Aspidistra elatior is an indoor plant capable of surviving in extreme conditions! This robustness has made it a favourite among gardeners who don't have a green thumb. A good reason to share this plant with friends or to grow a second one. No need to look for seeds or try to propagate from stems — that's impossible. To multiply Aspidistra, you must divide the rootstock. We explain everything, step by step.
Why divide Aspidistra?
Unlike other plants such as pothos, where a stem is cut and placed in water, Aspidistra grows from a fleshy underground stem. From this rootstock emerge roots on one side and the long leaf petioles on the other.
Because the plant hates being disturbed, divide it only when it really needs it. This is usually done when:
- The plastic pot is almost deformed by roots;
- The centre of the plant has emptied out in favour of the outer rim;
- You want to give a piece of this indestructible companion to someone.
When to propagate Aspidistra?
Propagation is always a shock for a plant. To ensure Aspidistra recovers without fuss, carry out the work in spring, between March and May. Sap is rising then and the plant has the energy needed to heal tissues and produce new roots.
What essential equipment do you need for this division?
Before removing the plant from its pot, choose a sufficiently large workspace and prepare it well, and above all gather all equipment needed for dividing and repotting:
- New pots only slightly larger than the previous one, as Aspidistra likes to be a little cramped. Ensure they have drainage holes;
- A pruning shear or a sharp knife whose blade you will disinfect with 70% alcohol to avoid transmitting fungal diseases;
- Good-quality potting compost: a mix for houseplants, ideally lightened with a little perlite or river sand for drainage is quite sufficient;
- Clay pebbles to ensure pot drainage;
- An old sheet or newspaper because the operation can get messy.
How to divide the rootstock?
- Step 1: remove plant from pot: water plant thoroughly 24 hours before the operation. A moist rootball is more flexible and roots are less likely to break. Remove plant from its pot. If it resists, slide a flat blade around the inside of the pot or break the pot;
- Step 2: gently shake off soil to expose the structure of the rootstock, without trying to remove it all;
- Step 3: locate healthy sections of rootstock that have at least two or three leaves and well-developed roots;
- Step 4: with your pruning shear or knife, make a clean cut to separate the new plants. Avoid sawing, which crushes the tissues. If the cut wound is large, you can sprinkle a little powdered charcoal on it, an excellent natural antiseptic.
How to repot the new plants?
- Place a 2–3 cm layer of clay pebbles in the bottom of the new pots;
- Partially fill with potting compost;
- Position the division in the centre. The rootstock should sit just under the surface of the compost. If buried too deeply, it may rot.
- Firm lightly with your fingers to remove air pockets, but do not compact the compost too much.
How to care for the new plants?
Once divided, Aspidistra goes into recovery. It will not produce new leaves immediately. A few small attentions will help it re-establish:
- Water moderately to settle the compost. Afterwards, allow the top 2 cm of compost to dry out before watering again. Excess water is harmful to this plant;
- Keep it in a bright place but out of direct sun. Sun would burn already stressed leaves;
- Do not apply fertiliser for 3 months to avoid burning roots. Moreover, fresh compost is rich enough.
A little patience...
Aspidistra generally produces only one flush of leaves per year. Do not panic if, six months after division, nothing has happened. As long as existing leaves are green and firm, the plant is working underground to rebuild its root network.
Clean leaves regularly with a damp sponge. A clean leaf breathes better and captures low light more effectively, which boosts photosynthesis and therefore recovery.
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