How to propagate clump-forming house plants
Find out how to propagate house plants by division, in our step-by-step guide.
Many house plants can be split, or divided into sections and repotted to give you new plants for free. These plants have a sturdy ball of roots at the base of several stems. To divide them you need to remove the plant from its pot and split the clump into sections, which you pot up individually.
House plants that can be divided into clumps:
• Ferns
• Calathea
• Mother-in-law’s tongue
Find out how to propagate house plants from division, below.
You Will Need
- Ferns
- Calathea
- Mother-in-law's-tongue
- House plant compost
- A saw or bread knife
Step 1
Pull the stems to the sides, so you can see where there is a natural gap between them.
Step 2
Squeeze the pot then tease the plant out.
Step 3
Use a clean saw or bread knife to cut through the roots, where you noticed the gap in the stems. Ensure each clump of stems has lots of roots attached.
Step 4
Put each off-cut into a new pot full of the same type of compost as they were in previously. Water thoroughly.
Jan subscription offer
Get our Year Planner 2025 with a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine. Get 6 issues for £14.99.
Your Guide to Roses on sale now
Love roses? Inside our guide is everything you need to know for success with your blooms, from pruning to problem solving. On sale in stores and online now!
Discover our NEW Travel & Events Brochure
Whether it's the vibrant beauty of Madeira's Flower Festival or the quiet luxury of a Cornish shepherd's hut, our NEW Travel & Events Brochure is your guide to unforgettable experiences.
New podcast series
Give your mental and physical health a boost, with our new Wellness podcast series from Monty and the team.
