How to propagate Begonia cuttings
The article discusses how to propagate Begonias through cuttings and the knowledge of Begonia planting and maintenance in the field of green plants and flowers, with the following details:
Begonia is a perennial herbaceous shrub from Brazil, which has a strong reproductive ability. Both stems and leaves can be used for propagation, with soil or water as the cultivation medium. There are many varieties of Begonia, with double and single petals, and flower colors including red, white, and pink, while leaf colors range from green, copper purple to dark brown. It is a common绿化 plant and many gardening enthusiasts cultivate it at home. Below is an introduction to the propagation method of Begonia.
One, Cutting Time
Spring and autumn are generally suitable, and cuttings can also survive in winter. The optimal growth temperature for Begonia is between 15 to 24°C. In southern regions, the warm and humid months of April to May are the most suitable for cuttings, with a temperature of around 20°C making it easier for the cuttings to root and survive. If the temperature is too high, the cuttings are prone to rot, especially when the soil moisture is high in summer, so it is not advisable to propagate in summer.
Two, Preparing Cuttings
Select a robust two-year-old stem with two buds, with 3 or 4 internodes. Use a disinfected sharp knife to cut a 10 cm long stem from 1 cm below the last internode at an oblique angle as the cutting.
Remove the top tender bud of the cutting, and if there are flower buds, they should be cut off. Reduce the excess leaves, retaining 3 or 4, and place them in a shady place to dry for 2 days until the cut surface turns slightly white before propagation. Reduce watering of the mother plant by 15 days in advance to slow down growth, making the cuttings less slender and fragile, and easier to survive after propagation. Additionally, Begonia leaves can also be propagated through cuttings.
Three, Cultivation Methods
1. Direct Soil Cultivation
Select soil with good drainage and aeration. Clean fine river sand or soft sandy soil can be used as the cultivation medium, which should be disinfected and sterilized. Do not use nutrient-rich soil or humus soil for cuttings, as excessive fertilizer or too much humus makes it difficult for the cuttings to root and more prone to rot.
Choose the number of cuttings based on the size of the pot, with the pot diameter slightly larger than the size of one plant. If multiple cuttings are propagated in a large pot, the spacing between plants should be 3 cm. Make several holes in the soil with a stick, with a depth of one-third the length of the cutting.
When propagating, place the cutting in the hole and slightly press the soil around the base, then place it in a low-light environment without direct sunlight to acclimate.
Do not water immediately after propagation to allow the cut to heal. Water thoroughly 3 to 5 days later, and then do not water again, keeping the soil slightly moist. After about 10 days, the plant will grow roots 3 to 4 cm long, and then it can be moved to a place with direct sunlight. After another 6 to 7 days, it can be potted.
If the seedlings are first raised in a propagation bed, wait until the new roots of the cutting have aged before transplanting them to the pot.
2. First Hydroponics, Then Potting
Hydroponics has a high survival rate and can be used first, followed by transplantation into potting soil. Cultivate the cuttings in clean water in a glass bottle, with the cutting part immersed in water, and place it in a semi-shady and well-ventilated area. When 3 fibrous roots have grown at the bottom, after about 20 days, it can be transplanted into the pot for planting.
The above introduction on how to propagate Begonia cuttings and the planting and maintenance of Begonia is provided for everyone's learning and understanding!