A Detailed Guide to Propagating Wax Begonia by Leaf Cuttings

When taking cuttings from wax begonia, select a side shoot with 2 leaves from a healthy mother plant as the cutting, cut the base of the cutting into a wedge shape, and dip it in rooting powder. After inserting it into the substrate, mist the leaves regularly and maintain a room temperature of 18-20; roots will form in about two weeks. Besides cuttings, wax begonia can also be propagated in the following ways.

Propagation Methods for Wax Begonia

1. Sowing

(1) Time

Wax begonia can be sown and propagated in all four seasons, but spring and autumn are the best periods.

(2) Sowing Treatment

Wax begonia seeds are very small; to ensure the germination rate, mix the seeds with clean fine sand before sowing.

(3) Site Selection

For sowing, it is best to choose a loose, well-aerated substrate and put it into plug trays or nutrient pots; the substrate can be peat soil, perlite, etc. Water lightly to let it slowly moisten.

(4) Management

After sowing, cover with a layer of substrate, press lightly, and place in an indoor spot with a temperature of 24-27°C, a relative humidity of 90-100%, and good ventilation. Because wax begonia seeds are very small, do not water too heavily after sowing; use a mist spray to water. After wax begonia seedlings emerge, the young plants are slender and weak, so it is best to water them with a mist spray as well; do not water too frequently, to avoid excessive humidity causing the young roots to rot.

2. Division

The division propagation method is relatively inefficient and is generally suitable for home propagation. When repotting a 2-year-old wax begonia in spring, the mother plant can be cut apart and planted into pots; place the divided plants in partial shade to reduce transpiration, and be sure to replenish water and fertilizer in time to help the plants recover their growth.