Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. When choosing your pot, a good general rule of thumb is no more than 20cm across the top for each begonia. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Place the leaf-cutting, so its sticking out of the soil at a 45-degree angle. 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. Are Begonia Rex Plants Poisonous? - Study Nature How to Divide Rex Begonias | eHow UK Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias benefit from leaf removal and will reward you with new shoots and more perfectly formed growth. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. Make sure the sun or artificial light isnt shining right on the plant. If it has, remove the rotten roots. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. How to Care for a Begonia: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. Begonia rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. . 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. You may have everything you need at home already. How to Grow and Care for Begonia Rex Indoors - Homeplantsguide If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! 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. You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. Begonias easily form new roots in water, and some indoor plant enthusiasts simply replant the rooted cutting with the parent plant, resulting in dense arrangements that give the appearance of a larger, thriving begonia. Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. NCBI BLAST name . Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! Its both economical and satisfying to watch your sad, leggy begonia transform into a thriving swarm of new plants. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Or pink with silver edges. 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, . Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. Youll only need to refill the tray with water once its empty. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. 50%. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. Rex Begonia Care - Painted Leaf Begonia Houseplant Care Fill a small pot with moistened seed-starting medium. How to Grow and Care for Begonia Rex - Florgeous wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. We earn from qualifying purchases. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. 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. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. 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. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. 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. How to Make a Kokedama. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. Plant a tuber section per pot. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Keep in mind youll want to use distilled water for this plant. It isnt too good to be true! With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. . Dont be afraid! Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. There are wide different Begonia rex varieties available: Begonia rex has vibrant foliage that ranges from red to green to purple with various patterns. Tuberous begonia. Plantophiles 2023 |UpVision GmbH | Privacy Policy | About us, Common Problems with the Begonia Rex (Pests and Diseases), Your Begonia Rex has Crispy Leaves or is Losing Leaves, Your Begonia Rex has Silver or Grey Spores, Your Begonia Rex has a White Powdery Substance. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. Make sure the soil is always moist. Provide 50% humidity. This stops any plant disease from spreading. Rex begonias can also be propagated by pinning a leaf to the bedding mix and making small incisions in the leaf veins or by inserting a leaf (with a petiole) directly into the soil. Pin into place with wire. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. After you've placed your Begonia Rex seedlings into holes in the soil, cover them with soil and water them generously. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. Begonias: outdoors / RHS Gardening - Royal Horticultural Society Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. This is it! Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. Its usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. How to split begonias? - JacAnswers The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Rex Begonia Care Indoors (Simple Tips For Success) And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. You can use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to do this. 6. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Remove the diseased leaves. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias 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! Its also the most common issue youll come across. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Repot in spring when the rhizome outgrows the pot. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. Your begonia has indicated this need by stretching its leaves in the direction of a brighter light source. Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Divide the vine into smaller pieces, ensuring each has at least two or three leaves. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. How to Water Houseplants Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. Can begonias overwinter indoors? - JacAnswers . Water sparingly and allow to drain. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. How to divide begonia tubers - Patient Gardener Propagating Begonia rex. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. But don't let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Begonia Plant Pruning: How And When To Prune A Begonia Plant Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. The roots should be completely covered in soil. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. Ultimate Guide to Rex Begonia Plant Care at Home 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. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. Step 2 - Prepare the New Location. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Compact grow lights are very common and simple to use and will provide your begonia with the light levels it requires to stay in one place rather than legging it off in search of a brighter day. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. 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. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Begonias - All About Gardening I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. All rights reserved. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. 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. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. Water the begonia transplant and acclimate it in an area out of direct sun. Cuttings taken from leggy specimens are a great way to start new plants. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! You can care for the leaf-cutting as you do the original Begonia rex. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. 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. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. And make sure your plant is always getting bright but indirect sunlight. When to Start Seeds Indoors This plant pot should have drainage holes on the bottom. 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. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. It should sit right under the top layer. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. How to split begonias? To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? Do begonias winter inside? Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Fill a 4-inch container with commercial potting mixture. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. This can take about two or three weeks. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. This is because of []. These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. 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 Care for Rex Begonias - The Spruce Pests love hopping from one plant to another. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine Care For Begonia Rex - Teak And Terracotta How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up.