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TrailGaiter
03-24-2012, 06:41 AM
My basjoos have been in my basement this winter, I will be planting them outside when the threat of frost ends. One of them has a large pup on it (last year's pup), and I'd like to separate them if I can do it safely. I did read the great thread on separating pups on here, however I was wondering how I should do it while they are in a pot, or should I plant outside, then separate? This pup....maybe it's not possible to safely remove it, it's RIGHT up against the parent plant. No gap at the base. Could I risk killing the parent by separating a pup that's right next to it? I don't want to kill either one.

natej740
03-24-2012, 09:26 AM
If you are taking it out of the pot and puting it in the ground I would knock most of the dirt off and pull them apart...the pup will break off at the mom plant cleanly and you wont hurt any other roots. I have had great success doing this. Good luck!

TrailGaiter
03-24-2012, 11:05 AM
Thanks! That's what I was hoping I could do! My basjoos have several pups on them...but this one is large and ready to come off.

natej740
03-24-2012, 11:16 AM
I like doing it that way it doesn't hurt the moms corm or damage the roots. I dug up my 12 foot ice cream and that's how I took 2 pups off. It worked flawlessly and my ice cream stored perfect dormant in the basement.

Max363
03-24-2012, 04:51 PM
Angie - My experience has been that when the plant is beginning active growth and the weather is warm and sunny it is almost impossible to hurt the mother corm. I have followed others' advice and often even sliced a chunk of the main corm off when separating a close pup and when it looks like the pup might not have enough roots for a good start. I have made many new plants that way. Of course when the weather is cold and dark the pup is slower to take off and can more easily rot ... but then the adventures of growing bananas here in "tropical" northern states like WI or PA makes the challenge all the more fun!