How to Propagate Rhizomatous Begonias

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Begonias are perennial plants native to tropical regions. Dozens of begonia varieties exist. They are excellent houseplants that require bright light and water when the top one inch of soil is dry. Pink to white flower clusters may develop in the winter to summer months, depending on growing environment.
Rhizomes are lateral underground roots that send up new plantlets. Begonias can be grown from root, stem or leaf cuttings, or from dust-like seeds. Not all begonias are rhizomatous. Root and stem cuttings are most appropriate for rhizomatous begonias.

Difficulty:
Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:
  • Begonia plant
  • Knife
  • Perlite
  • Peat moss
  • Plastic wrap
  • Potting soil

Propagation by Leaf Cuttings

  1. Cut several leaves from the mature plant.
  2. Lay the leaf upside down on a hard surface. Slice through the major veins on the back side of the leaf.
  3. Turn the leaf right-side up. Lay it on top of compost-rich soil. Use small rocks or pins to hold the leaf flat against the soil.
  4. Cover the top of the pot with plastic wrap to increase humidity while leaves are rooting.
  5. Plantlets will develop from the leaf stalk or from the sliced veins.

Propagation by Rhizomes

  1. Cut rhizomes that spill over the container’s edge.
  2. Submerge the root fragment in a mixture of half perlite, half peat moss.
  3. Once leaves appear, plant the new begonia in a wide, shallow pot with regular potting soil.

Tips & Warnings

  • Begonias thrive in terrariums because of the high humidity. This mimics their native growing conditions. Remove the plastic wrap once the plantlet gains height, but experiment with where you put your begonias to increase humidity and flower production.


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