how to divide a rex begonia

Propagating Begonia rex. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. This plant can come in various colors depending on how its bred. 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. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. 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. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. Expect one or two plants per cut. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. 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. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. On transplant day, dig a hole sufficient to accommodate the begonia's root ball or tubers (in the case of tuberous begonia). Get the plant pot ready. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. 6. The Begonia rex is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. The leaves are hairy and wavy. A very well draining potting mix with added sand and perlite. The rhizome is cut apart and divided in order to propagate new plants. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! Place the leaf-cutting, so its sticking out of the soil at a 45-degree angle. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Is it skewed in one direction? Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. Begonias require less light than most house plants. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. You can use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to do this. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. If youre afraid to damage the roots, use pruning shears for this step. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. 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 petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. Theyre tiny and hard to detect. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. 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. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. You Might Also Like: Make sure the water isnt running full blast. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. It was published in 1857. Nothing should go to waste. If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. . Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. 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. 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. Learn how from The Urban Gardener, Alan Creach of Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm.In this video, Alan refers to root tone, which is the same type of product as Bonide Rooting Power, which is what we currently use and recommend at The Plant Farm. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Begonias are easily propagated at home. Plant a tuber section per pot. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). 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. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. NCBI BLAST name . You Might Also Like: At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). 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. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. 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. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. 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. But because they propagate so easily, it's a simple matter to keep a steady supply of healthy plants by creating new plants from cuttings. Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . . Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. Provide 50% humidity. . Bright indirect sunlight, and can tolerate direct sunlight too. a Few Hardy Begonias @ It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. 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. 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. It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Tuberous begonia. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. The salt from the fertilizer can build up in the soil, causing serious fertilizer burn. You can test the moisture with your finger. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. 1. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. A systemic fungicide can help. Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. 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. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. Cissus discolor, also known as rex begonia vine, is an evergreen, perennial, flowering trailing plant in the grape or family Vitaceae native to Southeast Asia, . wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. 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. 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. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. The rex begonia plant thrives in humid environments and exposure to bright indirect sunlight. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. 2. The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. 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 . Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Ensure it bears at least one leaf node. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. Now that weve restored your radiant beauty, lets look at how to keep that legginess from reappearing. She is a Master Gardener and lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. They assume that the plant needs more water. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. 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. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a pain to get rid of, but its possible with a lot of effort. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. After you've placed your Begonia Rex seedlings into holes in the soil, cover them with soil and water them generously. Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy. There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. Trimming a cane begonia allows you to remove up to two-thirds of any stem without fear of killing the plant. Warm spells are unavoidable I personally avoid using air conditioning if possible due to my other, more heat-loving plants but its best to keep your begonia in a cooler part of your home or office. In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. Remove the stem with a sharp knife and slice the leaf into wedges, each piece with a main vein. Provide 50% or more humidity and fertilize every three weeks using a liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Protecting your leaf cutting from harm while it starts to root is important. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. It suffocates the pests within only minutes. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Press seeds onto the surface of the medium and cover them lightly with milled sphagnum. There are wide different Begonia rex varieties available: Begonia rex has vibrant foliage that ranges from red to green to purple with various patterns. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! If you give them more than an inch, theyll take a mile, and in this case, the mile in question is straight up. [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. Regarding the Rex Begonia, you want to repot in a shallow pot. Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. Overgrowth occurs in all begonias, but it is most noticeable in cane begonias. I have a question. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Place each leaf cutting on the surface of a tray of moist seed raising mix. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. It contains soluble calcium oxalates. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. 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! tall and wide (25-30 cm). There are a few different methods that can be used to propagate rex begonias, but the most common is stem propagation. 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. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). 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. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. This is especially true in warmer weather more on that later. Begonia rex plants are prone to mildew and fungi. All rights reserved. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. 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. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Even though high humidity isnt required, it keeps the plant full, lush, and healthy. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. How to Make a Kokedama. After youve pruned your begonia, it will begin to sprout new leaves. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. 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. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. They bloom in several colors, including pink, orange, and red. This will help make it stand up. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials - . Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. How to Make a Kokedama. Begonia rex Putz. 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. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. Potting soil, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite. ". Provide 50% humidity. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Begonias are prone to mildew and mold. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. The plant needs more light, but not intense light. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings Take 4-6 in. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. The vast majority of begonias offered in the trade are hybrids so they cannot be accurately propagated from seed. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of canola oil, and a tablespoon of dish soap. Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. See those tiny plants unfurling? External Information Resources (NCBI . 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. Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. Water once it has almost dried out. 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. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. To treat this disease, remove all infected leaves on the plant. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. 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. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. . Begonia roots are prone to rot immediately after dividing. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off.

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