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

Once the plant pot is ready to go, you can go ahead and plant the leaf-cutting. This article will show you the easiest way to propagate a rex begonia leaf. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. Well walk you through both methods step-by-step down below. This can harm Begonias roots as well as the leaves. Its also the most common issue youll come across. After you've placed your Begonia Rex seedlings into holes in the soil, cover them with soil and water them generously. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. External Information Resources (NCBI . They assume that the plant needs more water. Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. It should sit right under the top layer. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. Its not uncommon for a clipped cane to produce two new shoots, resulting in an overall thicker and bushier plant. There are two main ways to propagate a Rex Begonia. And some are smooth, some fuzzy. 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. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. Very good article. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. It can affect the animals breathing and cause excessive drooling. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. Make sure the soil is always moist. 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. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. Use warm water in a misting bottle. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. Rex begonia can be difficult to grow because of its need for high humidity. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the 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. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Fertilize your begonias. This is it! Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. This is especially true in warmer weather more on that later. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. To do this, simply cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves. Spider mites love Begonias as well. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. But doing this can mean accidentally over-watering your plant, which makes using fast-draining soil super important. Begonias require less light than most house plants. 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. 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. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. The scorch marks can be either dark or white. Giving your leggy begonia a haircut is the absolute best way to deal with it! 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. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. And the soil should be porous and fast-draining soil. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. % of people told us that this article helped them. Stand the stem into the bottle, and keep foliage above water or on top of the bottle. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. These begonias have gorgeous flowers with frilly edges. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. "I've been losing all my beautiful leaves off most of my favorite plants! Fill the plant pot with porous and fast-draining soil. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Cut the germinated tubers longitudinally, each with 1 to 2 buds, and plant in a pot after the incision is dried. You'll notice if the leaves of your lovely rex begonia begin to wilt, which is one of its most common problems. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. They come in various colors, the most common color being green. Stick the leaf petioles or wedges into the soil, and slip the tray into a plastic bag. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Other varieties may not require as much vigorous pruning, but even the most delicate begonia will benefit from having its overgrown stalks and stems trimmed back. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. Provide 50% humidity. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. The biggest way to prevent plant pests is to examine all new plants before you bring them into your home. An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. Plus, you want to trap in moisture so itll grow quicker. Place in a brightly lit, 60 to 70 degree F room and keep the soil moist but not soggy. The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the . At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). Plant growth is costly and necessitates the use of nutrients. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. The leaves are hairy and wavy. This stops any plant disease from spreading. How to split begonias? 2. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. If your plant is turning brown, with brittle leaves/dead leaves, it is likely to be one of three causes. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Check weekly. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. Make sure you sit your plant a few inches away instead of sitting it right under the light. Now you care for the new plant like you do the mother, Rex. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. Taxon 67(2): 267-323. Your plant cannot photosynthesize and produce food if it is not exposed to light. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. Keep the temperature setting at about 70 degrees. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. 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. Temperature and Humidity Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. Potting soil, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite. 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. Once fall hits, the plant goes dormant. Spray your plant down every three weeks or so. See those tiny plants unfurling? Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. 1. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings Take 4-6 in. You Might Also Like: Begonias are easily propagated at home. 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. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. Begonia rex 'Putzey' came into cultivation as a stowaway plant that germinated on an orchid which was imported into England at the height of the Victorian plant collecting fever. I am going to walk you through how to propagate Begonia using root division and through leaf cuttings. They can also become sprawling because fast-growing stems frequently lack the strength to keep their heads up. Insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, shaded place. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. 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. On the other hand separating the rhizome takes the most work since you need to get the plant out of its container. How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? Replace any fluids lost during pruning by giving your plant a good drink and returning it to its original location to recover. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. Jun 1, 2021 - Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the plant stem. 3. The cutting should then be placed in a clean pot filled with moistened potting mix. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. This plant pot should have drainage holes on the bottom. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. This plant can come in various colors depending on how its bred. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. The roots should be completely covered in soil. Appearance. 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. 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. We earn from qualifying purchases. Do begonias winter inside? Begonia Rex has tiny seeds that need warmth to germinate. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. Using a shovel or flat-edged spade, slice completely around the outer perimeter of the plant, a few inches away from the foliage. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. . To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. 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. Dont forget to rotate your plant whenever possible, so all parts are getting equal amounts of light. You may have everything you need at home already. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Cuttings taken from leggy specimens are a great way to start new plants. When you cut a leaf, make sure the leaf-cutting has three inches of the petiole attached. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. 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 . Begonias are prone to mildew and mold. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Expect one or two plants per cut. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. First, let's talk about the best light for Cissus discolor when it is grown as a houseplant year-round. Water once the to 1-inch of soil is dry once a week. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Open the containers lid once a week for 10 minutes to let the cuttings breath. 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. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. When choosing your pot, a good general rule of thumb is no more than 20cm across the top for each begonia. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. Step 1 - Find a suitable tuber. . Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. 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. Fill a 4-inch container with commercial potting mixture. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. 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. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. According to Cornell University, your Begonia is susceptible to this disease in wet or humid environments. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Cut a healthy leaf. The Rex Begonia originates in areas without salt in the water. This will help make it stand up. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week.