Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. 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. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. This can take about two or three weeks. Because your begonia cannot afford to produce both stems and leaves, it focuses on stems in the hope of achieving better illumination. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. A systemic fungicide can help. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Provide 50% or more humidity and fertilize every three weeks using a liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. If youre afraid to damage the roots, use pruning shears for this step. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Do not put a Begonia where it gets a southern or even a western exposure. 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. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. Step 1 Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. . How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. Do begonias winter inside? Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. They bloom in several colors, including pink, orange, and red. 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. When you cut a leaf, make sure the leaf-cutting has three inches of the petiole attached. Begonias are prone to mildew and mold. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. 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. Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. Tuberous begonia. You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. It should sit right under the top layer. Grows up to 10-12 in. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. Place each leaf cutting on the surface of a tray of moist seed raising mix. 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. - . Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the . Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. External Information Resources (NCBI . Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. Pests love hopping from one plant to another. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Begonia Rex has tiny seeds that need warmth to germinate. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. 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. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. Aggressive Drainage. Water the begonia transplant and acclimate it in an area out of direct sun. 2. Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. 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. 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. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Provide 50% humidity. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. Most of the time, the roots should be easy to divide by hand. 2. It isnt too good to be true! Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. To get rid of an infestation naturally, you should try neem oil. The most toxic parts of this plant grow underground. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . The begonias eye-catching, asymmetrical leaves make it the star of any collection, but what if your begonia is more stem than a leaf? They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). You will need pruning shears (This is the one I use), and I would recommend a jar or bowl of water for larger cuttings more on that later! Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. Place the leaf-cutting, so its sticking out of the soil at a 45-degree angle. You can use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to do this. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Make sure the sun or artificial light isnt shining right on the plant. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. How to Water Houseplants The seeds . Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep the roots healthy as they grow, you can propagate a Rex Begonia like a pro. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. If you give them more than an inch, theyll take a mile, and in this case, the mile in question is straight up. Plus, you want to trap in moisture so itll grow quicker. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. I have a question. Then go ahead and fill the tray with water. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Or pink with silver edges. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. Begonia rex Taxonomy ID: 200043 (for references in articles please use NCBI:txid200043) current name. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. 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. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. We earn from qualifying purchases. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. Get the plant pot ready. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. Its easy to do, especially when keeping the soil moist. Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. If your begonia is receiving adequate light but still reaching for the stars, the problem is one of temperature, and you must maintain your cool. 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. Begonia rex Putz. Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. The flowers can turn orange, pink, and white. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. Make sure you sterilize the pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol. 4. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Now you care for the new plant like you do the mother, Rex. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. Fill a small pot with moistened seed-starting medium. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. . Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. Post #8301529 Quote CindyMzone5 Hobart, IN Jan 10, 2011 Should I try to evenly divide the roots so that all of the clumps have some roots? If the begonia will be transplanted to an outdoors location, prepare the soil about 7 to 10 to days before planting by adding aged manure or compost and mix into the soil. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. The scorch marks can be either dark or white. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. This plant disease can destroy a plant. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. Learn how from The Urban Gardener, Alan Creach of Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm.In this video, Alan refers to root tone, which is the same type of product as Bonide Rooting Power, which is what we currently use and recommend at The Plant Farm. How to Water Houseplants It can harm or even kill your plant. Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. 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. 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 Make a Kokedama. You can purchase this Rooting Powder in our retail store, The Plant Farm located in Spokane Valley, WA. After youve trimmed your plant to the desired height, pinch off new growth sprouting at the top on a regular basis. Theyre full of chemicals, so its important to test an area of your plant before using it. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. On the other hand separating the rhizome takes the most work since you need to get the plant out of its container. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. This begonia requires high humidity during the growing period. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. Cuttings taken from leggy specimens are a great way to start new plants. Nothing should go to waste. This plant can come in various colors depending on how its bred. Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. The plant needs more light, but not intense light. 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. University of Connecticut Home and Garden Information Center. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. You can care for the leaf-cutting as you do the original Begonia rex. Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Fertilize your begonias. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Obviously, a larger pot is required if you have a larger plant, but its best to err on the side of caution and stick to smaller ones to prevent them from sprinting off into every available bit of the new roomy pot. Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. Water once it has almost dried out. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. Another method involves spritzing the leaves of your plant now and then. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! Strip off the lower leaves. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. "I've been losing all my beautiful leaves off most of my favorite plants! How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. You need to remove all dead or harmed roots right away. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? . It contains soluble calcium oxalates. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Keep in mind youll want to use distilled water for this plant. While begonias are prone to becoming leggy, there is a relatively simple fix that can result in even more begonias! 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. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. 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. Propagating Begonia rex. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. Plant growth is costly and necessitates the use of nutrients. Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. When to Start Seeds Indoors If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. These plants can grow wide. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. A stem cutting should be two to four inches in length and come from a healthy plant. Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. 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. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. 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. Most potted plants have limited resources, and as a result, growth is restricted. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. All rights reserved. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. So what are you waiting for? They can also become sprawling because fast-growing stems frequently lack the strength to keep their heads up. So, they water the plant more and more. Temperature and Humidity A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. See those tiny plants unfurling? Provide 50% humidity. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. There are two main ways to propagate a Rex Begonia. Rex Begonia. There are wide different Begonia rex varieties available: Begonia rex has vibrant foliage that ranges from red to green to purple with various patterns. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. Once fall hits, the plant goes dormant. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. Cut the germinated tubers longitudinally, each with 1 to 2 buds, and plant in a pot after the incision is dried. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. It should be getting bright indirect light. . Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. How to Divide Bearded Irises. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. 6. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. You can cut off up to two-thirds of the top of any given cane begonia. Rex begonias grow at a medium speed, but they like a pot with room to grow, so you won't need to worry about repotting too often. 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. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . The Begonia rex is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. Dont remove the plastic wrap until a few new leaves have grown. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. 1. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. But you can also propagate this plant through leaf cuttings. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. If the two asexual propagation methods of cutting and branching are adopted, we should pay attention to maintaining high environmental humidity and temperature from 20 to 25 . Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. Youll only need to refill the tray with water once its empty. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Once you see the plant roots coming through the pots drainage holes, its time to re-pot it. Mist the soil as needed, so the cuttings stay moist, but don't keep them so wet that water stands on them. This is especially true in warmer weather more on that later. There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. If it has, remove the rotten roots. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. Expect one or two plants per cut. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. 1. Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. If you have a hanging basket or a table-top pot of .