Begonias: houseplants / RHS Gardening - Royal Horticultural Society Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. You need to dilute the neem oil with water. I hang fluorescent lights 6 inches above the cuttings and leave them on about 12 hours each day until the new plants start to grow. Step 1 - Find a suitable tuber. growing fancy-leaf begonias, indoors and out - A Way To Garden What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? The leaves on this plant can grow to about 6 inches in width. Care For Begonia Rex - Teak And Terracotta All you have to do [], Begonia Venosa Care - Guide To Plant Success | Plantophiles, [] you are interested in Begonia, other Begonia to have a look at are Begonia Rex, Begonia Darthvaderiana, Begonia [], Begonia Cucullata Care: Here's What You Need to Know | Plantophiles, [] can also gradually move your Begonia into lower light as time goes on, but keep in mind you will have to adapt it to bright light in the [], Begonia Bipinnatifida Care: Here's What's Important | Plantophiles, [] this Begonia is also very prone to powdery mildew and other fungal and bacterial diseases. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. Consider using a grow light if you cant find a good bright spot. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. While begonias are prone to becoming leggy, there is a relatively simple fix that can result in even more begonias! Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Theyre tiny and hard to detect. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. Step 4: Pin the rex begonia leaf into seed-starting mix Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy. ". Care guide highlights: Known as the painted-leaf begonia, Begonia rex performs quite well in standard potting mix with the addition of peat moss or leafmold for increased acidity, in bright to moderate light with good ventilation and high humidity, higher, in fact, than other begonias. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! How to propagate Rex Begonia in water? Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Replace any fluids lost during pruning by giving your plant a good drink and returning it to its original location to recover. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. Begonias easily form new roots in water, and some indoor plant enthusiasts simply replant the rooted cutting with the parent plant, resulting in dense arrangements that give the appearance of a larger, thriving begonia. University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Cissus discolor: How to Grow and Care for the Rex Begonia Vine Rex Begonia Crispy Leaves Just as Begonia's do not do well if overwatered, it is also important to ensure that your plant does not dry out and die of thirst. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. Follow our step-by-step guide to dividing rex begonias and create the perfect gift for friends and family, while ensuring the continued health of your own plant. Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. After youve trimmed your plant to the desired height, pinch off new growth sprouting at the top on a regular basis. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Provide 50% humidity. Let me show you how to get more of these great plants practically free! Regarding the Rex Begonia, you want to repot in a shallow pot. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. Spray your plant down every three weeks or so. Once fall hits, the plant goes dormant. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. NCBI BLAST name . Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. . Rex begonias can also be propagated by pinning a leaf to the bedding mix and making small incisions in the leaf veins or by inserting a leaf (with a petiole) directly into the soil. Fill the remainder of the container with the potting mix, carefully firming it up around the begonia and being sure not to plant any deeper than it was growing in its nursery pot. Use a sharp knife and divide into as many pieces as you like, as long as each piece has at least one bud on it. Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. Advice on chopping top half do you have to cut where - Reddit There are two main ways to propagate a Rex Begonia. Slice down several inches deepat least 6 inches for most plants and more for extremely large, well-rooted plants. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. The plant needs more light, but not intense light. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Dont remove the plastic wrap until a few new leaves have grown. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. Youll only need to refill the tray with water once its empty. This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. You Might Also Like: Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. It is also available online, visit our website at spokaneplantfarm.com.For over fifty years, our plants have been locally grown in Spokane Valley, WA. Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. How to Grow Begonia Rex - Healthbenefitstimes.com Dividing Tuberous Begonias - Knowledgebase Question - Garden.org You can care for the leaf-cutting as you do the original Begonia rex. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Pruning and pinching will help you concentrate the growth of your plant and make it denser and bushier. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. How to divide rex begonias - removing old leaves Step 2 Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. But they will also let you know if they feel that their water, light, and soil conditions are a bit off for their liking. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Make sure the plant never dries out. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. Spider mites love Begonias as well. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. You Might Also Like: If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. The vast majority of begonias offered in the trade are hybrids so they cannot be accurately propagated from seed. Begonias: outdoors / RHS Gardening - Royal Horticultural Society You Might Also Like: Rhizomatous varieties, such as the popular begonia rex, are even easier, requiring only a single leaf in water to produce a new addition to your collection. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. 2. Advice on chopping top half do you have to cut where there's still green on the base or can you cut lower if there's pups growing? It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . These resemble pink or red bumps, similar to the growing eyes on potatoes. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. A systemic fungicide can help. The scorch marks can be either dark or white. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. Make sure you pack the soil tightly around the cutting. How To Propagate Rex Begonia? - RayaGarden Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/divide/how-to-propogate-rex-begonias-from-leaf-cuttings/?epik=dj0yJnU9X0NGUGk3bDdwbWdZUk16SVNJRVFuczRFUVMxYzdmaDUmcD0wJm49RDgtMjg5UmhGOVN6WlBLNlVNbGsydyZ0PUFBQUFBR0hmWWp3, How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings, How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings. She is a Master Gardener and lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. Because they are susceptible to fungal infections, it is a good idea to limit the opportunity for those pesky diseases to establish a foothold in potting soils. I have a question. You can root these cuttings in perlite, potting soil, or any other sterile media. Underwatering is one of the most likely reasons your . Your begonia has indicated this need by stretching its leaves in the direction of a brighter light source. Pests love hopping from one plant to another. