Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener: Separating a Cluster of Norfolk Pines, 1 by MissionVao

MissionVao wrote:
Hey all,

I got a Norfolk pine at Lowe\'s, but it\'s actually at least four small trees at varying stages of development. I would much rather have one plant per pot. Here is the question:

Is it safe to separate these small trees, and if so, when? I\'ve read it\'s better to wait till spring, but I also think it will be more difficult to separate the roots if I wait another four or five months, and this will be indoors all winter.

I have had a lot of success separating plants before (i.e. I\'ve never had a plant die after being separated from its neighbors), but I\'ve never operated on an actual tree (except a ponytail palm, but they\'re tough). I\'d think trees would be a bit more difficult, even if they\'re small.

I\'ve attached a picture of the pine. It\'s not quite as unhealthy as it looks, but it\'s still recovering from the abuse it got at Lowe\'s. I will wait for it to recover fully (or possibly wait till spring) before separating, if I choose to separate it. Just looking for advice at the moment.

Thanks!