Most hobby gardeners already know how to handle tubers and flower bulbs. But when it comes to the so-called rhizomes, some people don't really dare to experiment with them and use them, for example, to propagate the plant. If you feel the same way, we will come to your aid. In today's article we are devoting ourselves to these interesting parts of the plant. We explain what this actually is, what the difference is between a tuber, a bulb and a rhizome and particularly look at how you can divide rhizomes.
What is a rhizome?
Many people believe that rhizomes are another type of root, but this is not true. The rhizome is actually a shoot axis. This has the characteristic that it does not grow above ground, like other plants, but is located underground. In some plant species with rhizomes, it also partially protrudes from the soil. When replanting a plant, you should keep this fact in mind. These types of sprouts also do not grow vertically as usual, but mostly horizontally. The actual roots and the above-ground parts of the plant arise from this rhizome.
Difference between rhizome, bulb and tuber
A bulb is considered an underground shoot capable of storing nutrients and water for the dormant period in winter, whereas the rhizome is, so to speak, an underground stem but serves the same purpose, namely to serve as a storage facility. You can also get new plants by dividing it. Tubers are divided into sprout tubers (e.g. potatoes) and root tubers (e.g. dahlias). You canboth above ground(they are then called stem tubers - e.g. kohlrabi), as well as grow underground.
All three are overwintering organs that serve as storage.
Dividing rhizomes to propagate plants – how do you do it correctly?
The division of the rhizome is not only suitable for propagation, but alsorejuvenates the plantalso at the same time. We explain the individual steps so that everything runs smoothly and you continue to have healthy and even new plants from now on. Don't worry, it's really not as difficult as you might think.
Summer is usually the best time for dividing rhizomes. So you can get started right away.Im Augustand late summer and until autumn, some perennials are divided, some of which also have rhizomes. Here's how you should divide rhizomes (we'll show you how to do it using a bearded iris, but the steps are the same for all types of plants with rhizomes):
Dig up the plant
First, take a good look at your plant and note how deep its rhizomes currently lie. As already mentioned, some of these have to be partially above ground. The way your plant has stood so far, you will have to replant it later.
Take a fork and use it to carefully lift the plant. To do this, pierce the soil at the very edge of the root ball, insert the fork deep enough and lift the plant, including rhizomes and roots, upwards. In some cases it may be helpful to cut back the above-ground parts of the plant so that they do not become a nuisance, but it is not mandatory. In any case, it reduces evaporation later after you plant the plants and also reduces the weight, making it easier for the plant to grow.
Then take the plant in your hand and just shake off any excess soil. Then continue with the garden hose: Gently rinse the soil from the roots and rhizomes so that you can divide the rhizomes more easily afterwards. This gives you a better overview.
Now you can divide the rhizomes
Now you can cut off the outer parts. Make sure that they also have a few roots and a tuft of leaves and use a sharp knife/secateurs to get a smooth cut.
While you are in the process of cutting off the new parts for propagation, you can also do some maintenance to keep your plant young. You should remove rhizomes that are already old and no longer have any foliage. These will no longer produce flowers. You should also remove any that are rotten or dried out. Also shorten longer roots to about a third of their length.
After dividing rhizomes, they need to dry for at least a few hours, or preferably a day. This protects the interfaces from rotting later.
Plant the rhizome
After the drying time has expired, you can replant the new parts and of course the old plant. Make sure to plant these in the same way they were before, i.e. at the same depth.
