how to divide a rex begonia how to divide a rex begonia

Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. tall and wide (25-30 cm). After youve resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. The seeds . 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 . Youll also need to make sure theres plenty of air circulation. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. You can root these cuttings in perlite, potting soil, or any other sterile media. Spider mites also feed on the sap from your plant. By using our site, you agree to our. There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. a Few Hardy Begonias @ Lift the Rex begonia tuber from the pot with a spade or your hands. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. Can you divide Rex Begonias? Fill the plant pot with porous and fast-draining soil. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of canola oil, and a tablespoon of dish soap. Begonia roots are prone to rot immediately after dividing. Plant growth is costly and necessitates the use of nutrients. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. And the soil should be porous and fast-draining soil. Is it skewed in one direction? Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Slice down several inches deepat least 6 inches for most plants and more for extremely large, well-rooted plants. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). Appearance. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). 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. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. NCBI BLAST name . 6. #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. 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. You Might Also Like: University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? . You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. The rex begonia plant thrives in humid environments and exposure to bright indirect sunlight. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! To treat this disease, remove all infected leaves on the plant. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Insert the garden fork about 6 inches from the plant so the roots won't be damaged by the fork. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. 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. Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. 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. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . Unlike other houseplants, bigger plant pots are better. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. This is usually in March. 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. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. 50%. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. 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. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Fertilize your begonias. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. Tiny White Bugs In Soil The Truth Revealed! Do begonias winter inside? Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. Expect one or two plants per cut. Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. 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. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. 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. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. A dimly lit environment will encourage your begonia to send out long stalks in search of light. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. 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. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. You Might Also Like: Get the plant pot ready. This plant disease can destroy a plant. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Open the containers lid once a week for 10 minutes to let the cuttings breath. 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. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to get your leaf cutting. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. You should avoid freezing temperatures at all times. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. This is because of []. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. You need to dilute the neem oil with water. How to Water Houseplants Find out to divide your rex begonia house plants, in our step-by-step guide. Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. 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. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. 2. Spider mites love Begonias as well. To get rid of an infestation naturally, you should try neem oil. Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. 1. Rhizomatous begonias such as the rex begonia can be easily propagated by. Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! Bright indirect sunlight, and can tolerate direct sunlight too. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Replace any fluids lost during pruning by giving your plant a good drink and returning it to its original location to recover. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. How to Make a Kokedama. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. You will need pruning shears (This is the one I use), and I would recommend a jar or bowl of water for larger cuttings more on that later! You have to remove all the infected leaves, so it doesnt spread. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? 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. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. And some are smooth, some fuzzy. Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. Tuberous begonia. This can harm Begonias roots as well as the leaves. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. You Might Also Like: Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You should fertilize your winter-blooming plants with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen. After youve trimmed your plant to the desired height, pinch off new growth sprouting at the top on a regular basis. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. 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. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. How to split begonias? Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. Its important to pay careful attention to your plant so you can fix any problems as they arise. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. Here is where you will find the Rex begonias, Dragon Wing begonias, and other specialty ones like Eyelash begonias. 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. Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). 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. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. . Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. 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. Propagating Begonia rex. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. This is it! Begonia rex Putz. Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. Moisten the sphagnum with a sprayer, then cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. You Might Also Like: This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. External Information Resources (NCBI . Make sure the sun or artificial light isnt shining right on the plant. . Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. 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. Stem cuttings are very simple. The roots should be completely covered in soil. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. On the other hand separating the rhizome takes the most work since you need to get the plant out of its container. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. We earn from qualifying purchases. Make sure the soil is always moist. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. It should sit right under the top layer. Overgrowth occurs in all begonias, but it is most noticeable in cane begonias. There are several ways to create humidity for any indoor plant. Mist the foliage of Rex (foliage) type begonias twice a week or provide high humidity to avoid leaf drop. Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. How to Water Houseplants This article was last updated on 12/27/21 Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. Expect one or two plants per cut. If you give them more than an inch, theyll take a mile, and in this case, the mile in question is straight up. Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. It's available in various colors. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. Its easy to do, especially when keeping the soil moist. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Toxic to pets such as cats and dogs and horses. Then go ahead and fill the tray with water. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Consider using a grow light if you cant find a good bright spot. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. It should have drainage holes. One of our favorite methods for creating high humidity is the pebble tray method. You can care for the leaf-cutting as you do the original Begonia rex. 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. % of people told us that this article helped them. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. Theyre tiny and hard to detect. A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. Then simply immerse the entire stalk in water. Another method involves spritzing the leaves of your plant now and then. Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. 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. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. 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. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. Most of the time, the roots should be easy to divide by hand. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs.