Can you/should you split an aspidistra?

elsien

I've been given a bit of an unhappy looking 30 year old aspidistra - (from the look of it it's been in the same pot for the last 30 years as well.)
The plan is to put it outside in a shady spot under a lilac. I've already got one there which has been fine outside for the last couple of years so I know the site is ok.
But because of the tree roots, I don't know if I'll be able to dig a hole big enough for the size of the current root ball. So is there a way of splitting it without killing it (bearing in mind I have black rather than green thumbs.)
And if I do put it outside, should I give it TLC over the winter and plant it out in spring rather than put it out just as it's getting cold and frosty? I think it may have been an indoor plant up till now.
Thanks

Ziggymole

Hi,

My daughter split a chunk off my aspidistra last year and mum and baby are both growing just fine. I'd be inclined to give the plant indoor tlc overwinter and pop it out in the spring so it becomes aclimatised slowly.

Ziggy

Errata

I split a large one into 6 plants using a very large, very sharp knife
All of them thrived, and would agree about keeping 'new' plants indoors for their first winter with plenty of TLC.

Filey

I have an aspidistra which originally belonged to my Granny, and I am now very old myself. Every now and then when it seems a bit poorly and/or pot bound I tip it out and replant the young healthy leaves (with root attached)in fresh compost. I did it a few weeks ago as some of the leaves were split with brown patches and it looked generally untidy. I had a real wrestle to get it out of the pot and then had to take a small saw to split the root ball, then separate the healthy young leaves.

Mine is a varigated type with creamy stripes on the leaves, so I always choose the leaves with best colouring. No doubt the plant now has none of the original leaves but nevertheless it is a nice thought to know that it has been handed down, and I consider it a family heirloom. I put it outside in the summer but bring it in for the winter. I think they can survive outside but I don't want to lose it.