They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Are Begonias Deer Resistant & How To Keep Them From Eating Begonias How to split begonias? - JacAnswers While begonias are prone to becoming leggy, there is a relatively simple fix that can result in even more begonias! Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. These begonias have gorgeous flowers with frilly edges. This is usually in March. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. Mix together well and moisten with water. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. It's available in various colors. This plant disease can destroy a plant. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. If there are several plants in one pot, they will crowd together. Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. Underwatering is one of the most likely reasons your . How to Grow and Care for Begonia Rex Indoors - Homeplantsguide These mites arent actual insects but arachnids instead. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Rex Begonia Propagation| How to Propagate Rex Begonia from Stem Cuttings Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Its important to pay careful attention to your plant so you can fix any problems as they arise. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Replace any fluids lost during pruning by giving your plant a good drink and returning it to its original location to recover. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. It was published in 1857. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. Rex Begonia Guide: How to Grow & Care for "Begonia rex-cultorum" Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. But they can get pricey. Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. 50%. Temperature and Humidity Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. Rex Begonia Propagation -The Plant Farm - YouTube Plus, you want to trap in moisture so itll grow quicker. Pests love hopping from one plant to another. Keep in mind youll want to use distilled water for this plant. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. Provide 50% or more humidity and fertilize every three weeks using a liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength. A leggy begonia reminds me of a teenager in the middle of a growth spurt, gangly and out of proportion, and theres some truth to that. . Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Can you divide Rex Begonias? Examine your begonia growing environment. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. The first thing you do is to dig up your Rex Begonia plant. ". Get rid of these infected leaves right away. 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. But they will also let you know if they feel that their water, light, and soil conditions are a bit off for their liking. 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. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings Take 4-6 in. 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. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Make sure the sun or artificial light isnt shining right on the plant. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Its both economical and satisfying to watch your sad, leggy begonia transform into a thriving swarm of new plants. You can root these cuttings in perlite, potting soil, or any other sterile media. The Begonia rex is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Begonia Plant Pruning: How And When To Prune A Begonia Plant Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. Slice down several inches deepat least 6 inches for most plants and more for extremely large, well-rooted plants. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. 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. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. Begonias require less light than most house plants. It drains well while retaining a good amount of moisture, and the slow but steady decomposition of the moss provides a consistent amount of nutrition. These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Begonia fungicide is available at garden centres. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. Its usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. A Beginner's Guide to Begonias: Begonia rex-cultorum Pruning and pinching will help you concentrate the growth of your plant and make it denser and bushier. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. You can purchase this Rooting Powder in our retail store, The Plant Farm located in Spokane Valley, WA. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. Take a transparent bottle half filled with water. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. You may have everything you need at home already. It should have drainage holes. How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Begonias - All About Gardening Begonia Transplant Guide - How And When To Repot Begonias Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Guide To Care For Begonia Rex | Harper's Nurseries 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! Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. All of that summer zeal will end up in the leaves, giving you a display of growth to be proud of. Make sure the medium is evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Plant growth is costly and necessitates the use of nutrients. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. - . Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Rex Begonia | Costa Farms Begonia rhizomes are sensitive to soggy soil or overwatering and may rot. Rex Begonia Seeds | Home Guides | SF Gate 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. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. Once you see the plant roots coming through the pots drainage holes, its time to re-pot it. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. How to propagate Rex Begonia in water? Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. The soil should always be moist. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Advice on chopping top half do you have to cut where - Reddit Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. Make a hole in your planting medium with a dibble stick (or if you're like me, use that pencil sitting on the counter) and insert your stem into the hole. Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. You Might Also Like: Because their leaf markings are so beautiful, rex begonia growers often remove the small, inconspicuous flowers when they appear, as they can detract from the foliage display. Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. 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. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . When used sparingly, this will encourage the growth of those lovely leaves without inspiring them to reach for the stars. 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. After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. 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. If you do this too often, it can create powdery mildew. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. How to Divide Perennial Plants - The Spruce How to Make a Kokedama. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Begonia rex Taxonomy ID: 200043 (for references in articles please use NCBI:txid200043) current name. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. Rex Begonia Care - Painted Leaf Begonia Houseplant Care #begoniarex #waterpropagation Its much easier to propagate begonias from leaves, and you can do this with most kinds of begonias.To make babies from leaf, start by snipping a few healthy leaves from your favorite begonia. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. Provide 50% humidity. How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. 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. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. 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. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. 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. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. 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. Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. How to grow begonias - Better Homes And Gardens This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. 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. . Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. The roots should be completely covered in soil. How To Propagate Rex Begonia? - RayaGarden Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. They assume that the plant needs more water. Begonia rex 'Putzeys' | The American Begonia Society If you have a hanging basket or a table-top pot of . How to Propagate a Rex Begonia Leaf: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Care For Begonia Rex - Teak And Terracotta Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. External Information Resources (NCBI . There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . It isnt too good to be true! 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. Read our. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. This can harm Begonias roots as well as the leaves. Begonia Propagation: Rooting Begonias From Cuttings - Gardening Know How Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. 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. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. You need to dilute the neem oil with water. 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. Begonias: outdoors / RHS Gardening - Royal Horticultural Society Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. This will help make it stand up. 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. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This can take about two or three weeks. 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. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. So, they water the plant more and more. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. A very well draining potting mix with added sand and perlite. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. How to Propagate Begonias | HGTV Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. Its a great way to get your begonia bushing out instead of legging it upwards. Begonia roots are prone to rot immediately after dividing. How to Propagate Rex Begonias | Home Guides | SF Gate Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). You have to remove all the infected leaves, so it doesnt spread. By using our site, you agree to our. Begonia Rex- Insightful Care Guide to Make Painted-Leaf Begonia Happy 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. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Expect one or two plants per cut. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Begonia 'Tiger Paws' (Eyelash Begonia) - Gardenia.net This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. You can use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to do this. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. The salt from the fertilizer can build up in the soil, causing serious fertilizer burn. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. Open the containers lid once a week for 10 minutes to let the cuttings breath. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. You Might Also Like: Water once it has almost dried out. However, while they do best in partial shade and indirect light, this is not the same as no light at all. Begonias: houseplants / RHS Gardening - Royal Horticultural Society The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). Ultimate Guide to Rex Begonia Plant Care at Home 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. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. Can begonias overwinter indoors? - JacAnswers Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. Its also the most common issue youll come across. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. How to Divide Bearded Irises. . How to divide begonia tubers - Patient Gardener Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. A stem cutting should be two to four inches in length and come from a healthy plant. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. Rex Begonia Plant - Care, Growing, Watering, Propagation Find out to divide your rex begonia house plants, in our step-by-step guide. They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment.