How to propagate Rieger Begonia and what to pay attention to

Reproduction method of Rieger Begonia

Begonia is usually propagated by branch cuttings or leaf cuttings, but can also be propagated by sowing or natural reproduction. Cutting propagation is the fastest.

Reproduction time of Rieger Begonia

Begonia prefers a warm growing environment and cannot be reproduced in winter and summer. It is best to choose spring and autumn for the highest survival rate.

How to propagate Rieger Begonia

Cutting propagation of Rieger Begonia

1. Cutting time: To cut Begonia, you must first choose a good time. It is best to do it in late autumn and early winter, which is the time to prune and shape the plant.

2. Selection of cuttings: When shaping and pruning the Begonia, you can cut off new branches as cuttings. The length should be appropriate, and the lower part can be cut into a horseshoe shape. You can also choose strong and mature leaves, cut the lower end of the petiole obliquely and use them as cuttings.

3. Start of cutting: insert the prepared cuttings into the substrate (vermiculite powder or plain sand), water them thoroughly, and cover them with plastic film to maintain humidity. Then place the cutting pot in scattered light and provide proper ventilation. It will take root after three weeks.

Seed propagation of Rieger Begonia

Seeds can be obtained after Reie Begonia blooms, so sowing can also be used to propagate Reie Begonia. However, its seeds are very small, so there is no need to cover them with soil after sowing. Just spray some water to keep the soil slightly moist, and cover it with transparent plastic film. In an environment of about 20℃, seedlings will emerge in 12 days. When the seedlings grow true leaves, they can be ventilated appropriately.

Leaf cutting propagation of Rieger Begonia

Insert the leaves of Reieger Begonia into the substrate, water it appropriately, and maintain it with diffuse light. Fibrous roots will grow under the petiole in about 20 days, and adventitious buds will grow from under the petiole after about 45 days and gradually emerge from the soil. After that, you can maintain it according to the cultivation method of Reieger Begonia.

Matters Needing Attention in the Reproduction and Maintenance of Rieger Begonia

1. Soil: Begonia likes fertile, loose, well-drained soil. It is best not to use garden soil. You can mix peat soil, vermiculite and perlite.

2. Watering: Begonia likes moisture but is afraid of waterlogging, so the soil should be in a state that is neither completely dry nor waterlogged. It has a greater demand for water in summer, so it needs to be watered once in the morning and once in the evening. The water temperature should be similar to the indoor temperature.

3. Light: Begonia prefers semi-shade and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. It is best to keep it in a place with sufficient diffuse light. The light intensity in winter is low, so you can give it as much light as possible without shading.

4. Temperature: The most suitable growth temperature for Begonia is between 18 and 22 degrees. In winter, you need to protect yourself from the cold and keep the temperature above 15 degrees. Of course, if the temperature in summer is above 28 degrees, you also need to cool it down.

5. Fertilization: Begonia requires fertilizer during its growth period, about once every two weeks. When it is still a seedling, mainly use nitrogen fertilizer, and more phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer can be used during the flowering period.