How to propagate Begonias through cutting
Today, I will introduce to you how to propagate Begonias through cutting and share some small experiences in plant cultivation regarding the timing and methods for Begonia cutting. Let's dive into the details.
Begonias are perennial herbaceous shrubs from Brazil, known for their strong reproductive ability. Both stems and leaves can be used for propagation, using soil or water as the growing medium. There are many varieties of Begonias, with double and single petals, flower colors ranging from red, white, to pink, and leaf colors including green, bronze purple, and dark brown. They are common绿化 plants and many gardening enthusiasts cultivate them at home. Below is an introduction to the propagation method for Begonias.
1. Cutting Time
Spring and autumn are generally suitable for cutting, and cuttings can also survive in winter. The optimal growing temperature for Begonias is between 15 and 24°C. In southern regions, the warm and humid months of April and May are the best for cutting. Cuttings are more likely to root and survive at around 20°C. High temperatures can cause the cuttings to rot, especially when soil moisture is high in summer, so it's not recommended to cut in summer.
2. Preparing Cuttings
Select strong two-year-old branches with two buds, and make sure they have 3 or 4 internodes. Use a disinfected sharp blade to cut a 10 cm long branch from about 1 cm below the last internode at an angle to serve as a cutting.
Remove the top tender buds from the cutting, and if there are flower buds, they should be cut off as well. Reduce the number of leaves, keeping only 3 or 4. Place the cuttings in a shaded area and let them dry for 2 days until the cut edges turn slightly white before planting. Reduce watering of the mother plant 15 days in advance to slow down its growth, preventing the cuttings from being too long and weak, which makes them easier to survive after planting. Additionally, Begonia leaves can also be used for propagation.
3. Propagation Methods
1. Direct Soil Propagation
Choose well-draining and breathable soil, such as clean fine river sand or soft sandy soil as the growing medium. It's best to disinfect and sterilize the soil medium. Do not use nutrient-rich soil or leaf mold for cutting, as excessive nutrients or organic matter can make it difficult for the cuttings to root and more prone to rot.
Select the number of cuttings based on the size of the pot. The pot diameter should be slightly larger than the size of one plant. If multiple cuttings are planted in a large pot, the spacing between plants should be 3 cm. Use a stick to make holes in the soil, with a depth of one-third the length of the cutting.
When planting, place the cutting in the hole and slightly press the surrounding soil around the base, then place it in a shaded area with indirect light to acclimate.
Do not water immediately after planting to allow the cut ends to heal. Water thoroughly 3 to 5 days later and then do not water again, maintaining slightly moist soil. After about 10 days, the plant should grow roots about 3 to 4 cm long, at which point it can be moved to a location with direct sunlight. After another 6 to 7 days, it can be potted.
If the cuttings are first grown in a seedbed, they should be transplanted to the pot once the new root parts have aged.
2. Water Propagation before Potting
Water propagation has a high survival rate and can be used before transplanting to soil. Culture the cuttings in clean water in a glass bottle, submerge the cutting part in water, and place it in a semi-shaded and well-ventilated area. Once 3 fibrous roots have grown at the bottom, after about 20 days, they can be transplanted to the pot.
The above is[] the complete content about how to propagate Begonias through cutting and the timing and methods for Begonia cutting, for your comprehensive understanding and reference!