Begonias are favored by the majority of gardening enthusiasts because of their flowering and beautiful posture. As an ornamental plant that is easy to cultivate and has strong reproductive ability, Begonia is particularly suitable for propagation by cuttings. This article will introduce in detail the specific steps and precautions for the propagation of begonia cuttings in four seasons, so as to help you easily realize the propagation of begonias in home gardening.
Begonia belongs to the Begonia family, which is native to the tropical regions of South America, and has the characteristics of shade tolerance, strong adaptability, and rich flower color. Cuttings propagation is a vegetative reproduction method that uses a part of the vegetative organs of plants, stem segments or leaf segments, to take root and germinate under suitable conditions to form new independent plants. Begonia has strong vitality and strong regeneration ability on its stems, which is very suitable for propagation by cuttings.
Mother plant selection and cutting cuttings: Select healthy, vigorous, pest-free begonia plants as the mother plant. Cut shoots about 5-10 cm long with two to three nodes from the mother plant as cuttings, making sure that each cuttings has at least one healthy leaf and one full bud point.
Tools & Media Preparation: Use sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to avoid wound infection. The cutting medium can be selected perlite, vermiculite, mixed peaty soil and other substrates with good air permeability and moisture retention.
Environment & Facility Preparation: Cuttings should be carried out in a warm, humid and well-ventilated environment, and a simple awning can be built to reduce direct sunlight and ensure suitable light conditions. At the same time, prepare seedling trays or cuttings and water the medium thoroughly in advance.
Handle cuttings: The cut cut at the lower end of the cuttings is trimmed into an inclined plane to increase the water absorption area and facilitate rooting. An appropriate amount of rooting agent can be applied to the incision, which can help improve the rooting speed and success rate.
Cut into the soil: Insert the processed cuttings into the prepared medium to a depth of about one-third to one-half of the length of the cuttings, making sure that the nodes are partially buried in the medium and the leaves are exposed.
Post-management: After the cuttings are completed, keep the medium moist but not too wet to avoid stagnant water that will cause the cuttings to rot. Appropriate shade at the beginning, and gradually increase the light after rooting. Temperature control between 18-25 is ideal, which is conducive to rapid rooting.
Observation and documentation: After cuttings, pay close attention to the state of the cuttings, and adjust the humidity or light conditions in time if the leaves are wilted or yellow. Normally, begonia takes root about two weeks after cuttings.
Confirm rooting and transplanting: When you see new roots at the bottom of the cuttings, it means that the cuttings have been successful. At this time, it is not advisable to transplant immediately, and it is advisable to wait until the root system is well developed and the plant is stable. When transplanting, choose loose, fertile, well-drained soil, water moderately after transplanting and place it in a semi-shaded environment for transition.
Post-curingAfter transplanting, the seedlings of Begonia should continue to maintain a suitable temperature and humidity, gradually strengthen the light, and replenish nutrients in time.
The propagation of cuttings of Begonia is a simple and fun work, which can effectively realize the expansion and continuation of the Begonia population as long as it is operated in accordance with scientific methods. Mastering the right cuttings will not only enrich one's gardening experience, but also make the beautiful fragrance of the begonias stay at home and become a unique scenery suitable for all seasons. Four seasons begonias