How to Propagate Begonias
If you want to learn about how begonias propagate and the cutting methods and timing for seasonal begonias in the green plant and flower sector, these are great tips worth collecting!
Seasonal begonias are perennial herbaceous shrubs from Brazil, with strong propagation abilities. Both stems and leaves can be used for propagation, with soil or water as the cultivation substrates. There are many varieties of seasonal begonias, with double and single petals, and flower colors including red, white, and pink, while leaf colors include green, copper purple, and deep brown. They are common绿化 plants and many hobbyists grow them at home. Below is an introduction to the cutting method for seasonal begonias.
1. Cutting Time
Spring and autumn are generally suitable, and cuttings can also survive in winter. The optimal growth temperature for seasonal begonias is 15 to 24°C. In southern regions, the warm and humid months of April to May are most suitable for cutting, with a temperature of around 20°C making it easier for cuttings to root and survive. If the temperature is too high, the cuttings are prone to rot, especially in the summer when soil moisture is high, so it's not suitable to cut in the summer.
2. Preparing Cuttings
Select strong two-year-old branches with two buds, with three or four nodes, and use a disinfected sharp knife to cut obliquely from 1 cm below the last node of the branch, making a cutting about 10 cm long.
The top tender bud of the cutting should be removed, and if there are flower buds, they should be cut off as well. Excess leaves should be removed, leaving three or four, and the cuttings should be placed in a shaded area to dry for two days until the cut surface slightly whitens before cutting. Reduce watering for the mother plant by 15 days to slow down growth, so the cuttings are not too thin and fragile, making it easier for them to survive. Additionally, the leaves of seasonal begonias can also be used for propagation.
3. Cultivation Methods
1. Direct Soil Cultivation
Choose well-draining and breathable soil, such as clean fine river sand or soft sandy soil as the cultivation substrate, and it's best to disinfect and sterilize the soil. It's not suitable to use nutrient-rich soil or humus soil for cutting, as excessive fertilizer or too much organic matter makes it difficult for cuttings to root and more prone to rot.
Select 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 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 cutting, place the cutting in the hole and slightly press the surrounding soil at the base, then place it in a low-light environment without direct sunlight to recover.
Do not water immediately after cutting to allow the cut to heal. Water thoroughly three to five days later and then do not water again, keeping the soil slightly moist. After about 10 days, the plant can grow roots 3 to 4 cm long, at which point it can be moved to a location with direct sunlight, and after another 6 to 7 days, it can be potted.
If the cuttings are first grown in a bed, they need to wait until the new root part of the cutting has aged before transplanting to a pot.
2. First Water Cultivation, Then Potting
Water cultivation has a very high survival rate. You can first do water cultivation and then transplant to potting soil. Cultivate cuttings in clear water in a glass bottle, immerse the cutting part in water, and place it in a semi-shaded and well-ventilated area. When three fibrous roots have grown at the bottom, after about 20 days, you can pot and plant them.
The above-mentioned sharing on how to propagate begonias and the cutting methods and timing for seasonal begonias is provided for everyone to learn and understand!