Autumn is here, don't you feel like your garden is a bit lacking in color? Don't worry, today I'll teach you how to propagate begonias to instantly make your garden a riot of color!
I. The Charm of Begonias
The name Begonia itself is delightful. Not only is the name beautiful, but its flowers come in a rich variety of colors such as red, pink, and white, making it an excellent choice for autumn flower beds. Moreover, begonias have a gentle growth habit and a high success rate for propagation, making them a great helper for gardening novices.
II. Choosing the Right Begonia
First, you need to select a healthy begonia. A healthy begonia will have full, vibrant leaves and sturdy stems. When purchasing, it's best to choose a plant whose flowers have already withered but still has unopened buds on the stem, as such plants are more vigorous.
III. Preparing Propagation Tools
To propagate begonias, you will need the following tools:
1. Scissors: For cutting stem sections.
2. Propagation medium: You can choose perlite, vermiculite, or peat moss, etc.
3. Propagation container: You can choose plastic cups, small flower pots, etc.
4. Watering can: For watering and misting.
IV. Cutting the Stem SectionsSelect a healthy begonia and use scissors to cut a stem section. The stem section should be about 10-15 cm long. Be careful not to damage the main stem when cutting. After cutting, make a diagonal cut at the bottom of the stem section to increase the water absorption area and improve the success rate of propagation.
V. Treating the WoundsAfter cutting the stem section, there might be some wounds at the bottom. To prevent bacterial infection, you can soak the wounds in a solution of carbendazim or potassium permanganate for about 10 minutes.
VI. Planting the CuttingsInsert the treated stem section into the propagation medium to a depth of about half its length. When planting, be sure to maintain a distance between the stem sections to avoid overcrowding.
VII. Watering and Providing ShadeAfter planting, water thoroughly immediately. Place the propagation container in a cool, ventilated spot away from direct sunlight. After about a week, you should see roots starting to form at the bottom of the stem sections.
VIII. TransplantingOnce the stem sections have rooted at the bottom, you can transplant the seedlings into flower pots or the garden bed. Be careful not to damage the roots during transplanting and try to keep the soil moist.
IX. Care and MaintenanceAfter transplanting, pay attention to the following points:
1. Keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging.
2. Apply foliar fertilizer every so often to promote plant growth.
3. Pay attention to preventing and controlling pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
X. A Bountiful Harvest of BegoniasAfter a period of care, your begonias will begin to flower. At this point, you can enjoy the beauty they bring, or give them to friends and family to share the joy.
Propagating begonias is not actually complicated. As long as you master the correct method, you can easily grow beautiful begonias at home. Come and give it a try to make your life more colorful!