how to divide a rex begonia

Care For Begonia Rex - Teak And Terracotta Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. a Few Hardy Begonias @ You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Make sure the plant never dries out. Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias benefit from leaf removal and will reward you with new shoots and more perfectly formed growth. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. Begonia rex plants can quickly get mildew or fungal diseases. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Underwatering is one of the most likely reasons your . Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. Lopping your begonias over-extended stems and pinching out its errant growth, as drastic as it may appear, is the most effective way to bring that growth back under control. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. 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. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. Rex Begonia House Plants - Begonia rex Picture, Care Tips 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. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. Then simply immerse the entire stalk in water. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. This plant pot should have drainage holes on the bottom. When choosing your pot, a good general rule of thumb is no more than 20cm across the top for each begonia. So what are you waiting for? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Do begonias winter inside? These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. How To Propagate Rex Begonia? - RayaGarden Propagating Begonia rex. This can harm Begonias roots as well as the leaves. How to split begonias? According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. The ULTIMATE Guide for Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga) - Ukhouseplants How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings | Garden Gate Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. 10 Best Begonia Rex Care Tips - Growing Guide - Plantophiles Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. But because they propagate so easily, it's a simple matter to keep a steady supply of healthy plants by creating new plants from cuttings. 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. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. But they can get pricey. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. 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. How to Care for a Begonia: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow 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. NCBI BLAST name . You can root these cuttings in perlite, potting soil, or any other sterile media. Overgrowth occurs in all begonias, but it is most noticeable in cane begonias. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. Begonia rex Putz. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. 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. And the soil should be porous and fast-draining soil. How to grow begonias - Better Homes And Gardens Examine your begonia growing environment. The rex begonia plant thrives in humid environments and exposure to bright indirect sunlight. There are a few different methods that can be used to propagate rex begonias, but the most common is stem propagation. Plantophiles 2023 |UpVision GmbH | Privacy Policy | About us, Common Problems with the Begonia Rex (Pests and Diseases), Your Begonia Rex has Crispy Leaves or is Losing Leaves, Your Begonia Rex has Silver or Grey Spores, Your Begonia Rex has a White Powdery Substance. Booman has another trick: Water thoroughly so that at least 20 percent of the water flows out of the pot, and don't let the plant sit in the water for a second, so that the salts cannot be taken up by the plant. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. How to Grow and Care for Begonia Rex Indoors - Homeplantsguide Can begonias overwinter indoors? - JacAnswers Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. 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. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. 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. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. If you have a hanging basket or a table-top pot of . . All rights reserved. Is it skewed in one direction? Begonias are easily propagated at home. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. You Might Also Like: BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. There are wide different Begonia rex varieties available: Begonia rex has vibrant foliage that ranges from red to green to purple with various patterns. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Make sure you sterilize the pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. 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. Begonia rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. Consider using a systemic fungicide. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. Slightly moist soil is ideal for painted leaf begonias, but excess moisture will cause root rot, so make sure the water drains properly from the pot and you empty the saucer of excess water. Make sure you pack the soil tightly around the cutting. Pests love hopping from one plant to another. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. Do not put a Begonia where it gets a southern or even a western exposure. 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. The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Mist the foliage of Rex (foliage) type begonias twice a week or provide high humidity to avoid leaf drop. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Are Begonia Rex Plants Poisonous? - Study Nature It isnt too good to be true! Step 1 - Find a suitable tuber. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. These mites arent actual insects but arachnids instead. Garden Guides | Care of Rex Begonias Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Rex Begonia | Costa Farms Theyre full of chemicals, so its important to test an area of your plant before using it. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. I am going to walk you through how to propagate Begonia using root division and through leaf cuttings. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. This stops any plant disease from spreading. Another method involves spritzing the leaves of your plant now and then. 1. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. Provide 50% humidity. 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. Taxon 67(2): 267-323. Water the begonia transplant and acclimate it in an area out of direct sun. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . . It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Begonia Propagation: Rooting Begonias From Cuttings - Gardening Know How To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. You should avoid freezing temperatures at all times. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. 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. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. This article is about how to care for Begonia rex. How to Make a Kokedama. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! So, they water the plant more and more. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. Begonia rex plants are prone to mildew and fungi. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. Use a sharp knife and divide into as many pieces as you like, as long as each piece has at least one bud on it. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. The part that's green is all the way at the top and would defeat the purpose. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. How to Water Houseplants Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings | Garden Gate By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Replace any fluids lost during pruning by giving your plant a good drink and returning it to its original location to recover. Youll also need to make sure theres plenty of air circulation. tall and wide (25-30 cm). Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. It should have drainage holes. ". Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. How to Propagate a Rex Begonia Leaf: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Remove the stem with a sharp knife and slice the leaf into wedges, each piece with a main vein. 3. How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. How to Divide Bearded Irises. You can purchase this Rooting Powder in our retail store, The Plant Farm located in Spokane Valley, WA. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. You should fertilize your winter-blooming plants with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen. This article was last updated on 12/27/21 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. These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. 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. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. 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. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. 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. 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The plant needs more light, but not intense light. A systemic fungicide can help. Ingestions may lead to vomiting, kidney failure in grazing animals, and salvation in cats and dogs. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. Very good article. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Published: Wednesday, 26 August, 2020 at 3:06 pm. Begonia fungicide is available at garden centres. See those tiny plants unfurling? Mix a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of canola oil, and a tablespoon of dish soap. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Move your plant to a shadier area. Begonias easily form new roots in water, and some indoor plant enthusiasts simply replant the rooted cutting with the parent plant, resulting in dense arrangements that give the appearance of a larger, thriving begonia. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. Because they are susceptible to fungal infections, it is a good idea to limit the opportunity for those pesky diseases to establish a foothold in potting soils. Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. 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. Rhizomatous begonias such as the rex begonia can be easily propagated by. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/divide/how-to-propogate-rex-begonias-from-leaf-cuttings/, How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings, How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings. They need room to spread. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors.