How to Propagate Deer Antler Begonia? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods
Deer Antler Begonia, also known as Xunbo Chrysanthemum, is a succulent plant of the genus Deer Antler Begonia in the Aizoaceae family. Its native habitat is in the southwestern region of South Africa. It prefers warm, dry, and sunny environments, is afraid of cold, tolerates drought, fears high temperatures, and requires fertile, loose sandy loam soil. In winter, the temperature should not be lower than 15°C. Its leaf shape and color are quite beautiful, with high ornamental value. Now let us take a look at how to propagate Deer Antler Begonia!
How to Propagate Deer Antler Begonia?
Deer Antler Begonia is mainly propagated by cuttings. After normal growth, it will gradually grow taller and branch out. Select relatively tall and older woody branches; new branches are too tender and not easy to root from cuttings. After cutting off old branches, let them dry for a few days and then insert them directly into the growing medium, or directly into the soil. They may not grow roots for an entire winter and only begin to grow in spring. Water only after the soil dries out completely, so as long as the soil is slightly loose, it can be propagated by cuttings. It is not very demanding regarding soil. At the same time, Deer Antler Begonia can also be propagated by sowing seeds.
How to Grow Deer Antler Begonia?
1. Soil: For growing Deer Antler Begonia, loose and breathable sandy soil is best. Of course, it does not necessarily have to be sandy soil; the soil mix can be the same as for other succulents.
2. Environment: Deer Antler Begonia should be kept in a sunny environment. If newly planted, it can be placed in a cool, ventilated spot to recover.
3. Watering: Deer Antler Begonia does not need the soil to remain moist for a long time; the soil should stay on the dry side, so when watering, you must hold back. It tolerates drought and is not easy to kill by drought, but it is prone to root rot due to water accumulation.
4. Pests and diseases: When potted Deer Antler Begonia is kept in excessively humid conditions, root-knot nematode disease often occurs, which can be controlled with 3% carbofuran granules. Pests include scale insects, which can be sprayed and killed with a 1500-fold dilution of 55% fenitrothion emulsifiable concentrate.
Notes on Growing Deer Antler Begonia
1. If Deer Antler Begonia is potted, the soil in the pot needs good drainage and ventilation. Water must not accumulate. The soil should not be too acidic; neutral is fine. The soil should not contain too much humus; ordinary soil is sufficient. The size of the pot depends on the length and size of its roots.
2. Deer Antler Begonia does not like being wet, nor does it like being dry. It is generally recommended to water only when the soil is dry. In summer, maintain a certain level of humidity, and you can spray more water on the leaves.
3. For the growth of Deer Antler Begonia, it is generally recommended to use partial light exposure. In summer, because the temperature is too high, it is recommended to place it in a cool place to grow, keeping the soil from drying out. In spring and autumn, growth is vigorous, so appropriate light exposure can be given.
4. During the growing period of Deer Antler Begonia, it is generally recommended to fertilize in spring and autumn. Use a thin fertilizer, applying once every half a month or once a month.
5. The recommended growing temperature for Deer Antler Begonia is around 20°C. If it is below 15°C, it will not grow, but if it is below 5°C, then it will stop growing and may even develop wrinkles. In summer, place it in a ventilated and cool place as much as possible.