You could separate them if you want to, but it'll grow perfectly fine just the way it is. Keeping it together will give it a fuller, more bushy appearance. I originally used a wooden stake for mine, but it didn't last. So I repotted it and used a stronger metal stake. Mine kept wanting to spread outwards, but with the new stake, I finally have it growing upwards. I love my "monster," haha. Yours looks pretty fierce, too. What a nice find. :)