The rhizome grows roots from the bottom and leaves and flowers from the top.When flowering finishes the rhizomes can be pruned and repotted. If you decided to go for the rhizome method, prepare a seedling tray as described in the previous paragraph. Propagating in soil is preferred by some because it eliminates the possibility of the vulnerable mini plants having trouble adjusting to soil after having been in water. Place one rhizome cutting in each seedling pot. Extremely popular, Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia) is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial mostly grown for its striking foliage of large, oval, rough-textured, bright green leaves, remarkably adorned with cross-shaped, dark chocolate brown centers. Rhizomatous begonia: forms a rhizome, which is a thickened stem that supplies water and food. Thank you. Rexes, rhizomatous, tuberous, and a few other types can be started from leaf cuttings or portions of leaves. […] you want it to actually grow new foliage. You won’t be able to see whether the cuttings are rooting successfully, so for the first few weeks you might not know whether they are doing well. If you want to really take things to the next level, you can actually divide one single Begonia leaf into pieces that can all be used to grow new plants. Then, just follow the instructions above and you should end up with plenty of new mini Begonias! All of the information is on this site – it was all the research I had to do. Good foliage and many with colourful flowers. Congrats! Once you see the first leaf growth pop up, you’ll know that your propagation attempt is a success. Have a look at the full Begonia propagation guide. Note the number of main veins that radiate outward from the sinus. One of the eyelash types of begonia raised in 1962 by F.J.Bedson, founder president of The National Begonia Society. Cut off the leaf and discard and move pots into a more sheltered spot, or give garden plants a new position that doesn’t get direct midday sun. Tuberous begonia dies back to their bulb so they don’t need much pruning but the fibrous and rhizomatous require annual pruning for a bushier plant. Rain and wind can damage the leaves and delicate flowers. It’s normal for the leaves to go a bit limp while the stem attempts to push out a root system. To propagate this way, just fill a few small pots with that same light but rich soil and stick the cuttings about halfway in there. Then, simply be patient while keeping the soil lightly moist. All Rights Reserved. Remove any leaf cuttings that rot and turn black. Cane stem begonias have straight stems which can grow to a height of 2 metres. All begonias can be divided except for some tuberous begonias. Once the sinus of the leaf cutting begins to rot or forms a white mossy fungus, throw it away. And as for the leftover stem, yeah, you can safely assume the plant will just keep growing and producing foliage so you’re not stuck looking at an ugly piece of bare stem. 'Burgundy Velvet' is a selected cultivar which has medium sized leaves of rich burgundy wine colouring, with a green margin and speckles. For the larger leaved plants, begonia propagation can begin with a single leaf. Rhizomatous begonias such as the rex begonia can be easily propagated by rhizome division during repotting. A rooting hormone can help the cuttings sprout. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. Begonias need a sheltered position with moist yet well-drained soil and will grow in semi shade and bright, indirect sunlight is preferred.They are tender perennials with hardiness ratings of RHS H1B to H2, and are suitable for gardens in USDA zones 10a-12. B. Rhizomatous begonias have similar roots to normal plants but produce large puffy rhizome out of which the roots grow. In warmer climates they thrive, all that they need is a frost free situation and they can make a great ground cover plant. With a sharp knife, cut a mature leaf from the plant where the leaf meets the stem. Bedding begonias or wax begonias are well suited as border plants or as pot plants. A cross from B.bowerae x B.daedalea. Place one leaf cutting wedge in each seedling pot. Rex Begonias are beautiful tropical foliage plants, but they are expensive to buy. Remove a healthy leaf from the rhizomatous begonia with a sharp scissors. All you really need is a little space and a bright window, and these types of begonias will continue to grow … Keep the soil very lightly moist. However, all begonia can benefit from early pruning. 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