Lush Garden 5.95K subscribers 108K views 2 years ago #begoniarex #waterpropagation #begoniarex. Mist the soil as needed, so the cuttings stay moist, but don't keep them so wet that water stands on them. Let me show you how to get more of these great plants practically free! Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. 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, . 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. Dont be afraid! He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. Rex begonias are rhizomatous plants that grow from a, When the rhizome begins to butt up against the sides of the pot, however, it's time to. Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. How to Water Houseplants A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. Rex Begonia. The soil should always be moist. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. Expect one or two plants per cut. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. Repot in spring when the rhizome outgrows the pot. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. They can also become sprawling because fast-growing stems frequently lack the strength to keep their heads up. 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. It's available in various colors. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the 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. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It contains soluble calcium oxalates. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. Once you see the plant roots coming through the pots drainage holes, its time to re-pot it. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. Place each leaf cutting on the surface of a tray of moist seed raising mix. Lopping your begonias over-extended stems and pinching out its errant growth, as drastic as it may appear, is the most effective way to bring that growth back under control. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. 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. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Cut the germinated tubers longitudinally, each with 1 to 2 buds, and plant in a pot after the incision is dried. Can you divide Rex Begonias? How to Grow Tuberous Begonias The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. We earn from qualifying purchases. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. If youre afraid to damage the roots, use pruning shears for this step. The leaves are hairy and wavy. Examine your begonia growing environment. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Dont remove the plastic wrap until a few new leaves have grown. Plant a tuber section per pot. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. It suffocates the pests within only minutes. 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. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Soil Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. How to Water Houseplants 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. The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. Here is where you will find the Rex begonias, Dragon Wing begonias, and other specialty ones like Eyelash begonias. . Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. Begonia rex Taxonomy ID: 200043 (for references in articles please use NCBI:txid200043) current name. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. 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. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. How to Make a Kokedama. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. NCBI BLAST name . These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. 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! 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. Consider using a grow light if you cant find a good bright spot. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. Potting soil, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. The leaves on this plant can grow to about 6 inches in width. Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. There are several ways to create humidity for any indoor plant. Trimming a cane begonia allows you to remove up to two-thirds of any stem without fear of killing the plant. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. The flowers can turn orange, pink, and white. The seeds . Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. 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. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? Very good article. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. 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. 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. Another method involves spritzing the leaves of your plant now and then. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Unlike other houseplants, bigger plant pots are better. 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. After youve trimmed your plant to the desired height, pinch off new growth sprouting at the top on a regular basis. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. 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. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. They need room to spread. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. This can harm Begonias roots as well as the leaves. The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? a Few Hardy Begonias @ Mix together well and moisten with water. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. However, while they do best in partial shade and indirect light, this is not the same as no light at all. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. Because your begonia cannot afford to produce both stems and leaves, it focuses on stems in the hope of achieving better illumination. Insert the garden fork about 6 inches from the plant so the roots won't be damaged by the fork. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. These mites arent actual insects but arachnids instead. Join our Facebook Group About Houseplants and Gardening, propagate using water as a medium for Begonias, Mars Hydro VG80 Seedling LED Grow Light Review, 11 Worst Signs of Anthurium Root Rot Fix Anthurium Root Rot. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Place the leaf-cutting, so its sticking out of the soil at a 45-degree angle. Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. This begonia requires high humidity during the growing period. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. . Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. Powdery mildew is a pain to get rid of, but its possible with a lot of effort. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. One of our favorite methods for creating high humidity is the pebble tray method. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. When shopping for a new pot, choose one that is only an inch (2.5cm) or so wider across the top. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. 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. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. 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. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. See those tiny plants unfurling? 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. Get the plant pot ready. Begonia Rex has tiny seeds that need warmth to germinate. Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. 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. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . Begonias are easily propagated at home. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. If there are several plants in one pot, they will crowd together. Step 2 - Prepare the New Location. Rhizomatous varieties, such as the popular begonia rex, are even easier, requiring only a single leaf in water to produce a new addition to your collection. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. The part that's green is all the way at the top and would defeat the purpose. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. You have to remove all the infected leaves, so it doesnt spread. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. All rights reserved. Cut the leaf and stem from the main plant, then take off the leaf stem and throw it away so youre left with just the leaf. Remove the diseased leaves. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Take a transparent bottle half filled with water. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Your plant will get plenty of sun but it wont receive direct sunlight. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! You Might Also Like: They are resilient and thrive under that level of pruning. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. . The scorch marks can be either dark or white. [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. 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. A dimly lit environment will encourage your begonia to send out long stalks in search of light. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. 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. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. 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? Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. I have a question. Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. Slice down several inches deepat least 6 inches for most plants and more for extremely large, well-rooted plants. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. Its also the most common issue youll come across. Stick the leaf petioles or wedges into the soil, and slip the tray into a plastic bag. There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. The cutting should then be placed in a clean pot filled with moistened potting mix. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. Begonia rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Its usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. ". Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment. Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. They assume that the plant needs more water. Ensure it bears at least one leaf node. You can test the moisture with your finger. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. Its easy to do, especially when keeping the soil moist. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! While this may appear barbaric, it will prompt your blushing beauty to produce not one, but two new sprouts from the trimmed tip. But don't let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. It should sit right under the top layer. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This article is about how to care for Begonia rex. 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. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Begonias are prone to mildew and mold. Pests love hopping from one plant to another. When it comes to fast-draining soil, porous soil works the best. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Begonias require less light than most house plants. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. If you have a hanging basket or a table-top pot of . Begonia rex Putz. Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. 6. You should fertilize your winter-blooming plants with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen. - . A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of canola oil, and a tablespoon of dish soap. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. Provide 50% humidity. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. The Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. You can use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to do this. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. Pruning and pinching will help you concentrate the growth of your plant and make it denser and bushier. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. This will help make it stand up. 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. Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. 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! This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. Provide 50% humidity. How to Divide Bearded Irises. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Its both economical and satisfying to watch your sad, leggy begonia transform into a thriving swarm of new plants. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. (6 Useful Methods of Use). High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Make sure you pack the soil tightly around the cutting. 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. Step 1 Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. 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. Now that weve restored your radiant beauty, lets look at how to keep that legginess from reappearing. This is because of []. Consider using a systemic fungicide. 50%. And make sure your plant is always getting bright but indirect sunlight.