Hi Bob, My papilio does the same thing. I just wait until the spring, unpot the whole thing and wash away the soil with the garden hose. This does two things, it re-hydrated the roots and soil and it also helps to de-tangle the roots so that it can be more easily pulled apart. I hope this helps. Warm Regards, Fred Biasella -----Original Message----- From: pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org]On Behalf Of Robert Hoel Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 10:58 AM To: Pacific Bulb Society listserv Subject: [pbs] Hippeastrum papilio I have a large pot of very overcrowded Hippeastrum papilio. Seems like this happens every 3 - 4 years. Because these never go dormant in the sense of the non-evergreen Hippeastrum, in the past I have always just "hacked" the clump apart to divide it. Is there a recommended and more "humane" way to go at this? Perhaps letting the clump dry somewhat before starting? It seems they have always survived my efforts in the past. Bob Hoel Elmhurst, IL USA