At Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden we have had great success in propagating Begonia dregei from both seed and tip cuttings. Although it can be propagated from leaf cuttings, these tend to take a longer time to establish compared with stem cuttings. Cuttings are best taken in spring or early summer and treated with a rooting hormone. They root easily in river sand or silica sand in an intermittent mist-spray area or in a warm, moist, shaded area.

Hand-pollination is necessary for a successful seed harvest in cultivation. Generally begonias hybridise easily, so care should be taken where a number of species are growing in the same area.

Seed is best sown in early spring or summer in a moist but well-drained medium. Once seedlings reach a height of 30 mm they can be pricked out and potted into 120-150 mm pots. We have found success with a well-mixed combination of 40% compost and 60 % pine bark medium with a handful of organic fertilizer (Bounceback ®).