Maple leaf begonia, grape-leaf begonia
In addition to many herbaceous plants, begonias also include some shrubs and semi-shrubs. Like the maple-leaved begonia (Begonia dregei). This semi-shrub native to South Africa reaches a height of up to 40 centimetres.
Leaf cuttings: yes, stem cuttings: yes, rhizome cuttings: no
Like most other begonias, Begonia dregei can also be propagated with leaf cuttings and stem cuttings.
I have achieved the best results with stem cuttings. The leaves are very small, which is probably why many of my leaf cuttings died before they could form roots. However, some of them worked.
Timing
All year round
Light
Bright to semi-shady but without direct sunlight.
Soil
Sowing mixes, bird sand, herb soil, vegetable soil
Temperature
The ideal temperature range is 64 to 86 °F (18 to 30 °C).
Rooting time
At around 68 °F (20 °C), the first roots can appear after three weeks. The stem cuttings root faster than the leaf cuttings.
Further information
Begonia dregei does well in bright to semi-shady locations with only a little sun. Some early morning sun in summer, late evening sun and winter sun are tolerated.
I use a mix of pumice gravel and lava gravel as a soil. Mixtures containing humus (“potting soil”) are also suitable, but are often colonized by fungus gnats. For this reason, I cultivate most of my houseplants in mineral substrates.
The root ball of the pot can dry out between waterings, but it should not be allowed to dry out or stand under water for long periods.
Older specimens of Begonia dregei can store water in their thick stems and tolerate short-term drought stress. However, this should not be a permanent condition.
Liquid fertilizer can be given monthly from spring to late summer or in low concentrations weekly to fortnightly.
No fertilizer is required in the first year after purchase or repotting.
Begonia dregei likes it warm all year round and should not be exposed to temperatures below 59 °F (15 °C) for long periods in winter.
Categories: Indoor Plants |
