Question
Hi.  I have a very healthy majesty palm that was potted eight months ago.  Now I realize it appears to be actually two plants of similar size.  Can I split to two pots, as they are growing quite well and I would like to have two, if possible!  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jon, Yes it can, but you will need to be very careful, disturbing each root section as little as possible; The easiest way is to first water it real well, then lift the entire root ball from the container and excise each section by cutting with a knife (rather then pulling each section), by cutting, you will disturb less of the secondary roots thereby reducing transplant shock. there is going to be loss of roots from both Palms, this is unavoidable, but the less the better and just be sure to have the new containers filled (with drainage gravel lining the bottoms) and ready for their new plantings, once the individuals are placed in the new containers, gently back fill the soil around the root section while disturbing them as little as possible, then blend them by watering, letting it settle and then back filling again to bring it to the proper finished level, about 3 inches from the rim of the container. This isn't as difficult as it sounds Jon, but explaining it can make it seem so. Afterwards each Palm is going to show a certain level of "transplant shock" but it should be minimal, don't be concerned, it will revitalize within a month. Be certain to make sure that the Palms get properly irrigated for at least several weeks, but just enough to keep them from completely drying out, you have to maintain moisture , but you don't want to rot the roots, so keep feeling down into the root ball each day to make sure that it is slightly damp, but not any wetter then that. Nick