Detailed Guide to Acorus calamus Division Propagation Methods and Steps

The ancient scholar Zhang Tingjiao said, “Acorus calamus has the spirit of mountains and forests, not the air of wealth and nobility. It has a clean form, not a filthy form. Its pure qi rises beyond the dust of the world, its spiritual essence dwells among water and stones. This is a quiet specimen, this is a long-lived specimen; those who cultivate it cherish it.” As one of the best companion plants for bonsai, Acorus calamus, with its scholarly temperament, fragrant scent, and alluring color, is increasingly favored by lovers of small bonsai! Acorus calamus bonsai is especially suitable for placing on tea tables, painting desks, writing desks, incense stands, and other places, making a perfect match with tea, vessels, incense, and paintings.

Acorus calamus also produces seeds, but they are very rare, and propagation by seed is also very complicated. So the best propagation method is division.

Acorus calamus asexual propagation, that is, division propagation, is carried out in early spring or during the growing season. The best time for dividing Acorus calamus is at Grain Rain (after April 14, the birthday of Acorus calamus, when it enters its vigorous growth period).

In early spring (around Qingming) or during the growing season, dig out the underground stems with a shovel, wash them clean, remove old roots, stems, and withered leaves and stems, then use a sharp knife to cut the underground stems into several blocks, keeping 3-4 new buds on each block for propagation. When dividing and replanting during the growing season, dig up the plant with its roots, wash it clean, remove 2/3 of the roots, then divide it into blocks; when dividing, be careful to preserve the tender leaves, buds, and new roots.

Acorus calamus can be divided into pots throughout the year. Beginners can choose around Qingming: first wash the roots, then use clean scissors to separate according to the growth points, carefully separating the rhizomes along their natural direction. Larger divisions grow faster later; the smaller the division, the slower the later growth.

Does dividing Acorus calamus require cutting the roots?

Generally, small seedlings do not need cutting; they are too fragile. For old roots, you can appropriately trim rotten roots or messy root systems.

Does transplanting Acorus calamus require cutting the leaves?

New plants do not need leaf cutting. Generally, old plants and large plants can grow more uniform leaves by cutting the leaves; after leaf reduction, growth slows down.