Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. 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. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. How to split begonias? Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. Make sure the sun or artificial light isnt shining right on the plant. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. A dimly lit environment will encourage your begonia to send out long stalks in search of light. While this may appear barbaric, it will prompt your blushing beauty to produce not one, but two new sprouts from the trimmed tip. - . Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. Spider mites also feed on the sap from your plant. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. These begonias have gorgeous flowers with frilly edges. You need to remove all dead or harmed roots right away. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. (6 Useful Methods of Use). Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Pruning and pinching will help you concentrate the growth of your plant and make it denser and bushier. Fading leaves on a Begonia rex indicate too much direct sunlight. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. 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! Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. Provide 50% or more humidity and fertilize every three weeks using a liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. Powdery mildew is a pain to get rid of, but its possible with a lot of effort. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. 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Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. A stem cutting should be two to four inches in length and come from a healthy plant. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). It contains soluble calcium oxalates. Once you see the plant roots coming through the pots drainage holes, its time to re-pot it. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. Cut the germinated tubers longitudinally, each with 1 to 2 buds, and plant in a pot after the incision is dried. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. It should be getting bright indirect light. Do begonias winter inside? Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. This article was last updated on 12/27/21 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. This is because of []. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . How to Make a Kokedama. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Thank you! The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. They need room to spread. 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. Place the leaf-cutting, so its sticking out of the soil at a 45-degree angle. 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. Theyre full of chemicals, so its important to test an area of your plant before using it. This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. Check weekly. Follow our step-by-step guide to dividing rex begonias and create the perfect gift for friends and family, while ensuring the continued health of your own plant. Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. You Might Also Like: The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. After youve trimmed your plant to the desired height, pinch off new growth sprouting at the top on a regular basis. Its easy to do, especially when keeping the soil moist. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. When you cut a leaf, make sure the leaf-cutting has three inches of the petiole attached. 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. Let me show you how to get more of these great plants practically free! How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. 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. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. Is the Begonia rex plant toxic to animals? You may have everything you need at home already. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. 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. Mealybugs like to feed on the sap from the inside of a plant. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. 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. #begoniarex #waterpropagation Its much easier to propagate begonias from leaves, and you can do this with most kinds of begonias.To make babies from leaf, start by snipping a few healthy leaves from your favorite begonia. 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. When choosing your pot, a good general rule of thumb is no more than 20cm across the top for each begonia. Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. 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. 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. But don't let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither. It isnt too good to be true! 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. Consider using a grow light if you cant find a good bright spot. 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. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. 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. Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. Temperature and Humidity This can take about two or three weeks. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. Typically grown for their beautiful leaf markings, most rex begonias have large leaves with intricate swirling patterns in a variety of colours including green, red, purple and silver. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? It isnt too good to be true! Remove the diseased leaves. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Because your begonia cannot afford to produce both stems and leaves, it focuses on stems in the hope of achieving better illumination. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. 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? External Information Resources (NCBI . Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings 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. How to propagate Rex Begonia in water? Spray your plant down every three weeks or so. Youll also need to make sure theres plenty of air circulation. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Do not put a Begonia where it gets a southern or even a western exposure. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. How to Water Houseplants There are a few different methods that can be used to propagate rex begonias, but the most common is stem propagation. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. The Rex Begonia originates in areas without salt in the water. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Rhizomatous begonias such as the rex begonia can be easily propagated by. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. This plant can come in various colors depending on how its bred. It suffocates the pests within only minutes. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. This is especially true in warmer weather more on that later. The seeds . The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. You Might Also Like: Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. Consider using a systemic fungicide. Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. A systemic fungicide can help. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Dont be afraid! If you do this too often, it can create powdery mildew. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. Begonia rhizomes are sensitive to soggy soil or overwatering and may rot. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. 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, . Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. ". Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. 3. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. . Use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to get your leaf cutting. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. 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.