How to Take Cuttings From an Angel Wing Begonia

Angel-wing begonias are tropical plants that are part of the fibrous cane begonia group. They have thick upright canes or stems, dangling flowers in a variety of red, white and pink colors, and feathery winglike leaves. Since they are tropical plants they grow best in a warm, humid environment with well-drained, but moist, soil. Depending on their care they can grow well for up to about six years before they start to lose their vigor. The best way to reproduce angel wing begonias is by taking cuttings. Leaf, tip and stem, and mallet and heel cuttings can all be rooted.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Sharp knife
• Small container with water or
• Sterile potting soil with perlite or vermiculite
• Rooting hormone (optional)

1. Cut a mature, healthy leaf from the main stem. The leaf should have at least 1 1/2 inches of the stem attached.
2. Dip the cut end into the rooting hormone if you have some.
3. Place the cut end into either the sterile soil mixture or into the container with water.
4. Cover the container and plant lightly with a clear medium to help keep the environment humid but still let diffuse light through. Monitor the cutting to make sure it is not so humid that fungus starts growing. If fungus appears you will have to start over.
5. Plant in desired container from the water container when about 1/2 to 1 inch of roots have grown, or leaves have sprouted in the soil container.

Tips & Warnings

• The potting soil should be moist, rich and have excellent drainage for the best results.