I agree each plant will make more with it's own space. I would run water over the soil as you pull them apart very gentle and you should be able to free the roots with little damage, just be sure to immediately repot or plant in damp soil and keep them well watered for the next day or two.

yes you can. be gentle. done it a 100's of times, as long as they arenot to big. some roots will break but they make it.