Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. Expect one or two plants per cut. Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Keep in mind youll want to use distilled water for this plant. Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. How to Grow and Care for Begonia Rex - Florgeous Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. 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. Cultivar Selection Begonia rex : Evergreen perennial to 30cm, with large, obliquely ovate leaves which are metallic green with a silvery zone on the upper surface, reddish beneath; panicles of small pink flowers in winter. Can You Grow Begonia Rex From A Cutting? - Study Nature Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. The roots should be completely covered in soil. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. . The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. And make sure your plant is always getting bright but indirect sunlight. How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. Begonia 'Tiger Paws' (Eyelash Begonia) - Gardenia.net (6 Useful Methods of Use). It was published in 1857. Your begonia has indicated this need by stretching its leaves in the direction of a brighter light source. The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the . Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease. Protecting your leaf cutting from harm while it starts to root is important. Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. Begonia rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Its usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. . Unique to this genus, propagation by leaf cutting can be successful no matter how you cut the leaf because rex begonias have the ability to regenerate completely from any plant part. Trimming a cane begonia allows you to remove up to two-thirds of any stem without fear of killing the plant. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. 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 well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. 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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. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. Lush Garden 5.95K subscribers 108K views 2 years ago #begoniarex #waterpropagation #begoniarex. Rex Begonia. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. 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. 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. Grows up to 10-12 in. Water once it has almost dried out. Its a great way to get your begonia bushing out instead of legging it upwards. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. Needed good info to prune and appreciate this info as I am not as good a plant person as my sister who gave me this plant. Rex Begonia House Plants - Begonia rex Picture, Care Tips Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. It isnt too good to be true! Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. 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 leaves on this plant can grow to about 6 inches in width. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. Is it skewed in one direction? Begonias - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Rex Begonia | Costa Farms The flowers can turn orange, pink, and white. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. See those tiny plants unfurling? The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. Overgrowth occurs in all begonias, but it is most noticeable in cane begonias. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Pin into place with wire. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Examine your begonia growing environment. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. How To Propagate Rex Begonia? - RayaGarden They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. Care For Begonia Rex - Teak And Terracotta Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. 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. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. Rex Begonia Plant - Care, Growing, Watering, Propagation Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. The salt from the fertilizer can build up in the soil, causing serious fertilizer burn. Can you divide Rex Begonias? See those tiny plants unfurling? The Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. The rhizome is cut apart and divided in order to propagate new plants. How to split begonias? How to Water Houseplants In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. This causes begonias, particularly cane varieties such as the popular Polka Dot or Angel Wing varieties, to grow tall and lean, with few leaves along the stems. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. When choosing your pot, a good general rule of thumb is no more than 20cm across the top for each begonia. But you can also propagate this plant through leaf cuttings. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. Begonia Plant Pruning: How And When To Prune A Begonia Plant External Information Resources (NCBI . After reading this, I am quite confident that I can now save my favorite plants, and to have many more! Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Water sparingly and allow to drain. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. 6. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. Garden Guides | Care of Rex Begonias You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Rhizomatous begonias such as the rex begonia can be easily propagated by. Make sure the plant never dries out. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. Stem cuttings are very simple. Then go ahead and fill the tray with water. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. Begonia rex 'Putzeys' | The American Begonia Society Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. Read our. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we This can take about two or three weeks. You can care for the leaf-cutting as you do the original Begonia rex. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. You Might Also Like: They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. How to propagate Begonia | From leaves or cuttings How to Divide Rex Begonias | eHow UK How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. So, they water the plant more and more. Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. tall and wide (25-30 cm). Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. Tropicals & Tender Perennials:Need advice dividing rex begonia After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. Strip off the lower leaves. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Spray your plant down every three weeks or so. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. It isnt too good to be true! How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. It should sit right under the top layer. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. It suffocates the pests within only minutes. [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias benefit from leaf removal and will reward you with new shoots and more perfectly formed growth. Propagating Begonia rex. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. Place each leaf cutting on the surface of a tray of moist seed raising mix. How to split begonias? - JacAnswers Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. When you cut a leaf, make sure the leaf-cutting has three inches of the petiole attached. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. A Beginner's Guide to Begonias: Begonia rex-cultorum But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings Take 4-6 in. This article will show you the easiest way to propagate a rex begonia leaf. Begonia rex Putz. This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. Join our Facebook Group About Houseplants and Gardening, propagate using water as a medium for Begonias, Mars Hydro VG80 Seedling LED Grow Light Review, 11 Worst Signs of Anthurium Root Rot Fix Anthurium Root Rot. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. . Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. The begonias eye-catching, asymmetrical leaves make it the star of any collection, but what if your begonia is more stem than a leaf? ". Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. 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. Here is where you will find the Rex begonias, Dragon Wing begonias, and other specialty ones like Eyelash begonias. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! Well walk you through both methods step-by-step down below. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. #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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. . Its important to pay careful attention to your plant so you can fix any problems as they arise. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias You can use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to do this. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Provide 50% humidity. This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. To fix a leggy begonia, first, determine what is causing the overgrowth and then correct it by increasing light, temperature, or changing the plants pot. Begonias are easily propagated at home. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Garden Guides | How to Divide Wax Begonias Begonias: houseplants / RHS Gardening - Royal Horticultural Society The leaves are narrow and spotted white. Underwatering is one of the most likely reasons your . To fix a leggy begonia, first, determine what is causing the overgrowth and then correct it by increasing light, temperature, or changing the plant's pot. All rights reserved. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. How to Water Houseplants Mixing plants in a small indoor pot is not recommended in general, but when it is literally parts of the same plant, you can avoid the pitfalls of over-planting your pot. Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. Begonia Rex - How to Grow Care - Painted Leaf Begonia - Houseplant411 Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. Do not put a Begonia where it gets a southern or even a western exposure. Published: Wednesday, 26 August, 2020 at 3:06 pm. Spider mites love Begonias as well. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. You can use a mixture of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss, if you prefer. 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! Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. Rex begonias are rhizomatous plants that grow from a, When the rhizome begins to butt up against the sides of the pot, however, it's time to. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment. Fill the plant pot with porous and fast-draining soil. Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. Begonias require less light than most house plants. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. Plant one Begonia rex per pot. 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. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy.