Four-season Begonia Propagation Methods and Precautions
Here are the related knowledge about the propagation methods and precautions for four-season begonias. Let's learn about them together.
Four-season Begonia Propagation Methods and Precautions
Four-season begonias are mainly propagated by播种 (seeding) and cutting. It's not easy to germinate in the high temperatures of summer, so it's best to sow in October during the autumn. After 8 to 10 weeks of care, the flowers will bloom. Both stems and leaves can be used as cuttings, which should be directly inserted into a moist medium, such as sandy soil or perlite. The cuttings will root in about 15 to 20 days, and when they have grown 5 to 6 true leaves, they can be transplanted into flower pots for normal care.
The most common propagation method for four-season begonias is the cutting method, which can be used all year round, but it is most suitable in spring and autumn, preferably at a higher temperature.
One, The Best Time for Propagating Four-season Begonias by Cuttings
The best period for high-quality cuttings is after April and May, when the temperature is above 20°C. High humidity and high temperatures are very favorable for cuttings during this period, making it simple even for beginners. In half a month, the cuttings will root and can then be transplanted into the soil.
Two, Selection of Cutting Medium
The choice of cutting medium is crucial, as it determines whether the cuttings can root. It's best to use river sand because of its good air circulation, which prevents the cuttings from rotting. Before using, wash the sand with clean water and dry it in the sun to filter out some bacteria.
Three, Selection of Cuttings
When propagating four-season begonias, it's generally best to choose robust stems and leaves, which have plenty of energy and root easily. It's best if the cuttings have two leaves.
After selecting the cuttings, the roots need to be trimmed, keeping the cuttings around 5 to 6 centimeters long and trimming the roots into a horse hoof shape. Wait until the trimmed area is completely dry before inserting the cuttings to prevent infection.
Four, Method for Propagating Four-season Begonias by Cuttings
Place the prepared medium into the flower pot. If conditions allow, you can make a tool from an old bottle, cutting the bottle open and making some small holes in the body.
These holes maintain sufficient air circulation in the soil, as insufficient air circulation can lead to roots not germinating and rotting. This method is more suitable than using a flower pot.
After preparing the medium, you can use chopsticks to make small holes in the sandy soil, with the size of the holes matching the cuttings.
Then insert the cuttings into the sandy soil, with about one-third of the cutting length inserted.
Attention: There should be a certain distance between the cuttings, with the best spacing being about 3 centimeters. After all the cuttings are inserted, gently press the soil with your hands to make them adhere together.
Five, Care and Management of Four-season Begonias
Different from other plants, there is no need to water immediately after propagating by cuttings. On the 5th day after propagation, you can start sprinkling water using a spray bottle, doing so gradually. The water temperature should be similar to the base temperature, and the first watering should be thorough. After watering, place it in a shaded area away from the sun. In about ten days, roots will grow, and when the root length reaches about four centimeters, it can be exposed to the sun. Watering should then depend on the actual condition of the soil, and after about a week, it can be transferred to a normal flower pot.
Besides these methods, four-season begonias can also be propagated by seeding, with the most suitable seasons being spring and autumn when the temperature is moderate. The division method is also simple. For four-season begonias that have been cultivated for more than two years, during the spring potting, the mother plant and the offsets can be separated for propagation, which is quite suitable for home use.
The detailed introduction of the propagation methods and precautions for four-season begonias mentioned above, I hope you will like it!