Tuberose Plant Division: How To Divide Tuberoses In The Garden

Tuberoses don’t have true bulbs but are often treated like plants that grow from bulbs. They have large roots that store nutrients, like bulbs, but these roots don’t contain all the plant parts as bulbs do. Dividing tuberose plants takes some careful maneuvering as you separate those roots to grow new plants.

How to Divide Tuberoses

Tuberose plant division can be tricky. You can end up with some useless bits of root that won’t put out new growth if you don’t do it right. Start by cutting back the browning and dying foliage. Cut it so that there are 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) above the soil.

Use a trowel to dig around the plant. Take care not to damage the roots with any tools. Get the trowel right under the root system and gently lift it out from the soil. Brush off excess soil from the roots and check them over for damage, soft spots, and rot. You can cut off these damaged portions of the roots.

Cut the roots apart with the trowel, or with a sharp knife if necessary. Each section you cut should have eyelets, similar to potatoes, but can be hard to see. You’ll have to brush the dirt away and look carefully. You can replant the root sections right away, putting them in the soil to a similar depth of the original plant.

If you are in a climate that is too harsh in winter for these Mexican natives, overwinter the sections indoors. Keep them in a cool, dark place that gets no colder than about 50 degrees F. (10 C.).

When to Divide Tuberoses

Fall is the best time to divide tuberoses. Wait for the foliage to die back before you dig up the roots for division. You don’t have to divide them ever year, but don’t simply wait until you want to grow new plants. It’s best for the health of the tuberose plants if you dig up and divide the root systems every four to five years.