How to Propagate Begonias So You’ll Never Run Out of Lush Blooms

One of Martha's favorite plants, begonias are beautiful ornamental flowering plants with striking foliage and flowers. If you have a few around your home or in the garden and want to double your supply, propagating begonias can make this dream a reality. Begonias are very easy to propagate at home, and the cuttings require little care to flourish in their new home. Ahead, we share step-by-step guides on how to propagate begonias through water, soil, and plant division, according to plant and garden experts.

When to Propagate Begonias

It's possible to propagate begonias any time, though spring and early summer are ideal because this is when the plant is actively growing. "Propagate begonias in spring or early summer, but if there's enough warmth and humidity, they can be propagated most of the year as long as they are actively growing," says Morris Hankinson, garden expert and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

Another perk of propagating during spring and summer is that both seasons offer more daylight, says Maksim Kazakou, resident botany expert at Plantum. "So, when you propagate begonias indoors, you won’t need to use grow lights to help the cuttings root and develop during these seasons."

How to Propagate Begonias in Soil

Propagating begonias in soil is easy and quick if you follow these steps.

1. Use sharp, clean secateurs or scissors to take a stem cutting of about 3 inches long from your begonia, says Hankinson. Ensure there is at least one leaf and one node. A node looks like a little nub—this is where the root will grow from.
2. Remove all lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone.
3. Fill a container with well-draining potting mix and stick the cutting in the soil, burying the node.
4. Cover the plant with a clear plastic bag to help retain humidity and moisture. Remove the cover when the cutting has rooted, which will take about a month.
5. Keep the soil lightly moist and place the planter in a bright spot with indirect light. Once the risk of frost is gone, the new begonias can be planted outside.

How to Propagate Begonias in Water

Begonias can also be propagated in water. The steps are similar to rooting the cuttings in soil, with a few small differences.

1. Use sharp, clean secateurs or scissors to take a stem cutting of about 3 inches long from your begonia. Ensure there is at least one leaf and one node.
2. Place the cutting in a cup of cool, filtered water. "Once the cutting produces roots, pot it into soil," says Kazakou.
   

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How to Propagate Begonias by Leaf Fragments

According to Kazakou, the easiest way to propagate begonias is through leaf fragments. Here's how to do it the right way.

1. Using sharp, clean scissors, cut off the petiole, the short stalk attaching a leaf to the stem. "To do this, you’ll need to make cuts across the main veins and keep some flat tissue around the petiole," says Kazakou.
2. Divide the rest of the leaf between the veins into several small fragments.
3. Fill a small planter with potting soil. Place the cut ends of the leaf fragments in the soil and add water.
4. Cover the planter with a plastic bag or place it in a greenhouse.
5. Sprinkle drops of water on the soil every few days. Once the plant has rooted, you can replant it in a larger planter or outside once the frost has gone.

Common Mistakes

These are the most common mistakes to avoid when propagating begonias.

Overheating Your Cuttings 

For best results, don’t overheat your begonia cuttings. Make sure to maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit after planting your cutting in soil, says Kazakou. And if propagating in water, make sure not to use hot water, as this could stress the plant and lead to the cutting dying.

Not Enough Light

Cuttings need bright, diffused light to root. Place your cutting in soil or water in a bright spot. If you notice the cuttings becoming leggy or reaching for the light, they need to be moved to a brighter location, says Hankinson. "However, too much direct light will also likely cause them to die off," he notes. 

Watering Too Frequently

Keep the soil moist but not soggy to prevent rot, says Kazakou. He recommends adding vermiculite and perlite to the potting soil, as these substances absorb excess moisture and release it gradually.

Using an Oversized Pot

Choose a small container for the cuttings or leaf fragments, and make sure each new pot is only 1 to 1.5 inches larger than the root system. All containers should have drainage holes.