Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Agapanthus

Q. When is it the correct time to divide agapanthus plants in order to increase them?

A. Agapanthus: Propagation is by root division. For your house plants, it is best to do this procedure in the spring, as days are starting to get longer and the temperatures rise. Growth appears so much faster and healthier at this time. Winter is more of a slow season, a semi-dormancy. Feed them less and then around March increase fertilizer and light. Separate them in April, using good, fresh potting mix lightened with perlite from a garden center or nursery. Water well but then grow on the dry side to encourage root growth. Do not allow to wilt or get hot in a window.

Here is some additional info to assist you:

African lily is grown from thick rhizomes. A medium light exposure and well drained soil are suggested. Keep the soil uniformly moist in summer but slightly dry in winter.

Use an equal analysis fertilizer according to label directions. Temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees at night and 65 to 70 degrees during the day are ideal. Day temperatures higher than 70 degrees may cause slow growth. African Lily grows best when potbound. Flowering is not dependent on a particular day length. The plant rests after flowering and may be grown outdoors in sun or light shade during the summer.

http://www.msue.msu.edu/ [Michigan State University]