Plant care guide
Begonia Propagation: Match the Method to the Begonia Type
Updated
How do you propagate a Begonia?
How you propagate a begonia depends on its type. Cane, wax and trailing begonias root from 7.5–10 cm (3–4 in) stem cuttings. Rex and other rhizomatous begonias grow new plants from leaf cuttings or divided rhizomes, and tuberous begonias from cuttings or cut tubers.
What to do first
Work out your begonia's type first. Take stem cuttings in spring, root them in sandy, peat-free cuttings compost with gentle bottom heat, and keep them humid in bright, indirect light. For Rex and rhizomatous types, use leaf cuttings or divide the rhizome.
Begonia is a huge genus. NC State Extension’s Begonia profile counts more than 2,100 species. It sorts them into wax, tuberous, cane, rhizomatous and Rex types. NC State lists division, leaf cuttings, seed and stem cuttings, but not every method suits every type.
Identify your begonia first. Then pick the method that matches.
Which method for which begonia
| Type | Examples | Best method |
|---|---|---|
| Cane-stemmed | Angel wing, Begonia maculata, Dragon Wing | Stem cuttings; also layering |
| Fibrous-rooted (wax) | Semperflorens bedding begonias | Stem cuttings or seed |
| Trailing and hanging basket | Trailing tuberous types, B. boliviensis hybrids | Stem cuttings in spring |
| Rhizomatous | B. masoniana, B. cleopatrae | Leaf cuttings, rhizome division |
| Rex | Begonia rex hybrids | Leaf cuttings, division |
| Tuberous | Large-flowered tuberous begonias | Cuttings with a heel, tuber division |
The RHS begonias as houseplants guide gives methods by group. Iowa State University Extension’s propagation guide lists leaf cuttings and division for Rex and iron cross begonias, and stem cuttings and layering for angel wing. Clemson Extension’s indoor begonias factsheet describes Dragon Wing as a cane-stemmed begonia often grown in hanging baskets.
Stem cuttings (cane, wax and trailing types)
This is the method for most hanging and “weeping” begonias.
- Take cuttings in spring. The RHS suggests April, using 7.5–10 cm (3–4 in) shoots.
- Trim the cutting. Illinois Extension’s cuttings guide suggests at least two nodes, with 2–3 leaves left on. Remove any flowers so the cutting puts its energy into roots.
- Insert it into sandy, peat-free cuttings compost, with leaves kept above the surface.
- Give bottom heat. The RHS roots begonia cuttings at 18–21 °C (64–70 °F).
- Cover with a clear bag to keep humidity high, in bright light out of direct sun.
- Pot up when the roots are about 2.5 cm (1 in) long, as Illinois advises.
The RHS outdoor begonias guide says trailing tuberous begonias are usually bought as cuttings and can be propagated by basal or stem-tip cuttings in spring.
Leaf cuttings (Rex and rhizomatous types)
The RHS leaf cuttings page describes two ways:
- Whole leaf. Cut across the main veins on the underside and pin the leaf, cut side down, onto the compost. Illinois notes new plants form at the wounds.
- Squares. Cut the leaf into 2.5 cm (1 in) squares, each with a main vein, and pin them to the surface.
The RHS houseplant guide suggests a propagator at 18–24 °C (64–75 °F) with high humidity. Our Rex begonia leaf vein guide walks through it step by step.
Dividing rhizomes
The RHS says to divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, so that each piece of rhizome carries one or more growing points. Pot each piece separately.
Tuberous begonias
The RHS outdoor guide gives two options. Take 10 cm (4 in) cuttings with a heel, a sliver of tuber, in April, with bottom heat of 18–21 °C (64–70 °F). Or cut a sprouting tuber into sections, each with at least one growth bud, and let them callus for a few hours before potting. Only sections that already have roots will grow.
Why begonia cuttings fail
- Rot. Clemson warns against wet or waterlogged soil for begonias. Keep the compost moist, not soggy, and never leave cuttings standing in water. Our begonia root rot guide covers the signs.
- Wilting. Soft cuttings dry out fast. Keep humidity high with a clear bag over the pot, as Illinois advises.
- No roots. Check the temperature. The RHS figures assume gentle bottom heat.
Begonias aren’t safe for pets. The ASPCA lists begonia as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and NC State notes the underground parts are the most toxic. Keep trays of cuttings out of reach.
For polka dot begonia specifically, see our Begonia maculata propagation guide. Trailing types for baskets are compared in begonia varieties for hanging baskets, and all groups in begonia types and care. Other plants are covered in our houseplant propagation guide.
Related guides
Other begonia problems we cover: curling leaves, crispy leaves, powdery mildew and neem oil, dropping leaves, leggy growth.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Begonia
- RHS: Begonias as houseplants
- RHS: Begonias outdoors
- RHS: Leaf cuttings
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Propagating Houseplants
- Clemson Cooperative Extension, HGIC 1552: Growing Begonias Indoors
- Illinois Extension: Cuttings
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Begonia
How this guide was put together: NC State Extension, RHS, Iowa State University Extension, Clemson Extension, Illinois Extension and ASPCA guidance.