Certain plants like agave, aloe and bananas naturally reproduce by sending out miniature clones from their root systems or lower stems. Horticulturists separate these young shoots from the mother plant to propagate new stock. Once detached and potted, they quickly establish their own independent root systems.
Heard on the job
I divided the main aloe yesterday and got about six healthy pups ready for individual pots.
Insider tip
Wait until the offshoot is about a third the size of the parent plant before attempting to separate it.
Also heard as
- offshoot
- sucker