[], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. Its a great way to get your begonia bushing out instead of legging it upwards. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. The roots should be completely covered in soil. So, they water the plant more and more. . Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Rex Begonia. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. How to Water Houseplants Pests love hopping from one plant to another. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. It should sit right under the top layer. Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. Young leaves should be removed before they unfurl. 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 moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Overgrowth occurs in all begonias, but it is most noticeable in cane begonias. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. How long does it take a begonia tuber to How to start a new Virginia creeper from How to propagate and split perennial geraniums, Clemson University Extension: Growing Begonia Indoors. Youll only need to refill the tray with water once its empty. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. 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. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. 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How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings 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 a 4-inch container with commercial potting mixture. Begonias originated in the tropics and thrive in warm, humid climates. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. Make sure the soil is always moist. 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 can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. This is it! Make sure the medium is evenly moist but not wet or soggy. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. Simply break off rhizomes that have grown outside the pot and start them in a small pot. NCBI BLAST name . All rights reserved. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Provide 50% humidity. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings 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. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. You need to dilute the neem oil with water. If you do this too often, it can create powdery mildew. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. This is because of []. Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. The most toxic parts of this plant grow underground. Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. The seeds . Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. Fading leaves on a Begonia rex indicate too much direct sunlight. It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. Cut the leaf and stem from the main plant, then take off the leaf stem and throw it away so youre left with just the leaf. 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. And make sure your plant is always getting bright but indirect sunlight. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Aggressive Drainage. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. They should always be your last resort because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment. 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. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. Cut the tuber with a sharp knife directly between the two stems. Plant one Begonia rex per pot. Begonia rex is toxic to pets such as cats, dogs, and horses, according to ASCPA. This can harm Begonias roots as well as the leaves. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. (6 Useful Methods of Use). These mites arent actual insects but arachnids instead. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Get the plant pot ready. How to Divide Bearded Irises. A small infestation isnt a big deal; once it grows, your plant can be in big trouble. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. You can use a mixture of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss, if you prefer. All of that summer zeal will end up in the leaves, giving you a display of growth to be proud of. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. Use warm water in a misting bottle. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. The soil should always be moist. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. Is it skewed in one direction? You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. When shopping for a new pot, choose one that is only an inch (2.5cm) or so wider across the top. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. 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. Spider mites love Begonias as well. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. 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. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. Advice on chopping top half do you have to cut where there's still green on the base or can you cut lower if there's pups growing? Mist the foliage of Rex (foliage) type begonias twice a week or provide high humidity to avoid leaf drop. Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. 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. They are resilient and thrive under that level of pruning. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? ". wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. Remove the stem with a sharp knife and slice the leaf into wedges, each piece with a main vein. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. Do not put a Begonia where it gets a southern or even a western exposure. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. Begonia rex Putz. 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. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. Lay the plants roots on a paper towel. If you give them more than an inch, theyll take a mile, and in this case, the mile in question is straight up. Do begonias winter inside? See those tiny plants unfurling? Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. Once you see the plant roots coming through the pots drainage holes, its time to re-pot it. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. However, while they do best in partial shade and indirect light, this is not the same as no light at all. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. Propagating Begonia rex. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. Water sparingly and allow to drain. 4. These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. You Might Also Like: 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. Repot in spring when the rhizome outgrows the pot. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. After reading this, I am quite confident that I can now save my favorite plants, and to have many more! 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Even the best specimen plant can only be expected to thrive for a few years. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves. The rex begonia vine can be grown as an indoor plant or as an outdoor plant, though it will not survive cold temperatures outdoors. These plants can grow wide. A small amount of root-binding is ideal for keeping your plant compact and lush. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Water Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. You should avoid freezing temperatures at all times. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. Or pink with silver edges. Make sure the plant never dries out. This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. If there are several plants in one pot, they will crowd together. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. It contains soluble calcium oxalates. Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. 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. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. 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. Its a very satisfying way to keep your begonias dramatic foliage. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. These resemble pink or red bumps, similar to the growing eyes on potatoes. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. 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. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. Among the various types of begonias, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful and dramatic plants. But if all the roots are rotten, there isnt anything you can do for the plant. Cultivar Selection Begonia rex : Evergreen perennial to 30cm, with large, obliquely ovate leaves which are metallic green with a silvery zone on the upper surface, reddish beneath; panicles of small pink flowers in winter. The Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. Dividing and conquering the fastest-growing genus: Towards a natural sectional classification of the mega-diverse genus Begonia (Begoniaceae). It isnt too good to be true! Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. Rex begonias are rhizomatous plants that grow from a, When the rhizome begins to butt up against the sides of the pot, however, it's time to. Begonias require less light than most house plants. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. - . It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Begonia rexis the basis for many hundreds of hybrids, and its forms are too numerous to count. 6. Expect one or two plants per cut. The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. With a sharp spade, cut a piece off. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Protecting your leaf cutting from harm while it starts to root is important. Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. The begonias eye-catching, asymmetrical leaves make it the star of any collection, but what if your begonia is more stem than a leaf? . They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. Because your begonia cannot afford to produce both stems and leaves, it focuses on stems in the hope of achieving better illumination. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. Then go ahead and fill the tray with water. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. All rights reserved. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? Rather, your plant is balding, which many older gardeners can certainly relate to! Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. Its usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. 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. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. Like most Begonia species, such as Begonia maculata, the Begonia rex is easy to care for. 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. Once fall hits, the plant goes dormant. Taxon 67(2): 267-323. The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. The leaves are hairy and wavy. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. 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. Always be careful during this process, you dont want to damage the Rex Begonia plants roots. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease. 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. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). 50%. 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. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. Soil Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. 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. Mist the soil as needed, so the cuttings stay moist, but don't keep them so wet that water stands on them. This article will show you the easiest way to propagate a rex begonia leaf. Provide the plant with plenty of bright indirect sun, but keep it out of direct sunlight and rotate frequently to expose it to equal light on all sides. Provide 50% humidity. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. 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. Male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant, the male . Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Slice down several inches deepat least 6 inches for most plants and more for extremely large, well-rooted plants. 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. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive.