Dividing a 30-Year-Old Lace Tree Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum): Three Methods

A massive, multi-trunk philodendron (5 trunks, 4-inch diameter) can be divided for family heirlooms via:

Option 1: Rootball Sectioning (Fastest)

• Cut rootball with large knife; each section gets ≥1 trunk.
• Pot in 2:1 soil:perlite mix.
• Best in spring (active root growth).

Option 2: Soil Wash & Separate (Gentler)

• Hose off soil; tease roots apart.
• Repot as above. Spring preferred.

Option 3: Air Layer Each Trunk (Safest)

• Air layer now; roots form in 2–3 months.
• Cut and pot rooted sections.
• Mother plant resprouts on all 5 trunks—you keep the original too.

Air layering preserves the specimen while creating clones. Instructions linked in source.