They assume that the plant needs more water. 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. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. 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. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. The roots should be completely covered in soil. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. If there are several plants in one pot, they will crowd together. Its beautiful leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight. Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. . Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. Get the plant pot ready. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. How long does it take a begonia tuber to How to start a new Virginia creeper from How to propagate and split perennial geraniums, Clemson University Extension: Growing Begonia Indoors. Lay the plants roots on a paper towel. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Plant one Begonia rex per pot. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. These begonias have gorgeous flowers with frilly edges. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. It contains soluble calcium oxalates. See those tiny plants unfurling? 50%. How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. Begonia rex Taxonomy ID: 200043 (for references in articles please use NCBI:txid200043) current name. University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. 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. Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. Make sure you pack the soil tightly around the cutting. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! You can cut off up to two-thirds of the top of any given cane begonia. By using our site, you agree to our. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. How to Care for a Begonia: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. Make sure you sit your plant a few inches away instead of sitting it right under the light. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). They come in various colors, the most common color being green. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! They need room to spread. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. Step 2 - Prepare the New Location. Make sure the soil is always moist. (Begonia rex Magic Colours) The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. Even though high humidity isnt required, it keeps the plant full, lush, and healthy. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. 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. Rex Begonia Care Indoors (Simple Tips For Success) The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. Then go ahead and fill the tray with water. You Might Also Like: Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. Bright indirect sunlight, and can tolerate direct sunlight too. This article was last updated on 12/27/21 They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. 4. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! I am going to walk you through how to propagate Begonia using root division and through leaf cuttings. And some are smooth, some fuzzy. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. To treat this disease, remove all infected leaves on the plant. Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. Begonias require less light than most house plants. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 3. 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? So, they water the plant more and more. Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. Expect one or two plants per cut. 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? 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. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. Press seeds onto the surface of the medium and cover them lightly with milled sphagnum. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Care For Begonia Rex - Teak And Terracotta a Few Hardy Begonias @ This can harm Begonias roots as well as the leaves. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. Cissus discolor Care and Propagation - Rex Begonia Vine You should avoid freezing temperatures at all times. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. Cuttings taken from leggy specimens are a great way to start new plants. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Fertilize your begonias. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! 6. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Typically grown for their beautiful leaf markings, most rex begonias have large leaves with intricate swirling patterns in a variety of colours including green, red, purple and silver. 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. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. However, while they do best in partial shade and indirect light, this is not the same as no light at all. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. We earn from qualifying purchases. How to Propagate a Rex Begonia Leaf: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. When shopping for a new pot, choose one that is only an inch (2.5cm) or so wider across the top. 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. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. Its a great way to get your begonia bushing out instead of legging it upwards. Rex Begonia Seeds | Home Guides | SF Gate Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. Once fall hits, the plant goes dormant. You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. Rex Begonia Care - Painted Leaf Begonia Houseplant Care 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. Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. After youve pruned your begonia, it will begin to sprout new leaves. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Insert the garden fork about 6 inches from the plant so the roots won't be damaged by the fork. Begonia rex care & info | Painted leaf Begonia - Houseplant Central How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. The Rex Begonia originates in areas without salt in the water. Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. And make sure your plant is always getting bright but indirect sunlight. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. How to split begonias? - JacAnswers On occasion, Ive pruned the top of a begonia, removed the leggy portion of the stem, and then immersed the remaining top in water to establish root. % of people told us that this article helped them. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Are Begonias Deer Resistant & How To Keep Them From Eating Begonias Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. Houseplant Help: 5 Tips to Keep Finicky Begonia Rex Alive Aggressive Drainage. "I've been losing all my beautiful leaves off most of my favorite plants! But they can get pricey. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Repot in spring when the rhizome outgrows the pot. 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 Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. Plant growth is costly and necessitates the use of nutrients. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. A stem cutting should be two to four inches in length and come from a healthy plant. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. 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. . Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. Mix together well and moisten with water. Use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to get your leaf cutting. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. Dont remove the plastic wrap until a few new leaves have grown. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. Make sure the plant never dries out. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Remove the diseased leaves. 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. Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Water once it has almost dried out. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. Garden Guides | How to Divide Wax Begonias Rex Begonia Propagation| How to Propagate Rex Begonia from Stem Cuttings Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. This is because of []. There are a few different methods that can be used to propagate rex begonias, but the most common is stem propagation. Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Its important to pay careful attention to your plant so you can fix any problems as they arise. This plant disease can destroy a plant. The salt from the fertilizer can build up in the soil, causing serious fertilizer burn. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. How to Water Houseplants But they will also let you know if they feel that their water, light, and soil conditions are a bit off for their liking. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. It isnt too good to be true! How to grow begonias - Better Homes And Gardens Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. The begonias eye-catching, asymmetrical leaves make it the star of any collection, but what if your begonia is more stem than a leaf? Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Stem cuttings are very simple. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two 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. Is it skewed in one direction? Its easy to do, especially when keeping the soil moist. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. You may have everything you need at home already. Divide the vine into smaller pieces, ensuring each has at least two or three leaves. You can root these cuttings in perlite, potting soil, or any other sterile media. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. 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. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The first thing you do is to dig up your Rex Begonia plant. Provide 50% humidity. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. This article has been viewed 38,009 times.