I either root stem cuttings, or divide them Ted. That pink cartoon one was a little clump crammed in a 3in. pot from Home Depot and I divided it as soon as it came home into about a dozen small plants. There are 3 divisions in that pot which is an oval about 12in. across.
I've only once had a begonia start from laying a leaf on the medium, and it was an accident!
Thinking probably it will work at certain times in the spring and fall when it's humid but not too hot or cold. Otherwise, it's my impression that method would work well in a controlled setting i.e. greenhouse conditions.
Every time I've tried with a stem cutting it has worked just fine. Why mess with success, right?
'Dejah Thoris' Huh? Will keep an eye out for it. One of my favorite nurseries here seems to have a begonia fan working there, as they get some unusual ones. I got my big 'Looking Glass' there.
