Dear all,

I've been enjoying this forum from a distance for a while now and I've now got a question for you helpful lot!

I recieved a rhizome of Cyp.tibeticum yesterday. It's a great one! Nice long rhizome (about 6 inches of old rhizome) and I was wondering if it would be possible to cut the rhizome into two bits and hope that the back half is induced to grow.....? There are several nice 'nodes' which I assume would start growing once the influence of the lead growth is not present.

Any ideas? Good idea or stupid idea? Please let me know.

Cheers

Kevin

Hi, Kevin,

Rhizomes may be divided to yield two plants. If this is your plant's first year it may be a good idea to allow it to grow, then examine it in the fall after it becomes dormant, to see the distribution of roots along the rhizome. If there are healthy roots well-distributed, then you can divide readily. During the growing season, if you have several stems, then you will know that you may divide. In the fall, remove the plant from the medium without breaking off the dead stems and divide such that each division has at least two stems. On the cut ends, you make let them dry for a couple of days. A dusting with a bit of fungicide around the cut is also a good idea.

Ron Burch

Thanks Ron,

I've just potted up the Cyp without cutting it. I think getting used to the plant, and it getting used to my culturing is more important than having two plants right now.

Regards, Kevin

That sounds like a wise choice Kevin. I would be patient with this species. Unlike some other Cyps (for example C. macranthos), it is not as vigorous or clumping by nature. With this one I'd say it's best to keep it in one piece, and grow it on for several years until it produces multiple stems. Perhaps then you can consider dividing it. Good luck with your new plant!

Tom