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Leaf Propagation - how long should it take? specif. begonias

17 years ago

How long does it take to propagate new begonias from leaves (as in the Angel post right before this one)?

I'm currently trying the leaf propagation method with a few different begonias and, actually, some peperomias (just in case it works!). I was only able to obtain (ie pilfer) leaves of these. So I slit a few of the larger veins on the leaves and set them into a sand/vermiculite mixture and held them down with toothpicks, and i also cut up other bits of leaves into triangles (had read about that technique also) and set them into the sand. The whole tray is inside a big baggie. Does that sound about right?

It's been almost two weeks and not much is happening... how long should it take before I see something?

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
The amount of time is dependant upon temperature of the medium and ambient air, available moisture, light, time of year. But two weeks is waaaaay too soon!

Be patient, grasshopper.
ara133
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks rhizo 1, I'm totally impatient when it comes to plant propagation :) I'll give it some more time!
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ara133
Original Author
17 years ago
Hey Rhizo 1, I finally see something happening with one of the leaves!! Where the petiole would attach, there are some teeny tiny fleshy 'spikes' growing straight up; one looks like it may have a very tiny leaf starting to form at the top! I'm excited. Thanks for convincing me to wait and not give up on them :)
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
Yay! You've done good! Be patient a bit longer, before becoming anxious to transplant, ok?
ara133
Original Author
17 years ago
I will try, but it's really testing my patience ;)
The peperomia (P. caperata) has a tiny shoot emerging from the petiole attachment site... and now it looks like that same begonia leaf also has a shoot coming up from one of the slits I cut into the veins! This is just fascinating. Thanks again for your advice!

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