How to Repot a Begonia 'Lucerna' (Cane Begonia)? Latest Method Explained in Detail

Because the cane begonia (Begonia 'Lucerna') is limited by its potting soil, it needs to be repotted once every 1-2 years. Otherwise, the soil nutrients get completely absorbed, and if new soil is not added, this will seriously affect its growth, and in severe cases cause the whole plant to wither and die. So how should the cane begonia be repotted? Let's find out together.

1. Repotting time

For repotting a cane begonia, it is best to choose spring or autumn, as this helps it store more nutrients, benefits the growth of its branches and leaves as well as flowering, and the damage from repotting is less at this time; the wounds after pruning also heal quickly. If you repot in winter, the temperature is lower, the plant's vitality is lower, and the survival rate after repotting is lower, so it is not advisable to repot in winter.

2. Pot and soil preparation

Before repotting, you must first prepare new potting soil. The cane begonia likes to grow in loose, breathable, well-drained, fertile soil, so you can use a mix of compost soil, leaf mold and peat soil. Since repotting is meant to help it grow better, if it is a young seedling you can choose a pot one size smaller, and if it is a mature plant you should choose a pot one size larger. The pot material should be breathable; you can choose a ceramic pot, a clay pot or a purple clay pot.

3. Removing the plant from the pot

First, stop watering one week before repotting so that the soil is in a relatively dry state, which helps with removing the plant from the pot. To remove it, tap the wall of the pot a few times so that a gap forms between the soil and the pot, then slowly take the pot off, and the whole plant can be lifted out with the soil. Then separate the roots from the soil, being careful to keep the soil near the roots. If you find dead roots or rotten roots, prune them off, then disinfect the wounds.

4. Potting up

Fill the prepared nutrient soil into the pot. Before filling it in, expose it to the sun or disinfect it with chemicals, as this can kill pathogens and insect eggs in the soil and reduce the possibility of pest and disease damage to the plant. Then replant the plant, cover with soil and press it firm to keep it stable, water appropriately to keep the soil moist, and place it in a shaded spot for care. Once growth is stable, it can be moved to a sunny spot for normal care.

  The above is an introduction to the repotting method for cane begonia. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.