Propagate Gorgeous Begonia In Water For A Garden Full Of Color, Here's How

With over 1,800 species and hybrids, begonias are a staple plant in homes and gardens across the country. From the cane begonias with their delicate drooping blooms to the bold rex begonias with their iconic spiked leaves, there is something for every flora enthusiast. If you already have a few begonias in pots or out in the garden, you'll be pleased to learn that they number among the houseplants you can propagate or grow in water with ease. What's more, most begonia varieties can be propagated from stem or tip cuttings, making them the perfect plant for this water-based method.

Before getting started, check which begonia flowers are invasive in your region. For example, the popular wax begonia (Begonia cucullata) is considered invasive in Florida and Georgia. Visit the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health or the USDA Invasive & Noxious Search to learn the status of the begonias species you have. If the plants are non-invasive, you can go ahead and start propagating. To get started, you will need some small glass jars, gardening gloves, sharp pruners, and fluorescent grow lights. Begonia cuttings release their own growth-boosting rooting hormone. Using small jars that holds just a little water results in a greater concentration of that hormone. 

Take a stem cutting that is 2 to 4 inches long from a healthy plant. Do not cut the stem any longer than this. Length can affect how successfully (or not) your cutting roots and a longer cutting may grow into a lanky plant. Once you have your cuttings, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and pick off any flowers. Leave a few leaves on the top of the cutting. Place the cuttings in the water-filled jars, making sure the water covers only the portion of the stem you removed the leaves from. You can place more than one cutting in a single jar without negatively impacting root growth.

Place your cuttings in a warm area under a fluorescent light and top up the jars with fresh water as the level drops. You should see roots starting to form after about three or four weeks. Once the roots are half an inch long, you can remove your new begonia plants and place them in seedling planters prepared with moist potting soil. If your begonias have grown more foliage, prune them gently to create a bushier plant. Now all that's left is to continue to grow and take care of your begonias so you can enjoy the flowers these new plants sprout season after season.