Propagate Begonia Stem Cuttings in water - Cane-like Angel Wing Begonia
Propagating by stem cuttings is just about the easiest way to make more begonias for next summer's garden. During the fall, I regularly trim off 3-node long cuttings and put them into the growing pots where they take root.
Now that cold weather has arrived, I root the stem cuttings in a vase of water. It's a great way to produce more pots of Begonias for next summer's garden.
Water the plant well the day before.
Take a cutting about 4-inches long, with 3 nodes, from a healthy stem.
Use a perfectly clean container. Rinse the container with a drop of bleach if you are uncertain about its spotlessness.
Remove all but the top leaf or two. There should be no leaves in the water.
The cutting should have a healthy leaf node at the bottom. Don't leave a stub below the node. Place the cutting into the water, and place the container out of the sun. In a couple of weeks, you will see new roots beginning to form.
Check the water periodically to make sure it is still fresh. If it begins to smell, pour it out, clean the container, gently run water over the cuttings and put them in fresh water.
When the cuttings root, keep an eye on them. If they are left in water too long, the stem will rot.
Notice the long roots on the cutting on the right. Those little leaves grew under water!
Water well and let the water drain out. The soil will settle when you water. You may have to remake the hole and add more soil.
Remove all but the top leaf or two from each cutting. Large leaves can be cut in half.
A few of these stem cuttings could or should be shorter, but they'll be OK. When they get settled in their pots and new growth emerges, I'll pinch it off to encourage branching and leafing out.
Even though their flowers are very pretty, Cane-like Begonias are grown mostly for their beautiful leaves. I keep pots on the kichen windowsill in the winter and in a shady seating area in the summer.
To keep your plants full and attractive, pinch off the top growth. Fertilize with half-strength houseplant fertilizer.
The photo on the right is the pan with two-types of Cane-like Begonia cuttings potted and ready to grow in the shed
There is a lot more to learn about Begonias at the American Begonia Society webpage - here.
Water the plant well the day before.
Take a cutting about 4-inches long, with 3 nodes, from a healthy stem.
Use a perfectly clean container. Rinse the container with a drop of bleach if you are uncertain about its spotlessness.
Remove all but the top leaf or two. There should be no leaves in the water.
The cutting should have a healthy leaf node at the bottom. Don't leave a stub below the node. Place the cutting into the water, and place the container out of the sun. In a couple of weeks, you will see new roots beginning to form.
Check the water periodically to make sure it is still fresh. If it begins to smell, pour it out, clean the container, gently run water over the cuttings and put them in fresh water.
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| Angel Wing Begonia rooted cutting |
Notice the long roots on the cutting on the right. Those little leaves grew under water!
Prepare planting pots by filling with potting soil. Make a hole with a pencil. I sprinkled some moisture retention crystals in the hole.
Water well and let the water drain out. The soil will settle when you water. You may have to remake the hole and add more soil.
A few of these stem cuttings could or should be shorter, but they'll be OK. When they get settled in their pots and new growth emerges, I'll pinch it off to encourage branching and leafing out.
Even though their flowers are very pretty, Cane-like Begonias are grown mostly for their beautiful leaves. I keep pots on the kichen windowsill in the winter and in a shady seating area in the summer.
To keep your plants full and attractive, pinch off the top growth. Fertilize with half-strength houseplant fertilizer.
The photo on the right is the pan with two-types of Cane-like Begonia cuttings potted and ready to grow in the shed
There is a lot more to learn about Begonias at the American Begonia Society webpage - here.
Comments
Nathan Simmons
theoregonartisttoo@yahoo.com,
Plant in sterile potting soil when roots emerge.
Look at the photos here - http://www.bradsbegoniaworld.com/prop.htm
Begonia Gal - I propagate dragonwing begonias every year - in fact there are some stems in a vase in the photo. They are so easy!
Elizabeth - Where are you cutting the stems now? Is is working for you?
Looking forward to hearing back.
M
Mill - I would plant those cuttings and keep them moist and away from direct light. Nothing to lose.