How to successfully divide and post your garden's bounty
In short: Sharing plants with friends is more than just a simple hand-off. Whether you are splitting clumps, taking cuttings, or mailing seedlings through the post, specific techniques ensure your greenery survives the transition and settles into its new home successfully.
To share plants effectively, gardeners can use several methods depending on the species. Dividing involves splitting a plant into parts, a technique that works exceptionally well for strappy plants that grow in clumps. Another method is layering, where new roots develop where stems or branches touch the soil, as seen with Mexican tarragon. For cuttings, sections of a plant are placed in potting mix to develop new roots. When taking cuttings, it is vital to use sharp, sterilized tools and to water the parent plant the night before the process.
The method of preparation depends heavily on the plant type. For Coleus, one might remove the lower leaves and wrap the cutting in newspaper inside a sealed ziplock bag. In contrast, Cassava ‘Variegata’ requires a different approach: use only the old grey wood, cut into finger-length sections, and wrap in newspaper with elastic bands. Unlike Coleus, these Cassava cuttings must remain unwrapped to dry for several days before they are ready for planting.
If you are sending plants via the post, logistics and biosecurity are paramount. Never attempt to import plant material from overseas, and always verify that the plant is not an environmental weed in its destination. In Australia, it is essential to check the Interstate Quarantine Website, as Western Australia and Tasmania maintain very strict bans. To ensure the plant arrives intact, tape the potting mix to prevent spills, use scrunched newspaper for support, and always post on a Monday to prevent plants from sitting in delivery centers over a weekend.
Once a received plant arrives, it needs careful reintegration. Top up any lost potting mix and provide a thorough watering. To help the plant recover, place it in a sheltered, shady spot with fresh air, avoiding full sun. Only once the plant has settled should you slowly introduce it to more light.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: How to share plants | Gardening Hacks | Gardening Australia
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