Propagation Methods of Rieger Begonia
A comprehensive introduction to the propagation of Rieger Begonia flowers. Let's learn about the propagation methods of Rieger Begonia together below.
The main propagation methods of Rieger Begonia include seeding, cutting, and tissue culture, with cutting being the most commonly used method. In the late autumn and early winter, when pruning and shaping the plants, the newly grown branches can be used as cuttings.
Rieger Begonia can be propagated by both stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, the length of the branches should be moderate, and the lower part of the branch should be cut into a horseshoe shape with a blade. For leaf cuttings, select vigorous leaves that are 60% mature, and cut the lower end of the petiole diagonally with a blade. The cutting medium is composed of vermiculite powder or coarse sand, and the contaminated medium should be disinfected before use. After inserting the cuttings, water thoroughly but avoid water accumulation on the leaf surface. Cover them with plastic film, place them in a scattered light area, ventilate appropriately, and avoid high temperatures. The cuttings can take root in about 3 weeks.
When new leaves appear, it indicates that roots have formed. Plants obtained by stem cuttings do not have underground tubers. After 3 weeks, the lower part of the petiole can also grow fibrous roots, but it takes another 1.5 months for adventitious buds to form and gradually emerge from the soil. Photo 2 shows a plant propagated by leaf cuttings.
Seeding: Due to the tiny size of the seeds, a fine-seed sowing method must be used. Currently, Rieger Begonia seeds are mostly imported, available in both coated and uncoated granules. It is best to purchase seeds in their original packaging from large nurseries to ensure germination, as loose seeds are difficult to germinate.
Sowing containers: Coated granules can be sorted and can be used in plug trays, while uncoated granules can only be used in seedling trays. The sowing medium is a mixture of peat soil and vermiculite powder, each in equal parts, crushed and disinfected, then mixed and moistened. Since peat soil repels water when dry, it cannot be used in a dry state. First, place the medium in the seedling tray and then water it thoroughly with a spray bottle. Coated granules can be sorted with tweezers, one per hole, while uncoated granules can be mixed with a small amount of fine vermiculite powder and scattered on the seedling tray.
After sowing, there is no need to cover the soil; just spray with a fine spray bottle and wrap the seedling tray with transparent plastic film. Under environmental temperatures of about 20°C, seedlings will start to emerge in about 12 days. When the seedlings develop true leaves, it is appropriate to ventilate to promote root growth. Seedlings grow slowly in the first 3 months. Seedlings sown in early summer do not need to remove the plastic film throughout the summer, as they can tolerate high humidity and high temperatures.
After the beginning of autumn when the weather cools down, the plastic film can be gradually removed to harden the seedlings, and by early winter, they can be transplanted into pots. Use small pots with multiple drainage holes at the bottom. The potting soil can be mixed with 2 parts peat soil and 1 part vermiculite powder (or 1 part coarse sand). Before transplanting, control the watering to keep the potting soil in the seedling tray slightly dry, so that the seedlings can be lifted without dispersing and damaging the roots. After transplanting, prevent sudden temperature changes and cover with plastic film, but not too tightly, and ventilate appropriately to prevent rotting of the seedlings.
In home conditions, large plants cannot be grown in the first year, but flowers can be seen, and large plants can be cultivated in the second year. In the second year, larger pots can be used.
Tissue Culture: This is an effective method for rapidly obtaining a large number of seedlings, which can also be successful in home conditions. In the season of vigorous growth, use well-developed leaves as explants and, after culturing in a specific medium, through virus-free explant culture, subculture, and root culture, a large number of virus-free seedlings can be obtained. This method requires significant investment and is only used for large-scale production.
The above is the complete content on the propagation methods of Rieger Begonia. I hope it can help you, and I also hope everyone will come to see more green plant and flower experience and common sense!