Rex Begonia Propagation tips #planttips #fypyoutube #propagation # Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! When to Start Seeds Indoors long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. 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. Advice on chopping top half do you have to cut where there's still green on the base or can you cut lower if there's pups growing? It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. You Might Also Like: BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. How to propagate Rex Begonia in water? Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. 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. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. These begonias have gorgeous flowers with frilly edges. Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. These plants can grow wide. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. They can also become sprawling because fast-growing stems frequently lack the strength to keep their heads up. The Rex Begonia originates in areas without salt in the water. You Might Also Like: This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. You can purchase this Rooting Powder in our retail store, The Plant Farm located in Spokane Valley, WA. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. Place each leaf cutting on the surface of a tray of moist seed raising mix. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. When shopping for a new pot, choose one that is only an inch (2.5cm) or so wider across the top. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. You can test the moisture with your finger. 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. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. 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. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. 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. Spider mites also feed on the sap from your plant. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. Propagating Begonia rex. Begonia rex plants can quickly get mildew or fungal diseases. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. The rhizome is cut apart and divided in order to propagate new plants. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. If you do this too often, it can create powdery mildew. Rex Begonia House Plants - Begonia rex Picture, Care Tips Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. The scorch marks can be either dark or white. Nothing should go to waste. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. Youll only need to refill the tray with water once its empty. And the soil should be porous and fast-draining soil. But you can also propagate this plant through leaf cuttings. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. All rights reserved. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. This is usually in March. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Its easy to do, especially when keeping the soil moist. Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. Begonia Rex- Insightful Care Guide to Make Painted-Leaf Begonia Happy Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. How to propagate Begonia | From leaves or cuttings They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Fill the remainder of the container with the potting mix, carefully firming it up around the begonia and being sure not to plant any deeper than it was growing in its nursery pot. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. It was published in 1857. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Begonia 'Tiger Paws' (Eyelash Begonia) - Gardenia.net How to Propagate Begonias | HGTV 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. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. . It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Begonias are prone to mildew and mold. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. If you give them more than an inch, theyll take a mile, and in this case, the mile in question is straight up. There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. 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. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias 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. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. 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. The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. . Provide 50% humidity. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Rex Begonia Care Indoors (Simple Tips For Success) Taxon 67(2): 267-323. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Cissus discolor, also known as rex begonia vine, is an evergreen, perennial, flowering trailing plant in the grape or family Vitaceae native to Southeast Asia, . There are several ways to create humidity for any indoor plant. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. The rex begonia plant thrives in humid environments and exposure to bright indirect sunlight. 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. 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. It can harm or even kill your plant. These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? They assume that the plant needs more water. How to Make a Kokedama. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. The part that's green is all the way at the top and would defeat the purpose. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. How to Care for a Begonia: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. Garden Guides | Care of Rex Begonias Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. The roots should be completely covered in soil. Water sparingly and allow to drain. You can use a mixture of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss, if you prefer. Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. How to Water Houseplants Do begonias winter inside? By cleverly planting multiple plants in the same space, each with sprouted cuttings from the parent plant, you can give the appearance of a bushier plant. All rights reserved. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings Take 4-6 in. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex 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. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. 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. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Fading leaves on a Begonia rex indicate too much direct sunlight. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. . Begonia rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Grows up to 10-12 in. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! Plant one Begonia rex per pot. The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. Press seeds onto the surface of the medium and cover them lightly with milled sphagnum. Do not put a Begonia where it gets a southern or even a western exposure. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. 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. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. The Garden Clinic It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. A stem cutting should be two to four inches in length and come from a healthy plant. Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy. While begonias are prone to becoming leggy, there is a relatively simple fix that can result in even more begonias! Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. Once fall hits, the plant goes dormant. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Rex Begonia Propagation| How to Propagate Rex Begonia from Stem Cuttings Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Your plant cannot photosynthesize and produce food if it is not exposed to light. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. Unlike other houseplants, bigger plant pots are better. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? Make sure the sun or artificial light isnt shining right on the plant. Strip off the lower leaves. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. Take a transparent bottle half filled with water. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Rex Begonia Propagation -The Plant Farm - YouTube Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. 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. Very good article. growing fancy-leaf begonias, indoors and out - A Way To Garden Provide 50% humidity. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Painted-leaf begonia can be propagated in different ways, including: Leaf cuttings; Stem cuttings; Dividing the rhizome; Of the three, the most common is leaf cutting because it requires less work to set up. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. You Might Also Like: Ingestions may lead to vomiting, kidney failure in grazing animals, and salvation in cats and dogs. Can you divide Rex Begonias? 6. To treat this disease, remove all infected leaves on the plant. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. The soil should always be moist. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. 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. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. 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! Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Repot in spring when the rhizome outgrows the pot. Begonia Propagation: Rooting Begonias From Cuttings - Gardening Know How Rex Begonia Plant - Care, Growing, Watering, Propagation 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. A dimly lit environment will encourage your begonia to send out long stalks in search of light. How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Begonias - All About Gardening 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! They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Rex Begonia - Geoponics Provide the plant with plenty of bright indirect sun, but keep it out of direct sunlight and rotate frequently to expose it to equal light on all sides. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. When used sparingly, this will encourage the growth of those lovely leaves without inspiring them to reach for the stars. Its beautiful leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight. And some are smooth, some fuzzy. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. Begonias - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. How to Divide Bearded Irises. When it comes to fast-draining soil, porous soil works the best. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. The rex begonia vine can be grown as an indoor plant or as an outdoor plant, though it will not survive cold temperatures outdoors. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. Once the plant pot is ready to go, you can go ahead and plant the leaf-cutting. It should sit right under the top layer. When choosing your pot, a good general rule of thumb is no more than 20cm across the top for each begonia. How to divide rex begonias | Propagating plants, Begonia, Plants Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. This plant pot should have drainage holes on the bottom. Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. 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. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine 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. Its both economical and satisfying to watch your sad, leggy begonia transform into a thriving swarm of new plants. How to Propagate Rex Begonias | Home Guides | SF Gate The leaves on this plant can grow to about 6 inches in width. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Rex Begonia Seeds | Home Guides | SF Gate Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important.