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. But because they propagate so easily, it's a simple matter to keep a steady supply of healthy plants by creating new plants from cuttings. Begonia rex plants are prone to mildew and fungi. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. Make sure the sun or artificial light isnt shining right on the plant. Begonia Rex- Insightful Care Guide to Make Painted-Leaf Begonia Happy This is especially true in warmer weather more on that later. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. - . Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. . They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. How to Divide Perennial Plants - The Spruce Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. All rights reserved. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . Expect one or two plants per cut. This can take about two or three weeks. When it comes to fast-draining soil, porous soil works the best. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. Divide a Rex begonia when it begins to outgrow its pot or once the plant is at least three years old if you want to add more begonias to your houseplant collection. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Rex Begonia Propagation| How to Propagate Rex Begonia from Stem Cuttings Step 4: Pin the rex begonia leaf into seed-starting mix Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. If it has, remove the rotten roots. Warm spells are unavoidable I personally avoid using air conditioning if possible due to my other, more heat-loving plants but its best to keep your begonia in a cooler part of your home or office. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. tall and wide (25-30 cm). Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. How to Grow and Care for Begonia Rex Indoors - Homeplantsguide How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Begonia Propagation: Rooting Begonias From Cuttings - Gardening Know How Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. Tuberous begonias | UMN Extension Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Get the plant pot ready. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Besides a pest infestation, there may be other reasons why the leaves are wilting, including the following: Rex begonias are one of the easiest houseplants to care for and happy in many conditions. Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. You Might Also Like: Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Divide the vine into smaller pieces, ensuring each has at least two or three leaves. Do begonias winter inside? By cleverly planting multiple plants in the same space, each with sprouted cuttings from the parent plant, you can give the appearance of a bushier plant. Here is where you will find the Rex begonias, Dragon Wing begonias, and other specialty ones like Eyelash begonias. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. Make sure you sterilize the pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol. Plantophiles 2023 |UpVision GmbH | Privacy Policy | About us, Common Problems with the Begonia Rex (Pests and Diseases), Your Begonia Rex has Crispy Leaves or is Losing Leaves, Your Begonia Rex has Silver or Grey Spores, Your Begonia Rex has a White Powdery Substance. Rex Begonia Care Indoors (Simple Tips For Success) Set Up Your Apiary With the Best Beekeeping Supplies, Create a Safe Deer Feeding Station With the Best Deer Feeder, Become More Efficient With the Best Rubber Buckets, Declutter Your Outdoor Space With the Best Deck Boxes, Liven up Your Lawn With the Best Grass Paints, Create a Relaxing Sitting Space With the Best Gazebos, Optimize Your Orchids Growth With the Best Orchid Fertilizers, Improve Your Gardens Soil Health With the Best Fish Fertilizers, Relax and Unwind With the Best Inflatable Hot Tubs, Best Patio Sets to Level up Your Outdoor Space, Seclude Your Garden with the Best Outdoor Privacy Screens, Unleash Your Flower Power With the Best Fresh Flowers, Safeguard Your Equipment With the Best Riding Lawn Mower Covers, Guarantee Extra Protection With the Best Lawn Mower Covers. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. Slightly moist soil is ideal for painted leaf begonias, but excess moisture will cause root rot, so make sure the water drains properly from the pot and you empty the saucer of excess water. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. This article was last updated on 12/27/21 Trimming a cane begonia allows you to remove up to two-thirds of any stem without fear of killing the plant. Make sure the medium is evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Use warm water in a misting bottle. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. Other varieties may not require as much vigorous pruning, but even the most delicate begonia will benefit from having its overgrown stalks and stems trimmed back. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Keep in mind youll want to use distilled water for this plant. Booman has another trick: Water thoroughly so that at least 20 percent of the water flows out of the pot, and don't let the plant sit in the water for a second, so that the salts cannot be taken up by the plant. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. Begonia 'Tiger Paws' (Eyelash Begonia) - Gardenia.net Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. Begonias are easily propagated at home. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Mix together well and moisten with water. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings | Garden Gate Published: Wednesday, 26 August, 2020 at 3:06 pm. . Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. 4. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. How to Propagate Begonias | HGTV To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, The 5 'It' Plants of 2021, According to the Pros, 10 Varieties of Begonias for Gardens and Containers, 9 Great Foliage Plants for Container Gardens, How to Grow and Care for Begonia Maculata, 34 Best Plants That Grow in Water Indoors, How to Grow and Care for Black Bat Flower, How to Grow and Care for Persian Silk Trees, Northeastern India, southern China, and Vietnam. These plants can grow wide. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. Rex Begonia Propagation tips #planttips #fypyoutube #propagation # This stops any plant disease from spreading. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Stem cuttings are very simple. Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Fill a 4-inch container with commercial potting mixture. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. Strip off the lower leaves. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. See those tiny plants unfurling? We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Can you divide Rex Begonias?