Clumping plants such as aspidistras and agapanthus can easily be chopped up and used elsewhere in the garden, given to friends or sold at the local fete. Don demonstrated the technique by dividing a clump of clivias (Clivia miniata).

How it was done

Using a sharp spade, Don spaded clumps of plants apart (taking care not to cut through the polypipe irrigation line). The clumps were further divided into separate plants using a sharp cleaver. The roots of each plant were trimmed, then the plant was potted up in a good quality potting mix.

When dividing plants, the main thing to remember is that you must make clean cuts. You can use a sharp knife, a hatchet, a tomahawk or an axe. Plants are damaged when you try to prune or divide them with blunt tools, such as an old pair of secateurs, because this bruises their tissues.

Growing clivias

Clivias can be grown in clumps, en masse, in a shady position beneath a tree, in pots or on the shaded side of the house. They are tough plants and will grow in all but the coldest areas of Australia, but they must be protected from frost. They are normally divided in spring, after they have finished flowering.

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