How to propagate Begonia
Today's tip sharing: How to propagate Begonia and the knowledge of Begonia propagation methods and timing in the field of flowers, please see the detailed introduction below.
Begonia is a perennial herbaceous shrub from Brazil, with strong propagation ability. Both stems and leaves can be used for propagation, and soil or water can be used as the cultivation substrate. There are many varieties of Begonia, with double and single petals, flower colors including red, white, and pink, and leaf colors including green, copper purple, and dark brown. It is a common绿化 plant and also popular among flower enthusiasts for home cultivation. Here is an introduction to the propagation method of Begonia.
1. Propagation Time
Spring and autumn are generally suitable, and propagation in winter can also survive. The optimal growth temperature for Begonia is between 15 and 24°C. In southern regions, the warm and humid conditions in April and May are most suitable for propagation, with a temperature of about 20°C making it easier for the cuttings to root and survive. If the temperature is too high, the cuttings tend to rot, especially when the soil moisture is high in summer, so it is not suitable to propagate in summer.
2. Preparing Cuttings
Select a strong two-year-old branch with two buds and three or four internodes. Use a disinfected sharp blade to cut obliquely about 10 cm long from 1 cm below the last internode of the branch as cuttings.
Remove the top tender bud of the cutting, and if there are flower buds, they should be cut off. Reduce the excess leaves, retaining three or four leaves, and place the cuttings in a shaded area to dry for two days until the cut ends turn slightly white before propagation. Reduce the watering of the mother plant 15 days in advance to slow down its growth, making the cuttings less slender and fragile, thus easier to survive after propagation. Additionally, Begonia leaves can also be used for propagation.
3. Cultivation Method
1. Direct Soil Cultivation
Select a soil with good drainage and aeration. Clean fine river sand or loose sandy soil can be used as the cultivation substrate, and it is best to disinfect and sterilize the soil. It is not suitable to use nutrient-rich soil or leaf mold soil for propagation, as excessive fertilizer or too much organic matter can make 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 into the hole and slightly press the surrounding soil at the base to secure it, then place it in a low-light environment without direct sunlight to acclimate.
Do not water immediately after propagation to allow the cut ends 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 about 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 seedlings are first raised in a propagation bed, they should be transplanted to the pot only when the new root part of the cutting has aged.
2. First Water Cultivation, Then Potting
Water cultivation has a very high survival rate. You can first propagate in water and then transplant to potting soil. Cultivate the cuttings in clear water in a glass bottle, submerge 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, it can be transplanted into the pot for planting.
The above is the specific content on how to propagate Begonia and the methods and timing of Begonia propagation for your reference and operation.