how to divide a rex begonia

But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. Avoid direct sunlight, but any location with good diffuse light will encourage your begonia to bloom with an abundance of alluring foliage. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. 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. Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. 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. 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. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. 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. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. 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. Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. 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. The begonia foliage should be trimmed back, and the tubers can be dried and stored in a cool, dry location through winter, just as canna or dahlia bulbs are stored. Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. Get the plant pot ready. This will help make it stand up. Youll only need to refill the tray with water once its empty. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. 6. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. This begonia requires high humidity during the growing period. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. Mist the foliage of Rex (foliage) type begonias twice a week or provide high humidity to avoid leaf drop. This is usually in March. It drains well while retaining a good amount of moisture, and the slow but steady decomposition of the moss provides a consistent amount of nutrition. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Remove the stem with a sharp knife and slice the leaf into wedges, each piece with a main vein. These strange plant pests are soft-bodied. The plant needs more light, but not intense light. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. 50%. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. 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. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. Mixing plants in a small indoor pot is not recommended in general, but when it is literally parts of the same plant, you can avoid the pitfalls of over-planting your pot. She is a Master Gardener and lead gardener in a Plant-A-Row, which is a program that offers thousands of pounds of organically-grown vegetables to local food banks. They can also become sprawling because fast-growing stems frequently lack the strength to keep their heads up. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. 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. It contains soluble calcium oxalates. 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. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Mix together well and moisten with water. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. Please note the tuber I split here in the images is nowhere large enough to need splitting but it is all I had on hand to demonstrate with! How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. It should have drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. 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. However, while they do best in partial shade and indirect light, this is not the same as no light at all. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. Fill the remainder of the container with the potting mix, carefully firming it up around the begonia and being sure not to plant any deeper than it was growing in its nursery pot. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Water until it begins dripping from the bottom drainage holes to ensure it is moist throughout. Plantophiles.com is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to affiliates. You need to remove all dead or harmed roots right away. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Plant a tuber section per pot. 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. 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. It was published in 1857. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). 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. This is because of []. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Is it skewed in one direction? Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. 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 rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. Like most Begonia species, such as Begonia maculata, the Begonia rex is easy to care for. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. The first thing you do is to dig up your Rex Begonia plant. Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. See those tiny plants unfurling? It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. Is the Begonia rex plant toxic to animals? Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. If youre afraid to damage the roots, use pruning shears for this step. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. How to Make a Kokedama. Begonia rhizomes are sensitive to soggy soil or overwatering and may rot. Slice down several inches deepat least 6 inches for most plants and more for extremely large, well-rooted plants. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. Lay the plants roots on a paper towel. When we say a plant is leggy, we mean that its growth is concentrated in its stems. Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Mealybugs are the biggest plant pest problem with this Begonia. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Make sure the soil is always moist. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. Well walk you through both methods step-by-step down below. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. A dimly lit environment will encourage your begonia to send out long stalks in search of light. Your plant cannot photosynthesize and produce food if it is not exposed to light. Its important to pay careful attention to your plant so you can fix any problems as they arise. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Then go ahead and fill the tray with water. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. . The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Provide 50% humidity. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. If you do this too often, it can create powdery mildew. a Few Hardy Begonias @ Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Plus, you want to trap in moisture so itll grow quicker. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. - . Bright indirect sunlight, and can tolerate direct sunlight too. Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. The vast majority of begonias offered in the trade are hybrids so they cannot be accurately propagated from seed. 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. After youve trimmed your plant to the desired height, pinch off new growth sprouting at the top on a regular basis. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Lush Garden 5.95K subscribers 108K views 2 years ago #begoniarex #waterpropagation #begoniarex. Its both economical and satisfying to watch your sad, leggy begonia transform into a thriving swarm of new plants. It isnt too good to be true! It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. 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. Young leaves should be removed before they unfurl. All rights reserved. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. 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. Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. This stops any plant disease from spreading. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. Use warm water in a misting bottle. Press seeds onto the surface of the medium and cover them lightly with milled sphagnum. A very well draining potting mix with added sand and perlite. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. 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 your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. 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. The cutting should then be placed in a clean pot filled with moistened potting mix. I am going to walk you through how to propagate Begonia using root division and through leaf cuttings. 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? With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. But you can also propagate this plant through leaf cuttings. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . Spider mites love Begonias as well. Rex Begonia. You can cut off up to two-thirds of the top of any given cane begonia. Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. 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. There are two main ways to propagate a Rex Begonia. There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. You Might Also Like: You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. Begonia rex Putz. Fertilize your begonias. Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. 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. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Begonia Listada Plant Care Best Practices, Scarlet Begonia (Begonia Coccinea) Best Care Tips | Plantophiles, [] The leaf surface has a mixture of colors ranging from green grass ting to red. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. Grows up to 10-12 in. Theyre tiny and hard to detect. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. Most potted plants have limited resources, and as a result, growth is restricted. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. 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. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. Examine your begonia growing environment. Nothing should go to waste. My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? Expect one or two plants per cut. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. Begonia rex plants can quickly get mildew or fungal diseases. Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. . Replace any fluids lost during pruning by giving your plant a good drink and returning it to its original location to recover. You will want to be looking at the underneath side of the leaf. 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. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! The flowers can turn orange, pink, and white. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. Pests love hopping from one plant to another. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. All rights reserved. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. This Begonia species have leaves with a fun fuzzy feel. 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 . Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. It isnt too good to be true! . Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. 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. 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. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias By using our site, you agree to our. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. How to split begonias? Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . But they will also let you know if they feel that their water, light, and soil conditions are a bit off for their liking. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. #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. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. Remove the diseased leaves. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. The roots should be completely covered in soil. Open the containers lid once a week for 10 minutes to let the cuttings breath. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. It's available in various colors. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Plants 5 Proven Ways! Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. 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. Make sure the plant never dries out. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. Cut a healthy leaf. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. 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. Dont be afraid! Amend the medium with a couple of tablespoons of ground limestone to help control humidity. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. 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. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. NCBI BLAST name . Protecting your leaf cutting from harm while it starts to root is important. The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. Thank you! Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water.

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