Horticulture Principles and Practices

Bud sprouts
FIGURE 10–35 Rhizomes may be divided and used for
propagation. (Source: George Acquaah)
Stem divided into
sections, each with
a bud ("eye")
Seedling ready for
planting
FIGURE 10–36 Stem tubers such as Irish potato may be
divided into sections for propagation.
Root
FIGURE 10–37
propagation.
Slips
Detached slip
ready for
replanting
Slips of sweet potato may be used for
FIGURE 10–38 Propagation by dividing clumps.
(Source: © Dorling Kindersley)
338 Chapter 10 Asexual Propagation
Tuberous Roots
Whereas the Irish potato produces a swollen stem, the sweet potato produces a swollen
root. When a tuberous root is buried in the soil, it produces a number of adventitious
shoots called slips (Figure 10–37). These slips can be detached and planted individually
to produce new plants. In most tuberous roots, propagation is accomplished by dividing
the crown (crown division) or cluster of roots of dominant plants, or more often by stem,
leaf, or leaf-bud cutting. Another example of a tuberous root is the dahlia.
Clumping Species
Herbaceous perennials (e.g., daylily, zamia, liriope) often produce multiple stems and
clump growth. To propagate, the clump is separated into smaller pieces such that each
piece has sufficient amount of roots and shoots (Figure 10–38). In some cases, a tool
(e.g., axe, saw) may be needed to cut the wood material. It is important to plant the
divided pieces at the same depth as the parent plant.