Propagation of Begonia by Cuttings and Seeding, and Points to Note

Begonia is a plant with high ornamental value and a flower species unique to China. It is loved by many people for its beautiful appearance, and it is also a must-have plant in many gardens in China. As for how begonia is propagated, it can roughly be divided into three methods: cuttings, seeding, and division. The propagation methods for begonia are described in detail below, so read on.

I. How Begonia Is Propagated / Cuttings / Seeding

As for the question of how begonia is propagated, there are actually two answers: seeding propagation and cutting propagation. Of course, propagating it well is also closely related to how it is grown; this is explained in detail in the article on begonia growing methods, so I will not go into it too much here.

II. Begonia Propagation Methods

Cutting Propagation

1. Cutting Time

As for when it is most suitable to take cuttings of begonia, it is best to choose spring and autumn, that is, seasons when the temperature is neither cold nor hot. It is best not to choose summer for cuttings, because summer is the semi-dormant period for begonia. If you choose to take cuttings at this time, they are very unlikely to survive, so keep this in mind.

2. Cutting Selection

Generally, when choosing to propagate begonia by cuttings, it is best to select relatively robust cuttings, with a length of about 6cm being optimal, and any that have flower buds must have the flower buds removed. It is recommended to trim the cutting a little when planting: cut the bottom into a horseshoe shape and the top into a flat-topped shape, which can increase the contact surface with the sand.

3. Cutting Method

Before taking cuttings, first wash the river sand to avoid introducing pathogens. After washing and drying it, put it directly into a pot, then insert the begonia cuttings into the pot at a row spacing of 3-4cm. Generally, after the cuttings are planted, they must not be watered within two days, and after about 6-7 days they can be planted out.

Seeding Propagation

1. Container Selection

For propagating begonia by seeding, it is generally best to choose a shallower flower pot, as this gives better breathability. After choosing the flower pot, it must first be disinfected to avoid pathogen infection. In addition, before sowing, it is best to place tiles over the drainage hole at the bottom of the container as a raised layer, so that when we water, drainage will be smooth.

2. Substrate Selection

Among begonia propagation methods, seeding propagation is a relatively common method, and the choice is also fairly fixed. Generally, looser soil is better, as this ensures the plant's drainage. Of course, after choosing the substrate, that does not mean it can be used directly; it must first be exposed to the hot sun for disinfection, which helps the seeds germinate.

3. Sowing Method

When sowing begonia, first place the coarser substrate at the bottom and the finer substrate on top, and do not fill it too full. Then mix the seeds with the substrate and sprinkle it over the surface. Next, water a little to keep the soil moist, and keep the ambient temperature at around 15-22°, and after waiting a week the begonia will sprout.

How to Propagate Wax Begonia: Wax Begonia Propagation Methods / Seeding / Cuttings

Wax begonia is a highly ornamental flower, and many people in China grow it. As more people grow it, questions about its propagation have also become a concern. So how is wax begonia propagated? What propagation methods are there for wax begonia? Below, I will walk everyone through it.

I. How Wax Begonia Is Propagated

As for how wax begonia is propagated, it can mainly be divided into two methods: seeding propagation and cutting propagation. As long as the operation is done properly, the survival rate of both methods is very high. Below is a detailed tutorial on these two propagation methods; those interested can take a look.

II. Wax Begonia Propagation Methods

Seeding Propagation

① Seed Germination Stimulation

As for how wax begonia is propagated by seeding, stimulating germination is a very important step. Before seeding propagation, we first need to soak the wax begonia seeds in warm water for about 12-24 hours. When the seeds begin to absorb water and swell, they can be taken out. This can stimulate the germination of wax begonia seeds.

② Sowing Method

Among wax begonia propagation methods, seeding propagation is a relatively commonly used method. First, we need to mix the seeds with fine sand, then evenly scatter them over the soil surface. After scattering, cover them with about 1-2cm of soil, then water. When watering, be careful to water thoroughly, but do not let water accumulate. About a week after watering, the seeds will sprout.

Cutting Propagation

① Cutting Selection

As for how wax begonia is propagated by cuttings, selecting the cuttings is a very important step. Generally, it is best to choose relatively robust branches, as the survival rate will be higher. If you choose branches that already look very thin, then it is basically very difficult for them to survive. After selecting the cuttings, we need to cut the upper part into a flat-topped shape and the lower part into a horseshoe shape. This can increase the contact surface with the soil and has the effect of promoting rooting.

② Cutting Method

Among wax begonia propagation methods, cutting propagation is relatively simple. First, we can use chopsticks to poke a hole in the soil, then insert the cutting into two-thirds of the soil, and then water. When watering, be careful to water thoroughly at one time, and remember not to cause water accumulation, otherwise it can easily cause root rot. After that, roots will form in about 10-15 days.

How to Propagate Chaenomeles: Chaenomeles Propagation Methods / Mainly by Seeding and Cuttings

Chaenomeles is a relatively common flowering plant in people's lives, with high ornamental value, and many people grow it in various places. As more people grow it, questions about its propagation have also become a concern. How is chaenomeles propagated? What propagation methods are there for chaenomeles? Below, I will walk everyone through it.

I. How Chaenomeles Is Propagated: Seeding / Cuttings / Division / Layering / Grafting

Speaking of how chaenomeles is propagated, it mainly includes seeding, division, cuttings, layering, and other methods, and for some of the superior varieties, we can also propagate by grafting. In fact, as long as we operate properly during propagation, the survival rates of these five methods are all very high. The specific operation methods are below, so let's take a look.

II. Chaenomeles Propagation Methods

Seeding Propagation

The fruit of chaenomeles generally ripens in late autumn. At this time, we can pick it, peel off the flesh, take out the seeds inside, and store them in sand until sowing the following spring. Before sowing, we also need to soak the seeds in warm water for 1-2 days. When the seeds begin to absorb water and swell, take them out and sow. This can stimulate the seeds' germination.

Among chaenomeles propagation methods, seeding propagation is a relatively commonly used method. When sowing, first we need to apply an appropriate amount of base fertilizer to the substrate, then evenly scatter the seeds over the soil surface, and after that cover them with 1-2cm of soil, and then water. After watering, seedlings generally emerge in about 40 days.

Cutting Propagation

When propagating chaenomeles by cuttings, we can choose robust branches of the current year as cuttings. Before taking cuttings, we can first use chopsticks to poke a hole in the soil, then insert the cutting into it, and then water thoroughly. This operation can prevent the cutting from being damaged when inserted, and is very practical.

Division Propagation

Division propagation is generally mostly used for clustered chaenomeles, usually carried out in late autumn or early spring. The method is to dig up the clustered mother plant from the soil and divide it, with each division carrying 2 to 3 branches, and then plant them separately. The branches divided in this way will each become a complete flowering plant.

Layering Propagation

This method is often used for creeping chaenomeles and can generally be done in spring. The method is to bend the branches of 1-2 small plants around the mother plant, press and bury them in the soil to a depth of about 12-16cm, leaving most of the branch tips still exposed above the ground. Roots generally form in about 50-60 days, and then in autumn they can be separated from the mother plant.

Grafting Propagation

Grafting propagation is mainly suitable for superior varieties of chaenomeles. We can select their branches as scions, then carry out cut grafting and cleft grafting in spring, and approach grafting during the growing season. The grafting method can follow the general grafting methods for woody plants.