Division of a plant - Kabuwake

Japanese: 株分け - かぶわけ

This is a vegetative propagation method used for plant propagation, in which adventitious buds that grow near the roots of perennial plants or buds and stems (saplings) that grow from underground stems are separated from the parent plant to become independent individuals. Since they are independent individuals, they all have roots, so this is an easy and reliable propagation method, and has the advantage of producing plants that are identical to the parent. The disadvantage is that it is not possible to produce as many seedlings as with vegetative propagation methods such as grafting or cuttings.

[Yasuo Hori]

season

For garden trees, the best time to plant deciduous trees is from autumn when the leaves are partially gone to the dormant period before the new buds sprout in spring (just before budding), while some evergreen trees can be planted from around March to the rainy season. For perennial plants, those with adventitious buds or buds that emerge from underground stems are best planted from March to May or from September to October. For perennial plants that prefer wetlands, the best time is often during the rainy season just after the flowering season has ended.

[Yasuo Hori]

method

Dig up clumps carefully so as not to damage the roots, check the state of the roots, and separate them when there are two or more roots. For perennial plants, be careful not to crush the persistent buds at the base, and be careful because some plants have difficulty blooming if they are divided into small pieces. It is better to divide small plants into groups of 2 to 3.

The cutting tool used for dividing plants is scissors or a knife for perennial plants and flowering plants, but it is easier to use pruning shears for woody plants. The dividing work should be done in a shady place, and plants with fine roots should be planted quickly, taking care not to let the roots dry out.

Since the divided plants have few roots, water them thoroughly after planting, and keep potted plants in partial shade for 2-3 days. Also, for evergreen plants with many leaves, remove some of the leaves to prevent water from evaporating. Fertilize after the new shoots begin to grow.

[Yasuo Hori]

How to divide a plant
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How to divide a plant

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

Japanese:

植物の繁殖に用いる栄養繁殖の一手法で、宿根草の根際に生じた不定芽や地下茎から出た芽や茎（ひこばえ）を親株から分離し独立個体とする増殖法である。独立個体であるからいずれも根があるので、容易で確実な繁殖方法で、また親と同一のものが得られるという利点がある。短所としては、接木(つぎき)や挿木による栄養繁殖の方法に比べ多数の苗を得られないことがあげられる。

［堀　保男］

時期

庭木類では、落葉樹類は半落葉した秋から春の新芽の吹く前（萌芽(ほうが)直前）の休眠期間が適期で、常緑樹類は3月ごろから梅雨期にかけて可能なものがある。宿根草類では、不定芽や地下茎から出た芽をもつものは3～5月にかけてか9～10月がよい。また湿地を好む宿根草には、花期が終わった直後の梅雨期ごろが適期のものが多い。

［堀　保男］