I just accidentally broke off all the top growth of a begonia my mother was sending home with me. I know it should grow out again but can I root the top growth?

I think so. My preference would be to root it in water.

I'd say, YES!!! What have you got to lose!?!? I'd try rooting some in water, or just stick them right into your soil. Just as you would any type of cutting. Begonias, from what I understand are pretty easy to root. Make a clean cut, and take it from there. If you decide to place the cutting in soil, then you may want to put a baggie over it to aid in moisture retention while it's rooting, and don't put it in the sun... Good luck!

Hi Arlene,

It probably depends on the Begonia species, but most Begonias I've tried have been very easy to root. I've rooted them in water and soil-less potting mix with ease. Do you know the species/variety of that Begonia?

Based on the photo, you must be visiting family up north. Very snowy!

Oh, forgot to mention...

To get your new cuttings home without wilting, just pop them in a plastic zipper bag (freezer/storage bag), add a few drops of water, blow some air in and seal. Rather than adding drops of water, you can also wrap a damp piece of paper towel around the bottom of the cuttings before placing in the bag. I found this way much easier than fighting with cuttings in a cup of water while traveling in a car. In a pinch, even a plastic grocery bag will do but they tend to have small holes.

Thanks everyone! I think I'll try both methods after I get home but Danita, love the suggestion for traveling! We've been in northern MI and now heading to see Jen. Maybe she'll take a couple of pieces now.

Not a chance, Mom! Outta room with the den remodel

It looks like they were rotting. Is it a tuberous Begonia?

Naw, they were perfectly healthy, I just threw a pillow into the back seat forgetting they were there! Duh! It is a tuberous Begonia, a beautiful yellow one. I have the stems in water now until we leave. And of course I'm hoping the tubers will grow out again.

Though most Begonias do great at my house, my only experience with a tuberous one was this past spring. I was told it wouldn't like the heat here, and sure enough, after a few really hot days, it melted, for lack of a better word again. The stems fell over and the ends looked like the one in the top circle. Aside from that 'puckered' stem end, your pillow misadventure and this story have nothing in common (and I hope it stays that way!) The middle one looks great!

The end I circled at the top looks like it had separated from the rest of the plant already, puckered shut, for lack of any more proper terminology to throw out there. The one nearer the bottom just looks dark, like maybe in the process of puckering shut. I hope I'm totally wrong, and should have been more specific in the first place. Sorry, they're replacing our roof today and it's noisy!!