Aeoniums are succulents, plants that hold nutrients and water supply in their leaves. They resemble flowers with no leaves because their foliage is so ornate. Dividing and propagating Aeonium is easy if you know the steps and what to use.
Determine if Division is Necessary
Propagating Aeoniums requires only cuttings, but when propagating and dividing an Aeonium, you must also cut through the root. This is necessary when an Aeonium becomes too large for its potted or landscaped home. If it is, it is time to divide it. If not, you can propagate a cutting in this same manner without cutting the root.
Take Out Aeonium
The first thing you should do is remove your Aeonium from its pot so you can take a cutting or division. Next, tip your plant in its container and thump the bottom of the container with your hand to loosen it. Then, pull the plant out from its soil and shake the dirt loose.
Decide Division Point
To divide an Aeonium for propagation, pick a branch that seems to grow right from the root. Then, begin the division at the crux of that stem and the rest of the root. Remember, you do not want to cut through the entirety of the taproot, just the part that lines up with the rest of the stem.
Make Cut
Aeoniums can handle being cut with metal if the shears or paring knife are sterilized and free of germs that can cause infection in the membranes of the plant. For this reason, you should boil your paring knife or dip it in alcohol, then let it dry completely before using it on your Aeonium. Once you figure out where you intend to divide your Aeonium, place the paring knife's sharp edge right at the plant's crux, and cut it down. Try to keep the cut straight. You should now have two pieces of Aeonium: the parent plant and the divided propagule.
Plant Cutting and Repotting Parent
The last thing you need to do is repot the parent plant and plant your Aeonium cutting. Do this just like propagating. Fill a pot with well-drained succulent mix, dip the cutting and parent plant in rooting hormone, then plant the Aeonium division into the mix. It is the same for the parent plant.
You can leave your Aeonium and check on it every few days to ensure it meets its environmental demands.
Source: doityourself.com
Links
- Back to genus Aeonium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus