It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. Move your plant to a shadier area. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. There are several ways to create humidity for any indoor plant. 3. 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. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. Mix together well and moisten with water. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. Now that weve restored your radiant beauty, lets look at how to keep that legginess from reappearing. 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. The cutting should then be placed in a clean pot filled with moistened potting mix. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings After youve pruned your begonia, it will begin to sprout new leaves. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. If you do this too often, it can create powdery mildew. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. Insert the garden fork about 6 inches from the plant so the roots won't be damaged by the fork. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. Get the plant pot ready. High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. 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. Rex Begonia. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. See those tiny plants unfurling? Taxon 67(2): 267-323. The rex begonia plant thrives in humid environments and exposure to bright indirect sunlight. 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. How to split begonias? See those tiny plants unfurling? A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. Begonia rex is toxic to pets such as cats, dogs, and horses, according to ASCPA. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. "I've been losing all my beautiful leaves off most of my favorite plants! When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. 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. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. If you must use soils in your growing medium for any reason, make sure there is plenty of organic material scattered throughout to allow for proper drainage. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. It should have drainage holes. The begonia foliage should be trimmed back, and the tubers can be dried and stored in a cool, dry location through winter, just as canna or dahlia bulbs are stored. 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. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. 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. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. Most potted plants have limited resources, and as a result, growth is restricted. Provide 50% or more humidity and fertilize every three weeks using a liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Published: Wednesday, 26 August, 2020 at 3:06 pm. When it comes to fast-draining soil, porous soil works the best. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Trimming a cane begonia allows you to remove up to two-thirds of any stem without fear of killing the plant. 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. These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. Ingestions may lead to vomiting, kidney failure in grazing animals, and salvation in cats and dogs. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. Make sure the medium is evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. 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. Besides a pest infestation, there may be other reasons why the leaves are wilting, including the following: Rex begonias are one of the easiest houseplants to care for and happy in many conditions. Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Provide 50% humidity. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Make sure the plant never dries out. 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. Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. They can also become sprawling because fast-growing stems frequently lack the strength to keep their heads up. Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. The soil should always be moist. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. 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. 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. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. 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. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . If you have a hanging basket or a table-top pot of . Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Young leaves should be removed before they unfurl. The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. They are resilient and thrive under that level of pruning. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? Divide the vine into smaller pieces, ensuring each has at least two or three leaves. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Keep in mind youll want to use distilled water for this plant. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. Step 1 - Find a suitable tuber. One of our favorite methods for creating high humidity is the pebble tray method. This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. 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. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Now you care for the new plant like you do the mother, Rex. 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. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . It should be getting bright indirect light. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. 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. You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. Plant one Begonia rex per pot. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. 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. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. ". Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. Examine your begonia growing environment. Ensure it bears at least one leaf node. Remove the diseased leaves. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. These plants can grow wide. A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. Begonia Listada Plant Care Best Practices, Scarlet Begonia (Begonia Coccinea) Best Care Tips | Plantophiles, [] The leaf surface has a mixture of colors ranging from green grass ting to red. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. Water sparingly and allow to drain. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! It grows 8 inches tall and wide. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. These mites arent actual insects but arachnids instead. Stem cuttings are very simple. The scorch marks can be either dark or white. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. . Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. The flowers can turn orange, pink, and white. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. We earn from qualifying purchases. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. Check weekly. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. 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 Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. You Might Also Like: Set Up Your Apiary With the Best Beekeeping Supplies, Create a Safe Deer Feeding Station With the Best Deer Feeder, Become More Efficient With the Best Rubber Buckets, Declutter Your Outdoor Space With the Best Deck Boxes, Liven up Your Lawn With the Best Grass Paints, Create a Relaxing Sitting Space With the Best Gazebos, Optimize Your Orchids Growth With the Best Orchid Fertilizers, Improve Your Gardens Soil Health With the Best Fish Fertilizers, Relax and Unwind With the Best Inflatable Hot Tubs, Best Patio Sets to Level up Your Outdoor Space, Seclude Your Garden with the Best Outdoor Privacy Screens, Unleash Your Flower Power With the Best Fresh Flowers, Safeguard Your Equipment With the Best Riding Lawn Mower Covers, Guarantee Extra Protection With the Best Lawn Mower Covers. 1. When to Start Seeds Indoors At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. On transplant day, dig a hole sufficient to accommodate the begonia's root ball or tubers (in the case of tuberous begonia). External Information Resources (NCBI . How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. 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. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. It was published in 1857. Avoid direct sunlight, but any location with good diffuse light will encourage your begonia to bloom with an abundance of alluring foliage. Pin into place with wire. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. Is it skewed in one direction? Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. . The first thing you do is to dig up your Rex Begonia plant. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. By using our site, you agree to our. It contains soluble calcium oxalates. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. The plant needs more light, but not intense light. 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. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. 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. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. Fill a small pot with moistened seed-starting medium. The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. Once the plant pot is ready to go, you can go ahead and plant the leaf-cutting. % of people told us that this article helped them. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. Like most Begonia species, such as Begonia maculata, the Begonia rex is easy to care for. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. Lush Garden 5.95K subscribers 108K views 2 years ago #begoniarex #waterpropagation #begoniarex. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. When shopping for a new pot, choose one that is only an inch (2.5cm) or so wider across the top. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. These plants are grown almost exclusively for their foliagetheir blooms tend to be small and less showy and many growers pinch off blooms to maintain breathtaking leaf displays. 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 plant in the shade if grown outdoors. Expect one or two plants per cut. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. 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. Cut a healthy leaf. Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. Most of the time, the roots should be easy to divide by hand. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias benefit from leaf removal and will reward you with new shoots and more perfectly formed growth. 50%. If youre afraid to damage the roots, use pruning shears for this step. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. 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.