How to Propagate Basket Grass the Right Way

Basket grass, also known as oplismenus is a popular groundcover plant found in many gardens. With its soft flowing leaves, basket grass makes an attractive border or cascading accent in landscape beds. The good news is that basket grass is easy to propagate once you learn a few simple techniques. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for successfully dividing and transplanting basket grass.

When to Propagate Basket Grass

Basket grass can be divided just about any time during the growing season, but the best time is in early spring before new growth emerges or in fall after the plant has gone dormant. Dividing in spring allows the new divisions time to establish roots before dealing with summer heat and drought. Fall dividing gives plants the winter to settle in before putting out new growth in spring.

Avoid propagating basket grass in the peak of summer when hot, dry weather can stress newly divided plants. Also skip propagating in winter when frozen soil makes it difficult to dig up and transplant divisions.

Gather Your Basket Grass Propagation Supplies

Propagating basket grass is a simple process but having the right tools on hand will make the job easier. Here’s what you’ll need

• A sharp, clean shovel, knife, or spade for dividing the grass
• Pruners to trim excess growth and roots
• Potting soil or compost to fill in around new divisions
• Plastic pots, trays, or nursery flats to hold divided plants
• Water to keep new divisions moist
• Markers to label newly propagated plants

Make sure any tools you use are sterilized to prevent transmitting diseases between plants Rubbing alcohol works well for this

How to Divide Basket Grass Step-By-Step

Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to divide your basket grass. Follow these steps:

1. Water the plant well a day before dividing. This makes it easier to dig up and minimizes stress on the plant.

2. Look for natural divide points. Basket grass crowns tend to grow in obvious clumps. Look for gaps between clumps where you can divide easily.

3. Dig up the entire plant. Try to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Gently loosen the soil around the plant with your shovel or spade.

4. Separate into divisions. Carefully divide the parent plant into smaller clumps using your clean, sharp shovel or knife. Each division should have a good portion of root and some leafy growth.

5. Trim excess roots and foliage. Prune any extra long roots and cut back long, floppy foliage by one-third to one-half. This encourages new compact growth.

6. Plant divisions in pots or directly in the garden. Prepare your potting mix or garden soil before planting divisions. Water new plants well and label.

7. Water and care for new divisions. Keep new basket grass divisions consistently moist. Transplant into the garden after several weeks once they are established.

Caring for Newly Divided Basket Grass

Young basket grass divisions need a little extra care while their root systems recover from division:

• Water frequently to keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Don’t let new divisions dry out.

• Keep new plants in a shady spot sheltered from hot sun and wind which can dry them out.

• Hold off on fertilizing until plants are established, usually in 4-6 weeks after propagating.

• Monitor for pest problems which can be more of an issue on stressed plants. Treat any bugs immediately.

• Transplant into the garden only after new roots have developed, typically in 2-3 months.

With proper care after dividing, basket grass will quickly re-establish and fill back in within a single growing season.

Common Problems When Propagating Basket Grass

Dividing basket grass is not difficult, but here are a few potential problems to watch for:

• Failure to divide completely – New divisions will struggle if they are still attached to the parent plant. Separate each division fully.

• Dividing in extreme weather – Hot, dry conditions or freezing winter weather puts extra stress on new plants. Divide when conditions are optimal.

• Forgetting to water – Consistent moisture is vital for newly propagated plants. Ensure regular watering.

• Transplanting too soon – Moving new divisions into the garden before they’ve developed new roots can shock plants. Wait at least 2-3 months.

• Spreading disease – Sterilize tools between divisions and remove any diseased material to avoid infecting new plants.

• Dividing incorrectly – Each new division needs both roots and shoots. Leaving one or the other behind will cause divisions to fail.

Following the instructions above closely will help avoid any issues and result in successfully propagated basket grass.

Dividing vs. Other Propagation Methods

Division is the most straightforward way to propagate basket grass, but you can also:

• Grow from seed – Basket grass produces abundant seed. Scatter fresh seed in fall. Germination rates are moderate.

• Take stem cuttings – Use a sharp knife or pruners to take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring. Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix. Keep humid until rooted.

• Cultivate runners – Some varieties produce above ground runners than can be pinned down until new roots form. Then snip and replant the new runner.

For most gardeners, dividing mature basket grass plants is the simplest and most effective means of propagation.

Tips for Propagating Basket Grass

After learning how to divide basket grass step-by-step, keep these extra tips in mind:

• Choose healthy, vigorously growing parent plants to divide – don’t use sickly or floppy plants.

• Disinfect tools between each division to prevent transmitting diseases.

• Add compost or slow-release fertilizer to soil when planting divisions to encourage rooting.

• Keep new divisions well-watered, but not soggy, until plants establish.

• Transplant basket grass divisions into garden beds with partial or dappled shade.

• Space new divisions 12-18 inches apart to allow for future growth and spread.

• Divide ornamental grasses like basket grass every 2-4 years to rejuvenate growth.

Follow the advice in this article and you’ll be successfully propagating basket grass divisions in no time!