How to Propagate Rieger Begonias

Rieger begonias are an improved hybrid begonia variety with a more compact habit and a wide variety of bloom colors with some having double blooms. They thrive as indoor plants, can bloom for weeks and are popular as floral gifts. Rieger begonias grow best in well drained potting soil in a warm location (65 to 75 degrees F) with bright light but not direct sunlight and out of drafts.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Rieger begonia
• Potting soil
• Planting container with drain holes
• Powdered rooting hormone
• Sharp cutting tool
• Source of water

1. Prepare a well-drained planting container by filling with potting soil. Soak the potting soil in the container with water and let drain. Then, push a small hole into the potting soil with your finger for the Rieger begonia cutting.
2. Cut a 3-inch section of new growth from the Rieger begonia with a sharp knife at the point where it meets a main stem. Do not cut a stem that is blooming.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in water then immediately dip 1 inch of the wet end of the Rieger begonia cutting in powdered rooting hormone.
4. Place the end of the Rieger begonia that is covered in rooting hormone into the hole made in the potting soil. Using your fingers to gently push the potting soil around the cut end of the stem in a way that does not disturb the rooting hormone on the bottom of the cutting. Gently press the potting soil down around the cutting to secure the cutting so it stands upright. Keep soil moist but not soaking wet by applying water around the stem during the rooting process. Do not allow the foliage or the stem above the potting soil to get wet during the rooting process.
5. Place container with cutting in a bright and warm (60 to 75 degrees F) location until the cutting is rooted, which should take about 4 to 6 weeks.