Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. 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. Or pink with silver edges. 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. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. Water sparingly and allow to drain. Move your plant to a shadier area. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. Tuberous begonia. The Begonia rex is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Do not put a Begonia where it gets a southern or even a western exposure. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. Check weekly. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. I have a question. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. . Examine your begonia growing environment. 1. This will help make it stand up. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. 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. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. It was published in 1857. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. Fertilize your begonias. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. Rex Begonia. Underwatering is one of the most likely reasons your . About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Trimming a cane begonia allows you to remove up to two-thirds of any stem without fear of killing the plant. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! A leggy begonia reminds me of a teenager in the middle of a growth spurt, gangly and out of proportion, and theres some truth to that. A very well draining potting mix with added sand and perlite. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. ". You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Plant one Begonia rex per pot. It should sit right under the top layer. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. 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. Repot in spring when the rhizome outgrows the pot. Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease. Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. I am going to walk you through how to propagate Begonia using root division and through leaf cuttings. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Begonia roots are prone to rot immediately after dividing. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. 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. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. The cutting should then be placed in a clean pot filled with moistened potting mix. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. You can also propagate rex begonia from water. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. Bright indirect sunlight, and can tolerate direct sunlight too. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. You Might Also Like: On transplant day, dig a hole sufficient to accommodate the begonia's root ball or tubers (in the case of tuberous begonia). Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. 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. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Make sure the soil is always moist. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. Let me show you how to get more of these great plants practically free! Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. Make sure the plant never dries out. 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. 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. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. NCBI BLAST name . By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Grows up to 10-12 in. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, The 5 'It' Plants of 2021, According to the Pros, 10 Varieties of Begonias for Gardens and Containers, 9 Great Foliage Plants for Container Gardens, How to Grow and Care for Begonia Maculata, 34 Best Plants That Grow in Water Indoors, How to Grow and Care for Black Bat Flower, How to Grow and Care for Persian Silk Trees, Northeastern India, southern China, and Vietnam. Because your begonia cannot afford to produce both stems and leaves, it focuses on stems in the hope of achieving better illumination. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. Make sure you sterilize the pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol. It's available in various colors. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Consider using a systemic fungicide. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. 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. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. 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. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Begonias are prone to mildew and mold. Step 1 Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. You Might Also Like: Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. The leaves on this plant can grow to about 6 inches in width. Use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to get your leaf cutting. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. After youve pruned your begonia, it will begin to sprout new leaves. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. University of Connecticut Home and Garden Information Center. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. All rights reserved. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. The plant needs more light, but not intense light. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. 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. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. 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. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. 4. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Place the leaf-cutting, so its sticking out of the soil at a 45-degree angle. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. All rights reserved. Spider mites love Begonias as well. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. 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. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. Begonia. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. Get the plant pot ready. To get rid of an infestation naturally, you should try neem oil. Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. So what are you waiting for? Soil Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. It should be getting bright indirect light. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. 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. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. Use warm water in a misting bottle. Mist the foliage of Rex (foliage) type begonias twice a week or provide high humidity to avoid leaf drop. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. tall and wide (25-30 cm). Cuttings taken from leggy specimens are a great way to start new plants. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. Mix together well and moisten with water. Plant a tuber section per pot. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. This causes begonias, particularly cane varieties such as the popular Polka Dot or Angel Wing varieties, to grow tall and lean, with few leaves along the stems. 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. Cut the germinated tubers longitudinally, each with 1 to 2 buds, and plant in a pot after the incision is dried. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. Begonia rex 'Putzey' came into cultivation as a stowaway plant that germinated on an orchid which was imported into England at the height of the Victorian plant collecting fever. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. But they can get pricey. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. Ingestions may lead to vomiting, kidney failure in grazing animals, and salvation in cats and dogs. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. And some are smooth, some fuzzy. How to split begonias? If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. Keep in mind youll want to use distilled water for this plant. 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. But don't let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. It should have drainage holes. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Water the begonia transplant and acclimate it in an area out of direct sun. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. To treat this disease, remove all infected leaves on the plant. Pin into place with wire. The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the . 2. My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. Its important to pay careful attention to your plant so you can fix any problems as they arise. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. Insert the garden fork about 6 inches from the plant so the roots won't be damaged by the fork. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. Remove the diseased leaves. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Is it skewed in one direction? Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Set Up Your Apiary With the Best Beekeeping Supplies, Create a Safe Deer Feeding Station With the Best Deer Feeder, Become More Efficient With the Best Rubber Buckets, Declutter Your Outdoor Space With the Best Deck Boxes, Liven up Your Lawn With the Best Grass Paints, Create a Relaxing Sitting Space With the Best Gazebos, Optimize Your Orchids Growth With the Best Orchid Fertilizers, Improve Your Gardens Soil Health With the Best Fish Fertilizers, Relax and Unwind With the Best Inflatable Hot Tubs, Best Patio Sets to Level up Your Outdoor Space, Seclude Your Garden with the Best Outdoor Privacy Screens, Unleash Your Flower Power With the Best Fresh Flowers, Safeguard Your Equipment With the Best Riding Lawn Mower Covers, Guarantee Extra Protection With the Best Lawn Mower Covers. Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Nothing should go to waste. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. It drains well while retaining a good amount of moisture, and the slow but steady decomposition of the moss provides a consistent amount of nutrition. When to Start Seeds Indoors The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. . Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. 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 It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. 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. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. 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. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Taxon 67(2): 267-323. You should fertilize your winter-blooming plants with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen. You can use a mixture of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss, if you prefer. A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Pruning and pinching will help you concentrate the growth of your plant and make it denser and bushier. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Aggressive Drainage. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. 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. Step 2 - Prepare the New Location. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. This article was last updated on 12/27/21 Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. These resemble pink or red bumps, similar to the growing eyes on potatoes. Begonia rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. Now, set your plant on the pebbles.

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