You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. All rights reserved. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. You Might Also Like: Very good article. 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. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. Make sure you pack the soil tightly around the cutting. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. It's available in various colors. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. When it comes to fast-draining soil, porous soil works the best. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. You may have everything you need at home already. Grows up to 10-12 in. Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Another method involves spritzing the leaves of your plant now and then. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. One of our favorite methods for creating high humidity is the pebble tray method. The rex begonia vine can be grown as an indoor plant or as an outdoor plant, though it will not survive cold temperatures outdoors. NCBI BLAST name . But they can get pricey. It isnt too good to be true! Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. You should fertilize your winter-blooming plants with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. They can also become sprawling because fast-growing stems frequently lack the strength to keep their heads up. Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease. Since you must wait for the roots to dry, prepare the plant pot. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. 2. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. Spider mites love Begonias as well. Its beautiful leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight. Needed good info to prune and appreciate this info as I am not as good a plant person as my sister who gave me this plant. This is especially true in warmer weather more on that later. You Might Also Like: It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. This can take about two or three weeks. 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. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. This plant pot should have drainage holes on the bottom. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The begonias eye-catching, asymmetrical leaves make it the star of any collection, but what if your begonia is more stem than a leaf? You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. Find out to divide your rex begonia house plants, in our step-by-step guide. This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. Spider mites also feed on the sap from your plant. Once you see the plant roots coming through the pots drainage holes, its time to re-pot it. 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. Post #8301529 Quote CindyMzone5 Hobart, IN Jan 10, 2011 Should I try to evenly divide the roots so that all of the clumps have some roots? It isnt too good to be true! Once the plant pot is ready to go, you can go ahead and plant the leaf-cutting. Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. Consider using a grow light if you cant find a good bright spot. Repot in spring when the rhizome outgrows the pot. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Open the containers lid once a week for 10 minutes to let the cuttings breath. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. These plants can grow wide. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. 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 . This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. Dont be afraid! But don't let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither. Taxon 67(2): 267-323. Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. Consider using a systemic fungicide. 3. 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. 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. Begonia rex plants can quickly get mildew or fungal diseases. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. Rex Begonia. #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. Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. The soil should always be moist. This plant disease can destroy a plant. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. If your begonia is receiving adequate light but still reaching for the stars, the problem is one of temperature, and you must maintain your cool. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. It was published in 1857. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Booman has another trick: Water thoroughly so that at least 20 percent of the water flows out of the pot, and don't let the plant sit in the water for a second, so that the salts cannot be taken up by the plant. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. . Mist the foliage of Rex (foliage) type begonias twice a week or provide high humidity to avoid leaf drop. (6 Useful Methods of Use). The Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Read our. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. 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. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. 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. After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. How to Water Houseplants Begonia rex is toxic to pets such as cats, dogs, and horses, according to ASCPA. Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. Ingestions may lead to vomiting, kidney failure in grazing animals, and salvation in cats and dogs. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Cuttings taken from leggy specimens are a great way to start new plants. Soil Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. 1. Theyre full of chemicals, so its important to test an area of your plant before using it. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Fill a 4-inch container with commercial potting mixture. Fill the plant pot with porous and fast-draining soil. Step 1 Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. It should be getting bright indirect light. While begonias are prone to becoming leggy, there is a relatively simple fix that can result in even more begonias! Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. 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. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. You need to dilute the neem oil with water. 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. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Begonias are easily propagated at home. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. Make sure the plant never dries out. Young leaves should be removed before they unfurl. The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. If it has, remove the rotten roots. Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. 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. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. I have a question. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. 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. Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Rhizomatous begonias such as the rex begonia can be easily propagated by. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. Temperature and Humidity 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. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). It grows 8 inches tall and wide. The leaves on this plant can grow to about 6 inches in width. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. This will help make it stand up. Once fall hits, the plant goes dormant. 50%. 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. It suffocates the pests within only minutes. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. Unlike other houseplants, bigger plant pots are better. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Spray your plant down every three weeks or so. 4. Begonia. 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. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. These resemble pink or red bumps, similar to the growing eyes on potatoes. 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, . Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! How to Make a Kokedama. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Now you care for the new plant like you do the mother, Rex. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. This begonia requires high humidity during the growing period. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. 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 water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. 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. Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? Is the Begonia rex plant toxic to animals? This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. See those tiny plants unfurling? They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment. 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. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. While this may appear barbaric, it will prompt your blushing beauty to produce not one, but two new sprouts from the trimmed tip. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. 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. A dimly lit environment will encourage your begonia to send out long stalks in search of light. You can care for the leaf-cutting as you do the original Begonia rex. 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. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. You can purchase this Rooting Powder in our retail store, The Plant Farm located in Spokane Valley, WA. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. Make sure the medium is evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Water once it has almost dried out. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. Begonia Rex has tiny seeds that need warmth to germinate. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. There are two main ways to propagate a Rex Begonia. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Move your plant to a shadier area. Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. . The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. You can also propagate rex begonia from water. Aggressive Drainage. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. . I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. This stops any plant disease from spreading. 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. 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. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. a Few Hardy Begonias @ Fertilize your begonias. When to Start Seeds Indoors When used sparingly, this will encourage the growth of those lovely leaves without inspiring them to reach for the stars. We earn from qualifying purchases. Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Stick the leaf petioles or wedges into the soil, and slip the tray into a plastic bag. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. The seeds . Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Begonias are prone to mildew and mold. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. A very well draining potting mix with added sand and perlite. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. Divide the vine into smaller pieces, ensuring each has at least two or three leaves. It is also available online, visit our website at spokaneplantfarm.com.For over fifty years, our plants have been locally grown in Spokane Valley, WA. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Make sure the sun or artificial light isnt shining right on the plant. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. 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. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Begonia rex 'Putzey' came into cultivation as a stowaway plant that germinated on an orchid which was imported into England at the height of the Victorian plant collecting fever. If you have a hanging basket or a table-top pot of . To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. You can cut off up to two-thirds of the top of any given cane begonia. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping.