What are the propagation methods for wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens)?

Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens) is a fleshy herbaceous plant of the genus Begonia, also known as begonia, four-season begonia, glass begonia and seed begonia. Its main breeding methods are seed sowing and propagation, division and cuttings.

The four-season plant is beautiful, the flowers bloom in clusters all year round, the fragrance is delicate, and the leaves are fine and glossy, making it an excellent indoor and outdoor decorative plant. So, do you know how wax begonia is cut and propagated? Today, Hualigu will learn together with you.

Cutting propagation time

Wax begonia cuttings usually require a temperature above 20°C. Generally, cuttings can be taken from April to June each year. The germination rate of cuttings above 20°C will be higher, but if the temperature is above 32°C. It is not suitable for cutting. When the temperature is high, the survival rate of cuttings is low, so especially when the summer temperature is high, it is not suitable for cutting. When cutting, the air humidity needs to be relatively high, and evaporation should not be too strong, to prevent the stem from evaporating water, causing drying and death.

Cutting medium

Generally, we use slightly thicker river sand, which has good water permeability and good drainage. Prepare a pot of river sand, put it in the sun to sunbathe, then sterilize it in a cool place until ready to use.

Cutting selection

We should choose some strong branches that have been growing for more than one year. The cuttings need to keep four nodes, and the end of the cutting is cut at a 45° slant, which can increase the contact surface with the remaining river sand, which is beneficial for rooting and absorbing water.

Cutting steps

Fill the river sand with water, then pour it through, then prepare a branch about the same size or smaller. Insert several holes in the river sand, insert the prepared cuttings into the holes, and press gently. Firm the sand. This completes the cutting operation. Because we have already watered before cutting, we do not need to water after cutting.

Post-cutting care

After cutting, we place it in a cool and scattered-light place for propagation. Usually, it is watered when cutting. It can be watered once every three to four days. Generally, you must wait until the water in the river sand is almost dry. Watering too early will cause the cuttings to rot, so the cutting fails.

Whenever the river sand dries out, we can pour water. If the water evaporates faster, we can spray once every two days, so that after about half a month, we can grow new roots. After roots must be grown, we can put them in the sun when the sun is weak. When the roots are about 5 cm long, they can be placed on the pot. The time required for this period is about one month.

The above are the cutting propagation methods and some precautions for wax begonia introduced by Hualigu. Of course, if we have a pot of wax begonia, we can also create new potted plants through division. If we have wax begonia seeds, we can also propagate by sowing. Everyone can try.

Wax begonia is a small potted plant with many flowers and very bright colors. In addition, it has a long flowering period, making it very suitable for decorating at home. So, today, I will tell you how to grow a pot of four-season begonia!

The leaves and flowers of the four-season begonia are very distinctive and full of appeal. Most importantly, it is very easy to grow. If maintained properly, it can bloom all year round, but even though it is easy, it still needs our help.

Wax begonia likes a warm and humid growing environment. Not only is the flowering period long, but the flower colors are also very rich. Especially in spring and autumn, the flowers bloom abundantly and flourish. Therefore, we should appropriately increase watering during this period to keep the soil moist and let it grow smoothly. However, due to the high-temperature environment in summer, it will enter a brief dormant state, so pay attention to it.

The first is sunlight. We can directly place it on the balcony to keep it, usually just turning the direction of the flowerpot to make it grow more evenly. But in this case, the current weather will not work, because as the temperature gets higher and higher, its growth rate will noticeably weaken, and flowering will also be limited. We move it to a cool place and ventilate it to keep it.

Do not water too diligently, because a humid environment will make its leaves turn yellow, and in severe cases will cause root rot. Usually, water can be given about once a week, but because winter and summer are the two dormant periods, short-term water control is necessary.

During the growth period, we can apply a small amount of fertilizer, which can promote its flowering, and we must do it when the flowers have not yet opened. It is necessary to pinch the top and buds, which can promote the germination of buds, thereby increasing the amount of flowering.

Generally, after the season passes, wax begonia will slowly enter the dormant period. At this time, we must check whether they have residual flower branches and clean them up in time so that they can safely pass through the dormant period.

We prune after flowering mainly to preserve nutrients, and after a period of adjustment, we can bloom again. It also controls its overall shape, because the flowering amount of wax begonia can be said to be very large, which means it will split many branches. If the branches are poorly managed, they will become elongated, especially after the flowers are finished, we can choose to cut those thin branches.

Because at this time all its nutrients have been sent to the flowers, so we need to cut them off, and then after a period of buffering it will grow, otherwise it will not have much effect, and it will affect the overall shape. When cutting, try to cut it short and give it space to grow. After the dormant period, such pruning will promote the sprouting of more new branches.

Generally, when you prune, you can keep 1-2 bud points. Pay attention to the slant. This will help the wound heal, and do not get too close to the bud on the branch. Otherwise, it will be difficult to develop new branches. By the way, we can cut the cut branches, but only if there is no pest or disease in healthy ones! If you cut it, you do not have to keep the leaves, but you must have buds, so that it will grow faster!