Ken,
Great article on how to start one, and you mention you had a large one to divide. I'm in the same situation with one that weighs 75 lbs plus, and is about 6 feet in circumference. I use a block tackle pulley to raise and lower for overwintering. I would appreciate any tips or help on dividing Ole Staggie in the picture. It now takes 2 people to move it and a lot of damage to the fronds. I've put off division for as long as I could not knowing how to save it in the process.
It began life as two very small starters in a 12 inch wire basket many years ago, and the fern has totally encased it with new pups every year. Normally hangs out in the warmer months in the tree, but I have to garage it for winter. The original basket wires are rusting out, and I'm worried the stainless clips are about to bust through the old wires. If I lived in the tropics, I'd push an iron rod through and mount a wide base to support it, but I'm not.
How would you suggest I divide it up into smaller pieces? Is there a root structure below the basal leaves that I need to work around. I'm stumped.
Thanks
Chuck
