Wedge vs cone cuttings - which is faster?

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

I have a rex begonia "fireworks" and had read about several methods of propagating. I was curious about which was the most effective, so last night I took a couple cuttings and decided to try the wedge cutting method in one pot and the rolled cone shaped cutting method in another. I plan on monitoring them and finding out which one roots and starts shooting up new growth faster. An experiment, if you will. I'll update as things progress. In the meantime, what are your experiences with wedge cuttings versus cone cuttings?

Wedge cutting:

Propagation test: Rex Begonia "fireworks" · More Info

Cone cutting:

Propagation test: Rex Begonia "fireworks" · More Info

They are in the short plastic solo cups with holes punched in the bottom for drainage. I tented them simply by putting another cup on top (with no holes) and taping it together on one side so it opens like a clamshell. I lightly misted the top cup for humidity:

Propagation test: Rex Begonia "fireworks" · More Info

If interested, here's the parent plant. Isn't she a beauty? One of my favorite plants, and surprisingly easier to care for than I anticipated.

Propagation test: Rex Begonia "fireworks" · More Info

Featured Answer

hc mcdole

11 years ago

Thanks for the testing. I think you may find that one method may be better than another depending on the specific plant and vice versa.

I noticed at PHOE that they use cone cuttings quite a bit while at Harmony Foliage they use wedge cuttings. Which is faster? Good question.

Here is an example of Harmony's propagation bench (this is just a small sample of what they do).

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Comments (7)

kelli
Original Author
11 years ago
Interesting! It looks like they've totally figured out whether cones or wedges work best for each rex variety. Sorry, new here - what is PHOE?
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hc mcdole
11 years ago
Palm Hammock Orchid Estates in Miami. Very interesting place to visit. If you ever are in Miami go visit before it is closed down.

Cone cuttings at PHOE April 2013

It is old and lots of algae abounds but there is a lot of variety here.

May 2014

It was pouring when I visited so did not get to see much.

May 2009
kelli
Original Author
11 years ago
Wow! Gorgeous collection. Definitely need to put it on my list - I'm actually planning a Miami trip at the end of this year. Hope I can make it before they close. I would love to go but it would be so tempting to go and be surrounded by rexes and not be allowed to buy anything... Although maybe I can convince them to ship it to me in California?
hc mcdole
11 years ago
They do mail order too but I find it much better to shop in person at this nursery. They are a little high on prices but what the heck...
kelli
Original Author
11 years ago
It looks like they have a lot of hybrid varieties that aren't widely available online anyway, so it might be worth it!
hc mcdole
11 years ago
Mail order is a lot less expensive than driving/flying to a place that specializes in begonias. But if you are in the area do give them a visit for a couple of hours. Been there five times since 2005.