Rooting Tuberous Begonia Cutting In Perlite

Perlite, an inert, porous, volcanic rock material, is excellent for rooting cuttings without a propagator. Its porosity and lack of nutrients keep cuttings damp and airy, and help them resist rotting.

TAKING THE CUTTING
Select a healthy young stem with one medium-sized leaf (about 4 to 5mm (2 inches)); also including a smaller, opening leaf bud.
Cut stem with clean sharp knife about 5mm (3/8inch) below base of small bud

Note: this photo taken after rooting; as you can see, small leaf has grown somewhat.

• Fill container with perlite and water so all perlite it wetted


• Trim loose bracts from base of cutting and insert into perlite* until base of lower leaf is below surface (be very careful not to damage base of stem). Base of lower leaf will be in contact with top of perlite.


• Pour out water until level is just beneath stem (ensures perlite damp but stem not actually immersed).


• Ensure damp perlite is contacting stem all way around.


• No need to cover.


• Place in a cool light spot, out of direct sunlight.


• Ensure container does not dry out too much.


• After 21 days check rooting by giving a gentle tug - if rooted, will be firmly set into perlite.


• Carefully remove. If perlite sticks to root hairs, leave it alone; it will give plant a better start.
  

This cutting rooted after 24 days. It would have been better left another week. But placed it in damp multi-purpose and kept light and cool.

* Rooting powder not necessary

See also: 'What Is A Semi-Ripe Cutting?'