days.
As with any perennial, the plants need to be divided every 3-5 years. To do so, remove the plant from the pot and stick a sharp spade through the middle of the root system. Depending on how large the plant is, you can probably make 2-4 plants out of the one. Transplant into similar sized pots supplementing the root ball with a fertile potting soil.
Next spring, feed the plants with a 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer. Mulch the plant moderately with shredded bark or aged grass clippings to hold in moisture and to keep the temperature of the soil more consistent.
I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.
