Mari11,

The big leaves will lose more water (transpire) than the plant can take in. So you did right by cutting the leaves off. It is okay to leave the last couple of leaves. If the leaves are large then cut the leaves in half to keep transpiration at a minimum.

If you are rooting the leaves in water or soil and the leaves are big, you can trim the outer part of the leaf off since they usually rot or dry up anyway.

As for the rhizome, put it (with pot) in a plastic bag to keep humidity high. Watch for rot though. My beefsteak responded vigorously in an aquarium/terrarium by putting out large leaves but my 'Madame Queen' rotted. Time to look for a new queen I guess.

Also if you can put the rhizome and leaves under lights 24 hours a day then growth should be more immediate. Light, proper watering, humidity, and warmth should do it.

Butch

Hi everybody. I am attempting to grow some begonias from leaves I got thru a trade. The previous grower said to root them in water. When I got them, I made fresh cuts in the stem and stuck them in water. I also sliced off a little bit (with vein) and stuck it in dirt and bagged it.

One of them (a Rex) has roots now. It's only been about 10 days. The question is, when should I pot it, and how deep?

Thanks for your help.

-Mo (WV)

Whoops! Meant to post as a separate thread. Sorry!

Thank you,Butch! I'll put it in a bag. Hope to save it.