Very good article. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Water once it has almost dried out. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. Begonia rex Taxonomy ID: 200043 (for references in articles please use NCBI:txid200043) current name. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. Please note the tuber I split here in the images is nowhere large enough to need splitting but it is all I had on hand to demonstrate with! Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. Begonia Rex has tiny seeds that need warmth to germinate. If you give them more than an inch, theyll take a mile, and in this case, the mile in question is straight up. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. How to Divide Bearded Irises. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. Its beautiful leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight. But they will also let you know if they feel that their water, light, and soil conditions are a bit off for their liking. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. 1. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. 50%. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Step 2 - Prepare the New Location. External Information Resources (NCBI . 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. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. Remove the stem with a sharp knife and slice the leaf into wedges, each piece with a main vein. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. 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. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). To fix a leggy begonia, first, determine what is causing the overgrowth and then correct it by increasing light, temperature, or changing the plants pot. I changed the water ones a week.Rubber plant propagation PART Ihttps://youtu.be/yXjvCQt5K0sRubber plant propagation PART IIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBx3UjgMHPQ\u0026t=3sMonstera propagation https://youtu.be/Oa2Bdz14vJMInstagram https://instagram.com/lushgarden.lak?igshid=1awg76y1j643hThanks for clicking and I hope you've enjoyed this video!Stay tune for further updates. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. 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. They can also become sprawling because fast-growing stems frequently lack the strength to keep their heads up. 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. Lay the plants roots on a paper towel. The soil should always be moist. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. 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. Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. Because their leaf markings are so beautiful, rex begonia growers often remove the small, inconspicuous flowers when they appear, as they can detract from the foliage display. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Ingestions may lead to vomiting, kidney failure in grazing animals, and salvation in cats and dogs. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. Mist the soil as needed, so the cuttings stay moist, but don't keep them so wet that water stands on them. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the . You can test the moisture with your finger. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. 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. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. When used sparingly, this will encourage the growth of those lovely leaves without inspiring them to reach for the stars. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. It isnt too good to be true! Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. 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. This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Post #8301529 Quote CindyMzone5 Hobart, IN Jan 10, 2011 Should I try to evenly divide the roots so that all of the clumps have some roots? Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. Tuberous begonia. 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. Do begonias winter inside? Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. 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. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. Avoid direct sunlight, but any location with good diffuse light will encourage your begonia to bloom with an abundance of alluring foliage. 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. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. So, they water the plant more and more. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. It was published in 1857. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! This plant can come in various colors depending on how its bred. 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. Examine your begonia growing environment. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). You should fertilize your winter-blooming plants with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. Even though high humidity isnt required, it keeps the plant full, lush, and healthy. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. 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. How to divide rex begonias - removing old leaves Step 2 Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Its a great way to get your begonia bushing out instead of legging it upwards. This is usually in March. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias benefit from leaf removal and will reward you with new shoots and more perfectly formed growth. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. Let me show you how to get more of these great plants practically free! Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. 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. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. . How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. You have to remove all the infected leaves, so it doesnt spread. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. The roots should be completely covered in soil. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. These mites arent actual insects but arachnids instead. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. 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. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. It's available in various colors. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Can you divide Rex Begonias? Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. Make sure the plant never dries out. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. 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. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. . While begonias are prone to becoming leggy, there is a relatively simple fix that can result in even more begonias! But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Remove the diseased leaves. 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. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. It should be getting bright indirect light. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. Your plant cannot photosynthesize and produce food if it is not exposed to light. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Make sure the soil is always moist. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. It can harm or even kill your plant. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. Rex-cultorum begonias can be propagated in three ways, based on their type: by softwood cuttings, by leaf cuttings, or by dividing the rhizomes in summer. Ensure it bears at least one leaf node. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. 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. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. Consider using a systemic fungicide. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. Expect one or two plants per cut. This article is about how to care for Begonia rex. Unlike other houseplants, bigger plant pots are better. 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. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. The vast majority of begonias offered in the trade are hybrids so they cannot be accurately propagated from seed. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. 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. Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Provide 50% humidity. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Find out to divide your rex begonia house plants, in our step-by-step guide. It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. You can also propagate rex begonia from water. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. You Might Also Like: Its important to pay careful attention to your plant so you can fix any problems as they arise. Thank you! After reading this, I am quite confident that I can now save my favorite plants, and to have many more! 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. Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. The plant needs more light, but not intense light. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. University of Connecticut Home and Garden Information Center. Now that weve restored your radiant beauty, lets look at how to keep that legginess from reappearing. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. Appearance. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. All of that summer zeal will end up in the leaves, giving you a display of growth to be proud of. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. Because your begonia cannot afford to produce both stems and leaves, it focuses on stems in the hope of achieving better illumination. Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. Aggressive Drainage. The Rex Begonia originates in areas without salt in the water. Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. Nothing should go to waste. ". Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. One of our favorite methods for creating high humidity is the pebble tray method. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. 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. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. 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. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. This is because of []. After you've placed your Begonia Rex seedlings into holes in the soil, cover them with soil and water them generously. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. Once the plant pot is ready to go, you can go ahead and plant the leaf-cutting. Insert the garden fork about 6 inches from the plant so the roots won't be damaged by the fork. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Water the begonia transplant and acclimate it in an area out of direct sun. All rights reserved. But don't let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Plant one Begonia rex per pot. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. When to Start Seeds Indoors But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. Move your plant to a shadier area. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. The first thing you do is to dig up your Rex Begonia 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. 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. Provide the plant with plenty of bright indirect sun, but keep it out of direct sunlight and rotate frequently to expose it to equal light on all sides. 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. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. Begonia rex Putz. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. Begonia rex is toxic to pets such as cats, dogs, and horses, according to ASCPA. The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged.
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