They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. Water the begonia transplant and acclimate it in an area out of direct sun. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Post #8301529 Quote CindyMzone5 Hobart, IN Jan 10, 2011 Should I try to evenly divide the roots so that all of the clumps have some roots? Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. I hang fluorescent lights 6 inches above the cuttings and leave them on about 12 hours each day until the new plants start to grow. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. This is usually in March. Plant one Begonia rex per pot. Since you must wait for the roots to dry, prepare the plant pot. 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. Grows up to 10-12 in. Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials This is especially true in warmer weather more on that later. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? It's available in various colors. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. They assume that the plant needs more water. See those tiny plants unfurling? How to divide rex begonias - removing old leaves Step 2 Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Cut a healthy leaf. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. We earn from qualifying purchases. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. Step 1 - Find a suitable tuber. 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. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. Now you care for the new plant like you do the mother, Rex. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. Well walk you through both methods step-by-step down below. I am going to walk you through how to propagate Begonia using root division and through leaf cuttings. 4. Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. It was published in 1857. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias All rights reserved. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. This article will show you the easiest way to propagate a rex begonia leaf. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. Once the plant pot is ready to go, you can go ahead and plant the leaf-cutting. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. But don't let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither. Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). 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. Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. If you have a hanging basket or a table-top pot of . Propagating Begonia rex. tall and wide (25-30 cm). Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. It should be getting bright indirect light. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Because their leaf markings are so beautiful, rex begonia growers often remove the small, inconspicuous flowers when they appear, as they can detract from the foliage display. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Begonia. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Press seeds onto the surface of the medium and cover them lightly with milled sphagnum. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Begonia rex Taxonomy ID: 200043 (for references in articles please use NCBI:txid200043) current name. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. You can use a mixture of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss, if you prefer. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. You can care for the leaf-cutting as you do the original Begonia rex. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. If it has, remove the rotten roots. Check weekly. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. 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. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). They need room to spread. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Expect one or two plants per cut. When to Start Seeds Indoors Make sure you sit your plant a few inches away instead of sitting it right under the light. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. Or pink with silver edges. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the . Most indoor plants, on the other hand, live in a kind of perpetual spring, where it is warm but not hot and there is little moisture in the air. Its also the most common issue youll come across. Now that weve restored your radiant beauty, lets look at how to keep that legginess from reappearing. 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? Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. 2. Rhizomatous varieties, such as the popular begonia rex, are even easier, requiring only a single leaf in water to produce a new addition to your collection. Potting soil, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite. Begonia roots are prone to rot immediately after dividing. When shopping for a new pot, choose one that is only an inch (2.5cm) or so wider across the top. There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Spray your plant down every three weeks or so. Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. Get the plant pot ready. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. It suffocates the pests within only minutes. The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. Your begonia has indicated this need by stretching its leaves in the direction of a brighter light source. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Your plant will get plenty of sun but it wont receive direct sunlight. Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. Theyre tiny and hard to detect. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. The salt from the fertilizer can build up in the soil, causing serious fertilizer burn. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Mist the soil as needed, so the cuttings stay moist, but don't keep them so wet that water stands on them. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. 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. 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. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. 50%. Divide the vine into smaller pieces, ensuring each has at least two or three leaves. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. I hang fluorescent lights 6 inches above the cuttings and leave them on about 12 hours each day until the new plants start to grow. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Step 4: Pin the rex begonia leaf into seed-starting mix Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? 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. Young leaves should be removed before they unfurl. Ingestions may lead to vomiting, kidney failure in grazing animals, and salvation in cats and dogs. So what are you waiting for? You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). 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. 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. Youll also need to make sure theres plenty of air circulation. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. Spider mites also feed on the sap from your plant. Step 2 - Prepare the New Location. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. 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. There are a few different methods that can be used to propagate rex begonias, but the most common is stem propagation. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! When it comes to fast-draining soil, porous soil works the best. The Begonia rex is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Slice down several inches deepat least 6 inches for most plants and more for extremely large, well-rooted plants. A systemic fungicide can help. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Its easy to do, especially when keeping the soil moist. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Water sparingly and allow to drain. 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. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. 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. Obviously, a larger pot is required if you have a larger plant, but its best to err on the side of caution and stick to smaller ones to prevent them from sprinting off into every available bit of the new roomy pot. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. Avoid direct sunlight, but any location with good diffuse light will encourage your begonia to bloom with an abundance of alluring foliage. All of that summer zeal will end up in the leaves, giving you a display of growth to be proud of. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. The Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). Plant growth is costly and necessitates the use of nutrients. Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. 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. How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. Can you divide Rex Begonias? The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. Like most Begonia species, such as Begonia maculata, the Begonia rex is easy to care for. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Dont be afraid! University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. It should have drainage holes. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. When you cut a leaf, make sure the leaf-cutting has three inches of the petiole attached. Unlike other houseplants, bigger plant pots are better. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Nothing should go to waste. Is the Begonia rex plant toxic to animals? But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. Begonia rhizomes are sensitive to soggy soil or overwatering and may rot. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Very good article. But they can get pricey. This will help make it stand up. 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. Make sure you sterilize the pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol. 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. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. . Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant.
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