How to Divide Sedum: 14 Steps
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a popular succulent plant known for its ability to thrive in various conditions and add vibrant beauty to any garden. One of the best ways to propagate this hardy plant is through division. In this article, we’ll outline 14 steps on how to divide sedum and grow more of these lovely plants in your garden.
1. Choose the right time: The ideal time to divide sedum is during early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
2. Water the plant: A day before you plan on dividing the sedum, give it a thorough watering to help loosen the soil and make it easier to remove.
3. Prepare the new planting site: Choose a well-draining area with full sun exposure for your divided sedums. Amend the soil with compost or other organic materials if needed to improve drainage and fertility.
4. Gather tools and supplies: You will need a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears, a trowel, work gloves, and pots or prepared ground for replanting.
5. Remove the mother plant from the ground: Carefully dig around the perimeter of the sedum clump, going as deep as necessary to get under the roots. Gently lift the entire root-ball out of the ground.
6. Shake off excess soil: Gently tap on the root-ball and shake off any excess soil so that you can easily see the roots and stems.
7. Examine the clump: Look for natural divisions within the clump where stems join at a common point (crown).
8. Separate crowns: Using your hands or pruning shears, carefully pull apart or cut away individual stems into separate crowns with roots attached.
9. Further division (optional): If desired, you can further divide each crown into smaller sections for even more new plants. Make sure each piece has at least one healthy stem and a portion of roots.
10. Trim damaged roots: Inspect the roots and use pruning shears to remove any damaged or rotten parts.
11. Allow divisions to dry: Set the divided sedum sections aside for a few hours in a shady spot to allow the cuts to air dry and form a callus.
12. Plant the new divisions: Use a trowel to dig holes slightly larger than the root clump of each division, keeping each hole at least 12 inches apart from others. Place each division into the hole and gently backfill with soil, tamping down lightly as you fill in entirely.
13. Water thoroughly: Once all divisions are planted, water well to help them settle into their new locations and encourage root establishment.
14. Care for new plants: Provide ample water during the first few weeks after planting, gradually reducing frequency as the plants become established. Once they are established, sedum requires minimal care and is drought-tolerant.
By following these 14 steps, you can successfully divide sedum and expand its presence in your garden. With their low maintenance needs and attractive appearance, these versatile plants are a valuable addition to any landscape.