Oleander that is several years old can grow quite tall and wide. But instead of keeping the bush small by constantly cutting it down, you can simply divide it and kill two birds with one stone: divided oleander bushes are now not only smaller, but you have also multiplied them at the same time. However, these bushes grow very quickly and will soon return to their original size.
How to propagate oleander by dividing?
To propagate oleander by dividing, remove the plant from the pot, carefully remove the soil and cut the bush into several pieces with a sharp knife. Each piece should have several shoots and enough roots. Then plant the sections in separate pots and water them thoroughly.
Divide oleander correctly
Oleander can be easily propagated by division, especially since the individual pieces usually take root again quickly and grow quickly. Dividing is the ideal way to turn an oleander bush that may be too large into several small ones - although these often reach their original size within a short time.
When dividing the oleander, it is best to proceed as follows:
- Do the division together with the repotting.
- The best time for this is spring, right after clearing out.
- Take the oleander out of the pot and carefully shake off the soil.
- Now take a sharp knife and separate the bush into the desired number of pieces.
- Each individual bush should have several shoots and sufficient roots.
- Be careful not to damage the roots more than necessary.
- If root pruning is necessary, also prune the bush above ground.
- After all, fewer roots cannot support all the previously existing shoots.
- Plant the individual pieces in separate pots and water them thoroughly.
Planting divided oleanders – this is how it’s done
The same applies to potting the isolated oleanders as to any other oleander plant.
- Choose a planter that is as wide as it is deep.
- This should be about a third larger than the actual root ball.
- The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom,
- Cover these with potsherds - this way the earth cannot be washed out.
- Fill in the plant substrate (if possible mixed yourself)
- and put the oleander in it.
- Do not break any roots.
- Water the oleander thoroughly
- and place it in a bright and warm location.
Tip
For better rooting, water the divided oleanders with self-made willow water. To do this, cut several pieces of willow into small pieces, boil them briefly in water and let them steep for 24 hours.