how to divide cannas
 

I have a potted canna. I noticed it is about to bust out of the pot, and I am hoping to divide it into 2 pots.
Do you treat it like a banana, in that you cut the corm, or can pull "pups" off? There are so many roots I cannot see what things look like. I am hoping I can just take my machete and cut between 2 clumps.

saturn

Re: how to divide cannas
 

I planted some Canna yesterday that was given to me in a pot. They had just been dug up though. I am by no means an expert but my Canna seemed to be more of a bulb??? than banana.

After digging the hole I was able to gently seperate the 5 or so bulbs and reposition the leafs prior to covering with dirt. I kept 3 of the smallest bulbs and planted them in a pot.

I would guess the machete technique would work but it might be a bit easier on the plant to seperate by hand.

Good luck.

Re: how to divide cannas
 

Yes, just cutting between clumps will work. Just make sure you have an eye growth and roots. This is how I propagate my plants in the Autumn. I wrap them up in newspaper individually for storage. Then plant out each new section again in early summer (UK).

I have been doing this method for years.

Re: how to divide cannas
 

I cleared out some overgrown Canna the other day
(anyone local want any?... they're laying in the compost pile, lol)

You can grab them by the base (as low as you can) and yank, the rhizome will come right up, and split itself away from the surrounding stems. Some species or cultivars have bigger rhizomes than others, so your mileage may vary :) You might need a hacksaw to make it easier, but you'll know right away what your up against.

Whats unfortunate is that the bugs love the canna here and can quickly turn them into very sick looking plants when they eat all the edges of the leaves. It certainly ruins the landscape effect and takes the focus away from the healthy plants...
Different kinds hold up better than others (they must taste different to the bugs).

Re: how to divide cannas
 

Yes - you don't need to be too careful, as long as each piece of rhizome has an eye and some roots you will be fine.

I couldn't keep up with the bug attacks on mine and the leaves took on a tattered appearance so very quickly. When a virus appeared, that was the last straw and they had to go!!

A pity because there are some gorgeous varieties.