How to Root Begonia Cuttings

Rooting the begonia leaf is one of the common ways to create a new plant. While the begonia possesses a tuber type root, similar to a potato, dividing the tuber does not produce multiple plants; instead, create a new plant from each stem you choose to remove from the plant. In some situations this produces a healthier plant by preventing overcrowding. The process utilizes a standard plant-rooting process, a forsythe pot used for a variety of plants and common gardening supplies and tools.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• 12-inch plastic pot
• 3-inch clay pot
• Vermiculite

1. Line the bottom of a 10- to 12-inch plastic pot with paper towels before filling with vermiculite. Vermiculite is a natural form of mica and available in garden and home improvement centers.
2. Plug the bottom of a 3-inch clay pot with a cork or clay before pushing the pot into the center of the vermiculite. Leave the top of the clay pot about 1 inch above the level of the vermiculite.
3. Add water to saturate the vermiculite as well as fill the clay pot. After the initial saturation, maintain the moisture level of the vermiculite by adding water to the clay pot. The water soaks through the clay pot to keep the vermiculite at the proper moisture levels. This completes the assembly of the forsythe pot.
4. Cut a stem from the begonia plant. Cut at the point the leaf stem attaches to the main stem of the plant. Insert the stem into the vermiculite so the bottom of the leaf is at the top level of the vermiculite. The other option is make the cut at the base of the leaf. Place the bottom of the leaf about an inch into the vermiculite. This option works best with begonia varieties with large leaves and extensive veins. Keep the forsythe pot in a warm location out of direct sunlight.
5. Add water to the clay pot in the middle of the forsythe pot as necessary for about three weeks. During this time the roots develop. Scoop the plant from the vermiculite and allow any loose material to fall away from the roots. This avoids damaging the roots by pulling the begonia from the vermiculite.
6. Plant the rooted stem or leaf in a pot filled with potting soil. Transplant outdoors in the spring, if desired, or keep it in a pot for a container plant.