Root division
By: mia murray
Step 1
The best time to take root cuttings is when the plants are dormant usually between november and february. For woody plants carefully remove the dirt around the roots on one side of the plant, look closely at the roots and make sure they are healthy. Choose roots that are pencil thick. For perennial plants look for large fleshy roots the thicker the better.
Step 2
For both woody and perennial plants, don't take more that 1/3 of the roots off. For woody plants take 2 to 6 inches cutting and then cut into 2 to 3 inch sections. cover the roots back up again and water the plant in. For perennial plants take 2 to 3 inches cuttings the same way as above with a flat cut on top and a slanted cut on bottom to help remember the roots correct orientation.
Step 3
Next, use a deep pot- before you plant them put a little sand in the bottom of the hole and dust the bottom of the cuttings with powdered sulfur to control fungi. Plant in moist potting soil a few inches apart and make sure the top cuttings are 1 inch below the soil surface. Cover with 1/2 to 1/2 inch of sand or gravel. Water only when soil becomes dry and dont keep the soil too wet or the roots can rot.
Step 4
Lastly, in three or four weeks your cuttings should start to form roots and maybe even start to push new growth. When new shoots appear give them some liquid fertilizer. Once plants are established they can be transplanted to individual pots or moved into the garden.