---
title: "This whole beautiful stem on my polka dot begonia just broke off 😭…"
description: "This whole beautiful stem on my polka dot begonia just broke off 😭 How can I save or propagate it?!"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/4CppwB7ZTDy3uD2HLtKKkg"
community: "Propagating & Sowing"
author: "Emily in Austin"
published: "2025-08-20T22:32:55.608207Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/aJPqyTy_909juw_5--ny_jFRcmxWrK3n2C0AXOcNYcY/qtcQmsSPSOmS5pzz45oBHQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# This whole beautiful stem on my polka dot begonia just broke off 😭…

_Posted by Emily in Austin on 2025-08-20_

This whole beautiful stem on my polka dot begonia just broke off 😭 How can I save or propagate it?!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/aJPqyTy_909juw_5--ny_jFRcmxWrK3n2C0AXOcNYcY/qtcQmsSPSOmS5pzz45oBHQ.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Shirley🪴you jest commented on 2025-08-20

The Good News is you can give it a new life by trimming the leaves off about 5-6” of the bottom (where it broke off) and where it will now be submerged in water. This helps keep decay from occurring in the water.

Set it in a tall enough container🫙that will support the stem. Clear is easiest to monitor water level. Fill with water to the level just below the still attached leaves.  
Roots will form from the stem creating a new plant. You can plant it after several roots have formed and you feel confident it will be supported. Or you can leave it in water. Change water weekly to keep it fresh and the roots fully submerged.

I added photos of plants of mine that are currently rooting/propagating in water to help with a visual. See the white root buds forming at the stem under water?

With many plants this is a very easy and enjoyable way to either create a whole new plant or to add to a current plant that you want to increase its fullness. Hope this helpful!

Best wishes and have fun with it. 🪴

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UXWbN3kFcbJ4RE9QlwEUBV0D54aab3W65xgQ8zaAuiM/M4VYKKITTnWnjdyTf_iqsA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UXWbN3kFcbJ4RE9QlwEUBV0D54aab3W65xgQ8zaAuiM/9OU3KjffQLezO-IZVs-9Mg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UXWbN3kFcbJ4RE9QlwEUBV0D54aab3W65xgQ8zaAuiM/9Ij0vKkJTn2v8_GI52rvyA.webp?size=large)

#### Emily in Austin replied on 2025-08-21

Ok phew, easy enough. I don’t see nodes like I do on my pothos so wasn’t sure how easy it would be to prop.

#### Shirley🪴you jest replied on 2025-08-21

Sometimes the notes aren’t obvious. You will develop an eye for it as you do this again and again. Feel free to check in and let me know how it’s going if you would like. 😊

### Greenthumbhopeful commented on 2025-08-21

Pop it in water

### Plant Father commented on 2025-08-21

pull or snip off the lowest few leaves (there’s no need to strip a cutting of most of its leaves, you can divide it in two if it feels too large) … and then place it in water or moist potting soil and wait. it should grow just fine :-)

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