how to divide a rex begonia

Let them dry before you head on to the next step. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. 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. Theyre full of chemicals, so its important to test an area of your plant before using it. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. Rex Begonia. Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. The first thing you do is to dig up your Rex Begonia plant. Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. 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. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. The vast majority of begonias offered in the trade are hybrids so they cannot be accurately propagated from seed. Once fall hits, the plant goes dormant. Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. The Begonia rex is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. You can also propagate rex begonia from water. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. . A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. All of that summer zeal will end up in the leaves, giving you a display of growth to be proud of. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. Very good article. The begonias eye-catching, asymmetrical leaves make it the star of any collection, but what if your begonia is more stem than a leaf? Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. If you do this too often, it can create powdery mildew. 2. Expect one or two plants per cut. There are wide different Begonia rex varieties available: Begonia rex has vibrant foliage that ranges from red to green to purple with various patterns. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. This article is about how to care for Begonia rex. Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. I am personally against misting the leaves of plants manually as mist on the leaves can cause leaf rot if the airflow is not sufficient to dry them quickly. Begonia rex plants are prone to mildew and fungi. Now that weve restored your radiant beauty, lets look at how to keep that legginess from reappearing. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. How to Make a Kokedama. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. See those tiny plants unfurling? A systemic fungicide can help. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. Protecting your leaf cutting from harm while it starts to root is important. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. Begonia fungicide is available at garden centres. How to Water Houseplants A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. Mix together well and moisten with water. See those tiny plants unfurling? Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. The leaves are hairy and wavy. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. 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. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . Even though high humidity isnt required, it keeps the plant full, lush, and healthy. 6. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. 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. Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. Mixing plants in a small indoor pot is not recommended in general, but when it is literally parts of the same plant, you can avoid the pitfalls of over-planting your pot. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). Its both economical and satisfying to watch your sad, leggy begonia transform into a thriving swarm of new plants. You Might Also Like: Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. The rhizome is cut apart and divided in order to propagate new plants. Here is where you will find the Rex begonias, Dragon Wing begonias, and other specialty ones like Eyelash begonias. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. If it has, remove the rotten roots. These plants can grow wide. 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. 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. "I've been losing all my beautiful leaves off most of my favorite plants! Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. Since you must wait for the roots to dry, prepare the plant pot. How to Make a Kokedama. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. This is especially true in warmer weather more on that later. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings Once the plant pot is ready to go, you can go ahead and plant the leaf-cutting. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Consider using a systemic fungicide. Aggressive Drainage. 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. High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. Cut the germinated tubers longitudinally, each with 1 to 2 buds, and plant in a pot after the incision is dried. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. Make sure the medium is evenly moist but not wet or soggy. The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. If you give them more than an inch, theyll take a mile, and in this case, the mile in question is straight up. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. Potting soil, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. The cutting should then be placed in a clean pot filled with moistened potting mix. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. Make sure the plant never dries out. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. . Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Lay the plants roots on a paper towel. But they will also let you know if they feel that their water, light, and soil conditions are a bit off for their liking. Its also the most common issue youll come across. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. To fix a leggy begonia, first, determine what is causing the overgrowth and then correct it by increasing light, temperature, or changing the plant's pot. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. Youll only need to refill the tray with water once its empty. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. But you can also propagate this plant through leaf cuttings. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. The most toxic parts of this plant grow underground. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Or pink with silver edges. . How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. Insert the garden fork about 6 inches from the plant so the roots won't be damaged by the fork. On the other hand separating the rhizome takes the most work since you need to get the plant out of its container. Dont be afraid! What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This stops any plant disease from spreading. If the two asexual propagation methods of cutting and branching are adopted, we should pay attention to maintaining high environmental humidity and temperature from 20 to 25 . A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Fill the plant pot with porous and fast-draining soil. Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. Expect one or two plants per cut. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. Provide 50% or more humidity and fertilize every three weeks using a liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength. Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. 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. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. Place the leaf-cutting, so its sticking out of the soil at a 45-degree angle. - . 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. How to split begonias? Check weekly. Make sure the soil is always moist. There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. Powdery mildew is a pain to get rid of, but its possible with a lot of effort. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. It can harm or even kill your plant. It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. 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? They need room to spread. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Water once it has almost dried out. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. Bright indirect sunlight, and can tolerate direct sunlight too. Lush Garden 5.95K subscribers 108K views 2 years ago #begoniarex #waterpropagation #begoniarex. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. 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. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Dont remove the plastic wrap until a few new leaves have grown. Take a transparent bottle half filled with water. It should have drainage holes. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. Its a great way to get your begonia bushing out instead of legging it upwards. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Is it skewed in one direction? These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Remove the diseased leaves. This can take about two or three weeks. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. It isnt too good to be true! Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. It's available in various colors. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. 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. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. They are resilient and thrive under that level of pruning. http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/divide/how-to-propogate-rex-begonias-from-leaf-cuttings/?epik=dj0yJnU9X0NGUGk3bDdwbWdZUk16SVNJRVFuczRFUVMxYzdmaDUmcD0wJm49RDgtMjg5UmhGOVN6WlBLNlVNbGsydyZ0PUFBQUFBR0hmWWp3, How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings, How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings. Cane begonias should be pruned on a regular basis to encourage a thicker growth, and other varieties benefit from having their excessively straggly growth removed as well. Begonia rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. Begonia rex Putz. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. It suffocates the pests within only minutes. Temperature and Humidity Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Begonias are easily propagated at home. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. 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. Spider mites also feed on the sap from your plant. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. (6 Useful Methods of Use). Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. After you've placed your Begonia Rex seedlings into holes in the soil, cover them with soil and water them generously. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Regarding the Rex Begonia, you want to repot in a shallow pot. Avoid direct sunlight, but any location with good diffuse light will encourage your begonia to bloom with an abundance of alluring foliage. This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. 1. 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. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). 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. You can use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to do this. Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). This plant dislikes cold temperatures. I have a question. How to propagate Rex Begonia in water? Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. . Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias benefit from leaf removal and will reward you with new shoots and more perfectly formed growth. The part that's green is all the way at the top and would defeat the purpose. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. Get the plant pot ready. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. 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. Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Begonia rex plants can quickly get mildew or fungal diseases. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. 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. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of canola oil, and a tablespoon of dish soap. External Information Resources (NCBI . So, they water the plant more and more. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. However, while they do best in partial shade and indirect light, this is not the same as no light at all. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. Pin into place with wire. This article will show you the easiest way to propagate a rex begonia leaf. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! . Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. How to Water Houseplants By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. Use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to get your leaf cutting. Theyre tiny and hard to detect. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. It contains soluble calcium oxalates. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we You will need pruning shears (This is the one I use), and I would recommend a jar or bowl of water for larger cuttings more on that later! The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . Young leaves should be removed before they unfurl. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. These resemble pink or red bumps, similar to the growing eyes on potatoes. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/IMG_20160613_180020-1.jpg\/460px-IMG_20160613_180020-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/IMG_20160613_180020-1.jpg\/420px-IMG_20160613_180020-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":613,"bigWidth":420,"bigHeight":560,"licensing":"