Is it time to pot the begonia cutting??
Hey all! A bit ago I showed what I called “the propening”… a massive cut down of my leggy #PolkaDotBegonia ! The cutting and the original plant has done great and I see roots starting! Questions:
-When should I pot this fella in soil? Maybe now before the roots get bigger? (I just checked them and they had a growth spurt actually… maybe 3-4 inches in length now? But very delicate looking!)
-My plan was to put these back all in to one new pot to create a bushier look. But this cutting will need to get acclimated to soil. Should I give it its own pot to get acclimated first, then put them all together in case the original plant gets angry about the new frequency of watering?
I remember chatting with @DreamMachine I think about this a bit ago but can’t remember what was said now 🤣
#help #PropagationStation #GregGang
-When should I pot this fella in soil? Maybe now before the roots get bigger? (I just checked them and they had a growth spurt actually… maybe 3-4 inches in length now? But very delicate looking!)
-My plan was to put these back all in to one new pot to create a bushier look. But this cutting will need to get acclimated to soil. Should I give it its own pot to get acclimated first, then put them all together in case the original plant gets angry about the new frequency of watering?
I remember chatting with @DreamMachine I think about this a bit ago but can’t remember what was said now 🤣
#help #PropagationStation #GregGang
6
@Stephazar dang, look at those roots! Definitely ready to be potted up 👍
Regarding acclimation to soil—since begonia roots are very fragile and delicate, I would say the lower the number of times they have to be repotted the better.
So if your plan is to add to the original plant, I would just do that and be mindful of your watering. I would plant them deep enough so that they are on level with the mother plants roots, if possible. Or if that doesn’t work, one of those squeezy long spouted water bottles works well for if you’re only trying to get water to the props.
If someone else wants to chime in that’s fine too, this is just what I would do. 👍
Regarding acclimation to soil—since begonia roots are very fragile and delicate, I would say the lower the number of times they have to be repotted the better.
So if your plan is to add to the original plant, I would just do that and be mindful of your watering. I would plant them deep enough so that they are on level with the mother plants roots, if possible. Or if that doesn’t work, one of those squeezy long spouted water bottles works well for if you’re only trying to get water to the props.
If someone else wants to chime in that’s fine too, this is just what I would do. 👍
I agree with @DreamMachine , if your plan is to join them with the parent plant, go ahead and do that now. Water roots are completely different than soil roots, so once in soil it will start growing new, stronger grow roots.
I did want to address what you said about the parent plant and watering frequency...you shouldn't need to water it more often once the water-propped cuttings are in there. Some might think that more frequent waterings are necessary for cuttings that have been in water, but this will only cause them to rot. Same thing would happen if you tried to transition them from water to soil by gradually adding soil to the water. The 3-4" of roots are an advantage, one that will help them make the transition to soil more smoothly. Once they're in the pot with the parent plant, all you need to do is water normally and give them some time to acclimate 😉
I did want to address what you said about the parent plant and watering frequency...you shouldn't need to water it more often once the water-propped cuttings are in there. Some might think that more frequent waterings are necessary for cuttings that have been in water, but this will only cause them to rot. Same thing would happen if you tried to transition them from water to soil by gradually adding soil to the water. The 3-4" of roots are an advantage, one that will help them make the transition to soil more smoothly. Once they're in the pot with the parent plant, all you need to do is water normally and give them some time to acclimate 😉
@stephonicle @DreamMachine thanks all!! Great ideas! Is there any else I can do to ensure the success of the cutting in the pot? I know some people struggle with the begonia cuttings
@Stephazar I would just ensure a stable temp environment while your cuttings adjust, plenty of light or grow light, and good airflow. Do you have a fan in the room with the begonia? Airflow is one of the least thought about areas, but it helps enormously to grow strong plants 💪
@DreamMachine it’s right in the dining room/kitchen, lots of airflow and activity 🥰 hoping I can get to it tomorrow!!
