The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the . University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. 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? The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. Can You Grow Begonia Rex From A Cutting? - Study Nature Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. 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. Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Slightly moist soil is ideal for painted leaf begonias, but excess moisture will cause root rot, so make sure the water drains properly from the pot and you empty the saucer of excess water. University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. All rights reserved. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. There are a few different methods that can be used to propagate rex begonias, but the most common is stem propagation. How to Grow and Care for Begonia Rex Indoors - Homeplantsguide 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. To fix a leggy begonia, first, determine what is causing the overgrowth and then correct it by increasing light, temperature, or changing the plant's pot. Begonia rex care & info | Painted leaf Begonia - Houseplant Central After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Or pink with silver edges. Your begonia has indicated this need by stretching its leaves in the direction of a brighter light source. Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. Fill a small pot with moistened seed-starting medium. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. Fill a 4-inch container with commercial potting mixture. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. Move your plant to a shadier area. The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. Make sure the soil is always moist. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. This article is about how to care for Begonia rex. See those tiny plants unfurling? But they will also let you know if they feel that their water, light, and soil conditions are a bit off for their liking. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . 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. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Cut a healthy leaf. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Advice on chopping top half do you have to cut where - Reddit This can take about two or three weeks. It may seem brutal, but there really isnt much to it. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. And make sure your plant is always getting bright but indirect sunlight. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. 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. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. Begonia. 1. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. There are two main ways to propagate a Rex Begonia. Can you divide Rex Begonias? Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. 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. 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. It should sit right under the top layer. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Fertilize your begonias. Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. Potting soil, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. The Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. The leaves are hairy and wavy. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. 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. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. 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. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. It contains soluble calcium oxalates. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. How to Care for a Begonia: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. Rex Begonia - Geoponics Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. 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 . What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? Let me show you how to get more of these great plants practically free! Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. Water sparingly and allow to drain. Begonia Rex- Insightful Care Guide to Make Painted-Leaf Begonia Happy 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/divide/how-to-propogate-rex-begonias-from-leaf-cuttings/, How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings, How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings. Stick the leaf petioles or wedges into the soil, and slip the tray into a plastic bag. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. 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. Begonia Propagation: Rooting Begonias From Cuttings - Gardening Know How Remove the diseased leaves. (Begonia rex Magic Colours) So, they water the plant more and more. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Very good article. Ultimate Guide to Rex Begonia Plant Care at Home Then simply immerse the entire stalk in water. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. A dimly lit environment will encourage your begonia to send out long stalks in search of light. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. The soil should always be moist. Examine your begonia growing environment. Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. The scorch marks can be either dark or white. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. Plant growth is costly and necessitates the use of nutrients. . NCBI BLAST name . Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. 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. There are several ways to create humidity for any indoor plant. Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings Cissus discolor: How to Grow and Care for the Rex Begonia Vine A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Then go ahead and fill the tray with water. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). 2. . 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. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Now that weve restored your radiant beauty, lets look at how to keep that legginess from reappearing. These plants can grow wide. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. There are wide different Begonia rex varieties available: Begonia rex has vibrant foliage that ranges from red to green to purple with various patterns. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. How to Divide Perennial Plants - The Spruce When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. The Garden Clinic Begonias are easily propagated at home. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. Use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to get your leaf cutting. Divide the vine into smaller pieces, ensuring each has at least two or three leaves. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. If it has, remove the rotten roots. 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. Replace any fluids lost during pruning by giving your plant a good drink and returning it to its original location to recover. The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. 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. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Provide 50% humidity. Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. 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.