Make sure the soil is always moist. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. External Information Resources (NCBI . After you've placed your Begonia Rex seedlings into holes in the soil, cover them with soil and water them generously. A systemic fungicide can help. Make sure the plant never dries out. Fill a 4-inch container with commercial potting mixture. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. 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. After youve pruned your begonia, it will begin to sprout new leaves. Begonia Plant Pruning: How And When To Prune A Begonia Plant The rhizome is cut apart and divided in order to propagate new plants. I have a question. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. How long does it take a begonia tuber to How to start a new Virginia creeper from How to propagate and split perennial geraniums, Clemson University Extension: Growing Begonia Indoors. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings - Garden Gate Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? 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. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. 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. Rex Begonia Propagation -The Plant Farm - YouTube Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! The begonias eye-catching, asymmetrical leaves make it the star of any collection, but what if your begonia is more stem than a leaf? Rex Begonia Care - Painted Leaf Begonia Houseplant Care Rex Begonia. 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. Cissus discolor Care and Propagation - Rex Begonia Vine Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. The roots should be completely covered in soil. 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. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. 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. 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. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. How to Divide Rex Begonias - BBC Gardeners World Magazine Make sure the medium is evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Houseplant Help: 5 Tips to Keep Finicky Begonia Rex Alive These resemble pink or red bumps, similar to the growing eyes on potatoes. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. Begonia 'Escargot' (Rex Begonia) - Gardenia.net Begonia rex plants are prone to mildew and fungi. Fading leaves on a Begonia rex indicate too much direct sunlight. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Make sure you sit your plant a few inches away instead of sitting it right under the light. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Can Rex Begonias Be Cut Back - WHYIENJOY After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Begonia 'Tiger Paws' (Eyelash Begonia) - Gardenia.net Plus, you want to trap in moisture so itll grow quicker. The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. It should be getting bright indirect light. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Dont be afraid! This article is about how to care for Begonia rex. Its a great way to get your begonia bushing out instead of legging it upwards. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Propagating Begonia rex. Pin into place with wire. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. Since you must wait for the roots to dry, prepare the plant pot. After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. It isnt too good to be true! 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. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Most potted plants have limited resources, and as a result, growth is restricted. 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. You Might Also Like: This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. 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. It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. We earn from qualifying purchases. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. 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. Rex Begonia Guide: How to Grow & Care for "Begonia rex-cultorum" If the two asexual propagation methods of cutting and branching are adopted, we should pay attention to maintaining high environmental humidity and temperature from 20 to 25 . They are resilient and thrive under that level of pruning. Begonia Transplant Guide - How And When To Repot Begonias If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. 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. 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. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. 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. This is because of []. The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. Plant growth is costly and necessitates the use of nutrients. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Can You Grow Begonia Rex From A Cutting? - Study Nature But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. Powdery mildew is a pain to get rid of, but its possible with a lot of effort. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Provide 50% humidity. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. How to divide rex begonias | Propagating plants, Begonia, Plants Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. 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. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. A dimly lit environment will encourage your begonia to send out long stalks in search of light. And the soil should be porous and fast-draining soil. . University of Connecticut Home and Garden Information Center. . [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. Trimming a cane begonia allows you to remove up to two-thirds of any stem without fear of killing the plant. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. How to Water Houseplants Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. 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. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. 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. Begonia roots are prone to rot immediately after dividing. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. This can take about two or three weeks. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. Plant a tuber section per pot. This will help make it stand up. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. The salt from the fertilizer can build up in the soil, causing serious fertilizer burn. The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. Cane begonias should be pruned on a regular basis to encourage a thicker growth, and other varieties benefit from having their excessively straggly growth removed as well. Pests love hopping from one plant to another. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. It should have drainage holes. Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Tropicals & Tender Perennials:Need advice dividing rex begonia It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. Unlike other houseplants, bigger plant pots are better. 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. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. How to grow begonias - Better Homes And Gardens Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. Can you divide Rex Begonias? Can begonias overwinter indoors? - JacAnswers This stops any plant disease from spreading. "I've been losing all my beautiful leaves off most of my favorite plants! In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. . By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Garden Guides | How to Divide Wax Begonias 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. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. But they can get pricey. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. All rights reserved. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . How to Care for a Begonia: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow How to Grow Begonia Rex - Healthbenefitstimes.com Repot in spring when the rhizome outgrows the pot. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. (6 Useful Methods of Use). The Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. Read our. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. 1. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings | Garden Gate There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. . Begonia rex care & info | Painted leaf Begonia - Houseplant Central 1. 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. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Are Begonia Rex Plants Poisonous? - Study Nature And make sure your plant is always getting bright but indirect sunlight. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Theyre full of chemicals, so its important to test an area of your plant before using it. After reading this, I am quite confident that I can now save my favorite plants, and to have many more! It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. See those tiny plants unfurling? Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. . What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. How to propagate Begonia | From leaves or cuttings Rex Begonia Seeds | Home Guides | SF Gate Consider using a systemic fungicide. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. You can cut off up to two-thirds of the top of any given cane begonia. Check weekly. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. 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. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. One of our favorite methods for creating high humidity is the pebble tray method. Most of the time, the roots should be easy to divide by hand. You need to dilute the neem oil with water. When used sparingly, this will encourage the growth of those lovely leaves without inspiring them to reach for the stars. 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. Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Young leaves should be removed before they unfurl. Begonia rex is toxic to pets such as cats, dogs, and horses, according to ASCPA. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. How To Propagate Rex Begonia? - RayaGarden You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep the roots healthy as they grow, you can propagate a Rex Begonia like a pro. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! It should sit right under the top layer. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. How to split begonias? - JacAnswers Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. Move your plant to a shadier area. Begonia Propagation: Rooting Begonias From Cuttings - Gardening Know How 10 Best Begonia Rex Care Tips - Growing Guide - Plantophiles Rex Begonia House Plants - Begonia rex Picture, Care Tips How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings | Garden Gate There are several ways to create humidity for any indoor plant. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. They assume that the plant needs more water. They bloom in several colors, including pink, orange, and red. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. This plant disease can destroy a plant. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. The plant needs more light, but not intense light. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. Temperature and Humidity Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings.