You should fertilize your winter-blooming plants with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen. I am going to walk you through how to propagate Begonia using root division and through leaf cuttings. And some are smooth, some fuzzy. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. How to split begonias? Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. When used sparingly, this will encourage the growth of those lovely leaves without inspiring them to reach for the stars. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! How to Make a Kokedama. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. Plant one Begonia rex per pot. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. Because your begonia cannot afford to produce both stems and leaves, it focuses on stems in the hope of achieving better illumination. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. tall and wide (25-30 cm). Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. 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. Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. 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. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings Take 4-6 in. They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. 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. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. I have a question. Published: Wednesday, 26 August, 2020 at 3:06 pm. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Regarding the Rex Begonia, you want to repot in a shallow pot. There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . 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. 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! The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. Expect one or two plants per cut. Use warm water in a misting bottle. Overgrowth occurs in all begonias, but it is most noticeable in cane begonias. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the 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. 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. Begonia rex is toxic to pets such as cats, dogs, and horses, according to ASCPA. Replace any fluids lost during pruning by giving your plant a good drink and returning it to its original location to recover. See those tiny plants unfurling? Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. 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. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. When to Start Seeds Indoors Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. 1. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. Begonia. It can harm or even kill your plant. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. The begonia foliage should be trimmed back, and the tubers can be dried and stored in a cool, dry location through winter, just as canna or dahlia bulbs are stored. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. . Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. 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 stem cutting should be two to four inches in length and come from a healthy plant. It's available in various colors. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. Bright indirect sunlight, and can tolerate direct sunlight too. When to Start Seeds Indoors Pests love hopping from one plant to another. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Press seeds onto the surface of the medium and cover them lightly with milled sphagnum. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. Consider using a grow light if you cant find a good bright spot. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. It should have drainage holes. The leaves are hairy and wavy. . A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. How to Water Houseplants How to Make a Kokedama. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. Read our. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. The rex begonia vine can be grown as an indoor plant or as an outdoor plant, though it will not survive cold temperatures outdoors. The most toxic parts of this plant grow underground. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. Avoid direct sunlight, but any location with good diffuse light will encourage your begonia to bloom with an abundance of alluring foliage. Begonias require less light than most house plants. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. You can purchase this Rooting Powder in our retail store, The Plant Farm located in Spokane Valley, WA. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. Keep in mind youll want to use distilled water for this plant. Or pink with silver edges. 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. 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. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. 2. Step 1 - Find a suitable tuber. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. 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. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. Theyre full of chemicals, so its important to test an area of your plant before using it. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. Another method involves spritzing the leaves of your plant now and then. Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. 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. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. The part that's green is all the way at the top and would defeat the purpose. If it has, remove the rotten roots. Consider using a systemic fungicide. But they can get pricey. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. This is because of []. On the other hand separating the rhizome takes the most work since you need to get the plant out of its container. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. The salt from the fertilizer can build up in the soil, causing serious fertilizer burn. Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. So, they water the plant more and more. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. Water once it has almost dried out. Its usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. Like most Begonia species, such as Begonia maculata, the Begonia rex is easy to care for. Begonia rex Taxonomy ID: 200043 (for references in articles please use NCBI:txid200043) current name. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. . Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. 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. Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. . 50%. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. To get rid of an infestation naturally, you should try neem oil. 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. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. Youll only need to refill the tray with water once its empty. Begonia rhizomes are sensitive to soggy soil or overwatering and may rot. 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. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. These plants can grow wide. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. To grow a begonia in a pot, you need to allow for growth, so ensure you choose a pot that is twice the width and depth of the plant. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? 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. Youll also need to make sure theres plenty of air circulation. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Rex Begonia. While begonias are prone to becoming leggy, there is a relatively simple fix that can result in even more begonias! This plant pot should have drainage holes on the bottom. Can you divide Rex Begonias? Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. 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. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. On transplant day, dig a hole sufficient to accommodate the begonia's root ball or tubers (in the case of tuberous begonia).
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