How to Propagate a Rex Begonia Leaf

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant.

   You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf., Clean the tool of your choice by dipping it into boiling water or by dipping it into rubbing alcohol. , You will want to cut in between two main veins.
   
   Your cuttings should look like triangles. , Put 4 holes in the bottom and 4 holes in the side near the bottom of the container. , Make sure the peat moss is moist but not soggy., Make sure the cutting is standing up in the peat moss so it is not laying flat on the peat moss.
   
   Repeat this in till you have used up all your cuttings you should be able to fit at least 10 cutting in each container.,, If using fluorescent lights keep them on for at least 14 hours a day or 24 hours if you wish keep the fluorescent light 5 centimeters above the container as the fluorescent light will create a nice gentle heat on your cuttings., Rooting will take place in a week or two and you should have new plant in a month or two.
   
   Some species may take longer to grow new plants.
2. 2

   Step 2: Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf.

3. 3

   Step 3: Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space.

4. 4

   Step 4: Prepare a very very sharp knife or box cutter or Stanley knife or razor blade (please use care with any of these tools).

5. 5

   Step 5: Locate the main veins on the begonia leaf and cut from the edge of the leaf all the way back to where the stem once was.

6. 6

   Step 6: Get a container with a lid (take away containers work best).

7. 7

   Step 7: Fill your container just under half way with peat moss.

8. 8

   Step 8: Place cutting into the peat moss by inserting the pointy end with the main vein into the peat moss make sure to leave majority of the leaf out of the peat moss.

9. 9

   Step 9: Put the lid on the container and place under fluorescent lights or on a bright window ledge out of direct sunlight as direct sunlight will kill your cuttings.

10. 10

    Step 10: Keep cuttings at a temperature rage of 16-27 degrees Celsius.

11. 11

    Step 11: Wait for growth.

Detailed Guide

About the Author