The horsetail, also known as Equisetum, captivates with its graphic appearance, making it ideal for pond edges, contemporary borders, or even in pots. Commonly referred to as Japanese horsetail or Equisetum japonica, and also known as winter horsetail, it encompasses numerous species that are easy to grow. All share the trait of being easily multiplied by division. In this tutorial, discover our tips for successfully multiplying horsetail.
When and Why to Multiply Horsetail?
The multiplication of horsetail is primarily done by dividing the rhizomes (underground roots), preferably in spring or autumn, when the plant is in a dormant state or restarting its growth. A Japanese horsetail, whether in a pot or in the ground, can be divided every two to three years.
This allows for:
- refreshing an overly dense clump,
- producing new plants to install elsewhere in the garden,
- controlling a plant that can sometimes be invasive, especially in damp soil.
How to Divide Horsetail Step by Step
The division of horsetail is a fairly simple technique to carry out. Here’s how to proceed:
- Prepare your tools: equip yourself with a fork or a trowel, and a knife.
- Prepare the location for replanting the divisions: a moist soil or a pot filled with potting soil rich in nutrients.
- Gently unearth the clump: carefully lift the horsetail, especially if it’s growing in damp soil. If it’s in a pot or container, simply remove the plant from its pot.
- Lightly clean the roots: remove excess soil to better see the rhizomes (underground stems) and identify the areas to divide.
- Separate the rhizomes: gently pull apart the clumps with your hands if they come apart easily. Otherwise, use a knife or sharp pruning shear to cut cleanly into several fragments.
- Choose the best sections: ensure that each fragment has vigorous roots and a green shoot to facilitate recovery.
- Replant the divisions immediately: place them in moist soil or in a deep container filled with rich potting soil, lightly firm the soil, and then water generously.
Tip: Horsetail grows quickly and to prevent it from colonising an entire area, install it in a container or surrounded by a rhizome barrier.
Care After Multiplication
- After division, keep the substrate consistently moist for the first few weeks to encourage rooting of the Japanese horsetail.
- For a horsetail in a pot or container, regularly check the water level and place a saucer filled with water under the container to maintain moisture. As horsetail is a marsh plant, it is sensitive to drought.
- Position it in partial shade or full sun, provided the substrate remains cool.
- Monitor recovery: new green shoots will appear quickly if the rhizomes are healthy.
- Add some compost or organic fertiliser in spring to stimulate growth.
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