PROPAGATING BEGONIAS
There are two different methods of propagating, by seed and by division of some kind usually by cuttings. Growing from seed is an economical way of growing some types of begonia. Semperflorens or bedding begonias are usually grown this way, naturally occurring species can also be grown from seed. Hybrid begonias have to be grown by division or cutting of some kind, if you grow these by seed they will not be the same as the parent. This is covered in the hybridizing section, growing from seed is also included.

Most growers have their favorite way of multiplying begonias; different types of plants will need different methods. The spring and summer, months when your begonias are putting on new growth is the best time to propagate them. A well-lit section of the shade house without any direct sun is the best place. Propagating mixes, these need to hold water and not become soggy, they can be river sand or a mixture with peat, vermiculite and perlite mixed also sphagnum moss can be used. I use river sand for stem and leaf cuttings, a peat and sand mixture for leaf wedges and sphagnum moss for hard to strike plants.

Leaf Wedges in Sand & Peat Mix	Leaf Wedges in Sphagnum Moss in a Plastic Takeaway Container	Cut Down Leaf Cutting Shooting From the End of the Stem

Cane and shrub types will grow well from stem cuttings, take these from healthy firm stems, these can be cut into lengths 75-150mm long depending on the length between the nodes on the stem. Cut the stem just below a node; insert the cutting vertically into the propagating mix. I use a 75-100mm pot and put in two or three cuttings, use the end of a pencil or a knife to make a hole in the mix, try to have two nodes covered by the propagating mix, the roots will shoot from the nodes. Thick stem begonias can also be struck from stem cuttings, be careful with these, as the bottom part of the stem will often die when a cutting is taken off the top. Rhizomatous types can be propagated by division of the plant, from rhizome cuttings or from leaf cuttings and leaf wedges.

Dividing the plant is best done when it is repotted see the culture section. Rhizome cuttings, the rhizome can be cut up into sections 25-75mm long and half buried in the propagating mix, the growing tip makes the best cutting of this type. Leaf cuttings can be taken from mature healthy leaves, leave 25- 50mm of stem, small leaves can be used whole, larger leaves can be cut down to about one third their leaf area. Cut the stem off at a 45 degree angle with a sharp knife and insert into the propagating mix at an angle so that the cut end is 10-15mm deep prop up the leaf so that it does not fall out of the mix or hold water when you water it. If water lies on the leaf for long it will rot. The leaves should to send up shoots from the cut end of the stem in 6-8weeks, grow these on until they are big enough to divide up into separate plants.

Cutting Leaves into Leaf Cuttings and Wedges		Planting wedges

Leaf wedges should be taken from healthy mature leaves; these are cut up into wedges about 50-75mm long, turn the leaf over so that you can see the veins and cut the wedges so that each one has at least one prominent vein. Insert them almost vertically into the propagating mix so that about one quarter of the wedge is buried. Plant them in rows in seedling trays; you may need to prop up some wedges so they do not lay over onto the next row. A clear plastic cover can be put over the tray,if you are in a area of low humidity, in southeast Queensland it is not necessary, if any wedges start to rot remove the cover. The wedges should start to sprout small plants from the veins at the back of the wedge in 4-6 weeks in spring or summer, longer in the winter months.

Planting leaf cuttings		Leaf Cuttings in Sand

Difficult to strike plants can be propagated with leaf cuttings and leaf wedges in sphagnum moss; this can be cut up into small pieces or rubbed through a sieve. A seedling tray with a plastic cover or tall round plastic takeaway containers can be used. If you are using takeaway containers do not have any drainage holes in the bottom, have the sphagnum moss about 25mm deep, moisten it until there is 2-3mm of water in the bottom of the container, put in the leaf cuttings or wedges and put on the lid. The cuttings or wedges will sprout small plants in about 8-10 weeks. The containers can be stacked on top of each other to save space. If you are using a seedling tray with a cover, water the moss well put in your leaf cuttings or wedges, put on the lid and close any vents in the cover. Check that the moss is damp once a week, the young plants should appear in 6-8 weeks.