Regarding the Rex Begonia, you want to repot in a shallow pot. Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. They need room to spread. Do not put a Begonia where it gets a southern or even a western exposure. - . Step 1 - Find a suitable tuber. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. The vast majority of begonias offered in the trade are hybrids so they cannot be accurately propagated from seed. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. And the soil should be porous and fast-draining soil. I just call them all fancy-leaf begonias, but they divide into several structural groups: Fibrous-rooted ones have cane-like stems and often wing-like leaves. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? How to Divide Bearded Irises. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. 3. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. Step 1 Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. (6 Useful Methods of Use). Read our. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. You Might Also Like: Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. 4. We earn from qualifying purchases. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. Trimming a cane begonia allows you to remove up to two-thirds of any stem without fear of killing the plant. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Begonia roots are prone to rot immediately after dividing. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. Because your begonia cannot afford to produce both stems and leaves, it focuses on stems in the hope of achieving better illumination. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. There are wide different Begonia rex varieties available: Begonia rex has vibrant foliage that ranges from red to green to purple with various patterns. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. I changed the water ones a week.Rubber plant propagation PART Ihttps://youtu.be/yXjvCQt5K0sRubber plant propagation PART IIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBx3UjgMHPQ\u0026t=3sMonstera propagation https://youtu.be/Oa2Bdz14vJMInstagram https://instagram.com/lushgarden.lak?igshid=1awg76y1j643hThanks for clicking and I hope you've enjoyed this video!Stay tune for further updates. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. By using our site, you agree to our. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Make sure the medium is evenly moist but not wet or soggy. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? On transplant day, dig a hole sufficient to accommodate the begonia's root ball or tubers (in the case of tuberous begonia). I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). . They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Here is where you will find the Rex begonias, Dragon Wing begonias, and other specialty ones like Eyelash begonias. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. If youre afraid to damage the roots, use pruning shears for this step. 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. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Water sparingly and allow to drain. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. Lay the plants roots on a paper towel. You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. The flowers can turn orange, pink, and white. The cutting should then be placed in a clean pot filled with moistened potting mix. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Its also the most common issue youll come across. It's available in various colors. See those tiny plants unfurling? It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Begonia Listada Plant Care Best Practices, Scarlet Begonia (Begonia Coccinea) Best Care Tips | Plantophiles, [] The leaf surface has a mixture of colors ranging from green grass ting to red. I am personally against misting the leaves of plants manually as mist on the leaves can cause leaf rot if the airflow is not sufficient to dry them quickly. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. . Plant one Begonia rex per pot. On occasion, Ive pruned the top of a begonia, removed the leggy portion of the stem, and then immersed the remaining top in water to establish root. If it has, remove the rotten roots. 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. Tuberous begonia. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Remove the stem with a sharp knife and slice the leaf into wedges, each piece with a main vein. After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. When shopping for a new pot, choose one that is only an inch (2.5cm) or so wider across the top. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. 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Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. This is usually in March. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. Mist the soil as needed, so the cuttings stay moist, but don't keep them so wet that water stands on them. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. And some are smooth, some fuzzy. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. . Once the plant pot is ready to go, you can go ahead and plant the leaf-cutting. Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. . Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. This article was last updated on 12/27/21 Can you divide Rex Begonias? As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. 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. Begonias are easily propagated at home. This can take about two or three weeks. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. The rhizome is cut apart and divided in order to propagate new plants. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When it comes to fast-draining soil, porous soil works the best. 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. Cane begonias should be pruned on a regular basis to encourage a thicker growth, and other varieties benefit from having their excessively straggly growth removed as well. Make sure the soil is always moist. If you must use soils in your growing medium for any reason, make sure there is plenty of organic material scattered throughout to allow for proper drainage. Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Divide the vine into smaller pieces, ensuring each has at least two or three leaves. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. 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. This article will show you the easiest way to propagate a rex begonia leaf. Nothing should go to waste. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. Compact grow lights are very common and simple to use and will provide your begonia with the light levels it requires to stay in one place rather than legging it off in search of a brighter day. Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Now you care for the new plant like you do the mother, Rex. Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. You can cut off up to two-thirds of the top of any given cane begonia. Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. These plants are grown almost exclusively for their foliagetheir blooms tend to be small and less showy and many growers pinch off blooms to maintain breathtaking leaf displays. There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. All rights reserved. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. Rex-cultorum begonias can be propagated in three ways, based on their type: by softwood cuttings, by leaf cuttings, or by dividing the rhizomes in summer. Dont be afraid! Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. 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. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. It was published in 1857. A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. The seeds . It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. You can root these cuttings in perlite, potting soil, or any other sterile media. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we After you've placed your Begonia Rex seedlings into holes in the soil, cover them with soil and water them generously. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. Plant a tuber section per pot. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. You have to remove all the infected leaves, so it doesnt spread. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Please note the tuber I split here in the images is nowhere large enough to need splitting but it is all I had on hand to demonstrate with! How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Taxon 67(2): 267-323. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. How to Make a Kokedama. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Get the plant pot ready. These begonias have gorgeous flowers with frilly edges. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. 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. If you give them more than an inch, theyll take a mile, and in this case, the mile in question is straight up. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. Begonia rhizomes are sensitive to soggy soil or overwatering and may rot. Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. It isnt too good to be true! This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. If you have a hanging basket or a table-top pot of . How to Water Houseplants Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. Begonia Rex has tiny seeds that need warmth to germinate. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. When to Start Seeds Indoors Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. When a previously lush and leafy specimen produces an excess of stems and stalks, it shoots up until its nothing more than a tuft of greenery on a long bundle of sticks. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. 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. But they can get pricey. See those tiny plants unfurling? Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Typically grown for their beautiful leaf markings, most rex begonias have large leaves with intricate swirling patterns in a variety of colours including green, red, purple and silver. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. The part that's green is all the way at the top and would defeat the purpose. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. Slice down several inches deepat least 6 inches for most plants and more for extremely large, well-rooted plants. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. 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. 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. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. Cut the leaf and stem from the main plant, then take off the leaf stem and throw it away so youre left with just the leaf. In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. 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. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. They are resilient and thrive under that level of pruning. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). Consider using a grow light if you cant find a good bright spot. Most of the time, the roots should be easy to divide by hand. How long does it take a begonia tuber to How to start a new Virginia creeper from How to propagate and split perennial geraniums, Clemson University Extension: Growing Begonia Indoors. One of our favorite methods for creating high humidity is the pebble tray method. 1. Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. acklam crematorium book of remembrance, david doyle daughter,