Those who need to learn how to root begonia can choose from two methods. This diverse group of flowering plants can root either in water and soil. This is why even newbie gardeners shouldn’t feel intimidated in starting begonia plants themselves.
If you think starting begonias from seeds is too meticulous, you can use cuttings from your favorite mature plants instead. These cuttings should root quickly, but more so if the environment is stable. This article will guide you on rooting begonias without drawbacks.
Comprehensive Guide On How To Grow Begonia
Before anything else, it’s worth noting that you have many propagation methods to choose from in starting begonias. They include division and cuttings, but using the latter is more advantageous. One can say that rooting begonias from cuttings is easier and more straightforward compared to other techniques.
In water
In general, rooting begonia cuttings is already easier compared to most plants because they develop roots quickly. One way to do so is to grow them in the water, which is the best technique to do if you are a beginner gardener. What makes begonias even better for rooting in water is that you can use this method to grow healthy plants from leggy stems.
Step #1. Taking the cutting
Choose a mature begonia plant, and you can take sections of its stems for rooting. As for maintenance, you can even remove the leggy stems from the plant and use them for propagation. Take stems around four inches long below the node using sharp and sterile scissors for a clean cut and to prevent disease transmission.
Step #2. Preparation and submersion
Before placing the cutting in water, you want to prepare it first to ensure root development. Much like when propagating other stem cuttings, remove all the leaves except some at the top. This way, they won’t get wet and rot when you place the cutting in water.
You also want to remove all the flowers, so the begonia focuses its energy on growing roots. Remember that if the cutting still has flowers, it can encourage seed development instead. Once the cutting is ready, place it in a glass with water, and you can expect roots after a month.
In soil
A more traditional way of rooting begonias is in soil. Perhaps growing cuttings in water is more desirable if you want to transplant leggy stem sections later on. Otherwise, rooting begonias in the soil might be the better choice if you have specific varieties that you want to propagate.
Step #1. Taking the cutting
Similar to rooting begonias in water, you want to take 4-inch cuttings from a healthy parent plant. You can use a pot with moist vermiculite and then let the water drain thoroughly from the medium before planting. Stick the cutting in the container and ensure that it stands upright.
Step #2. Maintenance
You can cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain a humid environment to encourage root development faster. Place the containers somewhere bright and warm, and you can expect roots after a month or less. If your region has fluctuating temperatures, you can consider placing the cuttings in the greenhouse until they are ready for transplanting.
Transplanting Rooted Begonias
Whichever method you chose for rooting begonias, remember only to start transplanting them when they have matured enough. This means only planting them when the roots are around two inches long to guarantee that they can establish themselves. If you rooted begonias in water, you should feel confident that they can stay there for some time if necessary.
Where should you transplant begonias? A pot with moist potting soil is ideal, but make sure that it is large enough to anticipate the roots. Set the cutting in the container so that its root base is an inch below the rim.
Water the transplant and let it drain from the pot before placing the cuttings somewhere bright to encourage establishment. You can also prune new growth when you notice them encourage a bushier begonia. More so, be mindful of your watering practices are begonias are susceptible to root rot.
Caring For Begonias
To ensure that your begonias will thrive, place them somewhere humid and warm, around 65 to 72°F. They should also receive morning sun to bloom well. When it comes to feeding and watering, you can fertilize once a month and maintain the soil moist.
Remember that one of the common problems that can damage begonias is overwatering, so always check the medium before watering. Should you prune begonias? Overall, you can deadhead the plant to help extend its blooms and create healthier flowers.
Conclusion
Those who have mature begonia plants have the option to propagate more plants from cuttings. You can quickly learn how to root begonia either in water or soil, and you can expect root development in a month or less. But whichever technique you choose, you may find it easier to grow begonias in the greenhouse to protect them from fluctuating conditions.
A four-inch section should suffice for rooting. Remove the bottom leaves to prevent rot, and make sure to trim any flowers as well to help the plant focus its energy on rooting. Set the cutting either in water or soil, and they should be ready for transplanting when the roots are two inches long.