How Does Begonia Reproduce
As a representative of indoor ornamental foliage plants, Begonia is favored by horticulture enthusiasts for its unique leaf shape and vibrant leaf colors. Mastering the correct propagation techniques not only helps to maintain the plant's excellent traits but also achieves low-cost expansion. This article explains three verified propagation methods, complemented by operational flow diagrams, to help you easily cultivate new plants.
Complete Process Analysis of Begonia Seed Propagation
Seed Sowing Equipment Selection
It is recommended to use unglazed ceramic pots with a diameter of 15-20 cm, which have better breathability than plastic pots. The substrate should be prepared with a ratio of peat soil to perlite of 3:1, and used after high-temperature steam sterilization to effectively prevent seedling damping-off disease.
Temperature Control Germination Techniques
After spreading the seeds, the pot immersion method is used to replenish water, maintaining a constant temperature of 22-25°C. After about 7-10 days of germination, gradually increase scattered light. Transplant for the first time when the seedlings have 3 true leaves, and the survival rate can reach over 85%.
Advanced Techniques for Begonia Leaf Propagation
Parent Leaf Selection Criteria
Select mature leaves with clear veins and no diseases or pests. Young leaves are not suitable for propagation due to their weak cell differentiation ability. Use a disinfectant blade to make incisions at 0.5 cm intervals along the main vein to stimulate the formation of callus.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Use vermiculite and sphagnum moss as the cutting substrate, maintaining air humidity at 70%-80%. Cover the incision with a transparent moisture-retaining cover, ventilate twice a day, and new root nodules can be seen in about 20 days, with seedling separation completed in 45 days.
Key Points of Begonia Stem Cutting Propagation Practice
Cutting Treatment Specifications
Select semi-woody stems in spring, retaining 1-2 axillary buds. Make diagonal cuts 0.5 cm away from the node, dip in IBA rooting powder, and insert into the perlite substrate, maintaining a soil temperature of 20°C to accelerate root development.
Water and Fertilizer Management Strategies
Avoid direct sunlight during the rooting period and maintain the substrate slightly moist using a spray method. After the new buds have unfolded their leaves, supplement with a 1000-fold diluted foliage plant nutrient solution weekly. After 60 days, they can be transplanted into conventional potting soil.
The three propagation methods each have their advantages: seed propagation is suitable for mass production, leaf propagation helps to retain variegated traits, and stem cutting propagation can quickly form plants. It is recommended to choose the appropriate method based on the cultivation purpose, operate according to seasonal characteristics, and pay attention to tool disinfection and environmental control to achieve efficient propagation of Begonia.