Begonia cuttings
When making cuttings for begonias do you have to have bottom heat to get them started?
**FULL QUESTION:** When making cuttings for begonias do you have to have any bottom heat to get them started? And what exactly is indirect light, which is suggested to start them? Can I just put them under grow lights?
*- Sue Gilmour, Barss Corner, NS*
**ANSWER:** Some begonias are propagated by leaf cuttings, other by stem cuttings. Leaf cuttings do best under a clear plastic cover which retains the warmth and humidity. Cuttings started in a soilless potting mix do usually benefit from warm soil (21°C/70°F is optimum) so bottom heat can give them a boost but isn’t absolutely necessary. Many stem cuttings can also be rooted in a glass of water and then carefully transplanted into a light soilless mix. Indirect light generally means not directly in blazing noonday and afternoon sun. Grow lights should be fine or even a bright windowsill.
Happy begonia-growing,
*Karen York, GL Botanical Editor*
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