Transplanting Container-Grown Plants

• 1). Transplant container-grown Aspidistra elatior plants in spring when the plant is entering the most vigorous part of the growing season.
  
  
• 2). Select a pot 1 inch larger than the current pot. It is better to repot every year as the Aspidistra elatior grows than to repot into a pot that is too big. Large pots lead to overwatering and can stress even these hardy houseplants.
  
  
• 3). Mix together fresh potting material. A blend of two parts peat moss, two parts sand and one part loam works well. If you purchase a pre-mixed formula, look for one that drains well.
  
  
• 4). Cover the bottom of the new pot with the potting mix. Slide the Aspidistra elatior out of its current pot and inspect the roots. Cut away any mushy roots or roots that are broken. Place the root ball into the new pot and hold it upright.
  
  
• 5). Position the plant with the base of the stem, where it meets the root system, 1/2 to 1 inch below the lip of the pot. Add more soil under the roots if you need to until the Aspidistra elatior sits at the right position in the pot.
  
  
• 6). Add more soil around the roots to bring the soil line up to the base of the stem and 1/2 to 1 inch below the lip of the pot. Press down gently with your fingertips. Place the pot in a sink or outdoors and soak it with water until the soil mix is evenly damp.
  
  

Transplanting in the Landscape

• 1). Transplant Aspidistra elatior in spring when the first new shoots begin to emerge. Spring is also the best time to divide the plants for propagation. Like other herbaceous perennials, Aspidistra elatior can be divided every three to five years.
  
  
• 2). Dig out the roots using a shovel or garden fork. Place the garden tool next to the base of the Aspidistra elatior plant and drive it into the soil. Lift the roots out of the ground.
  
  
• 3). Divide by cutting the roots into sections with each section containing two to three growing shoots. You can also just replant the whole clump in a new location without dividing.
  
  
• 4). Dig a hole a third again as large as the root ball in the new planting spot. Pick an area that receives partial or full shade. A spot with hummus-rich soil and good drainage is ideal.
  
  
• 5). Place the Aspidistra elatior into the hole. Keep it at the same depth in the new spot as it was in its original location. Plants positioned too high tend to dry out, while plants buried too deep are prone to rot.
  
  
• 6). Backfill the hole around the roots and press the soil down gently . Soak the area with water. Add more soil if the soil level sinks during the first watering.