Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Making room..., 0 by Gitagal

Gitagal wrote:
Gretchen,

There's no need for you to put up with the tallness of these begonias! You can cut the tops off (about 10"-12") , stip off the last set of leaves, and put them in a glass/vase of water. They root very easily!

As for the Mama plants, you can discard the long stem in the middle (or root it) and the remaining stems will branch out somewhat and give you a fuller plant. They tend to branch out from the base of the original stem, not so much from where you cut it. Believe me! These Begonias are indestructable!!! Also, this way you will double your plants.

The name "Cane Begonias" speak of how woody the older stems/roots can become. Almost like Bamboo. In my experience, the plants made from cuttings are much more bushy and vibrant in the following year. They also don't lose as many leaves when you bring them indoors for the winter. However, I have also found that they do not bloom so well if it is their first year (from cuttings the year brfore) than when they are at least 2 years old. Also, they need to be outside to really bloom well.

I have several Beefsteak Begonias. They are beautiful and grow so large and impressive! Do you have any of those? You can root them from just one leaf. In about 2 years, they will spill over a 6" pot!

Here's a picture of my biggest one. This is about 4 years old and there are about 3 plants in this pot. Gita