how to divide a rex begonia

Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. Rex begonias do best in moderate temperatures (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). A tuber ready to divide should be large and also have at least two clear stems. Begonia. But most come with leaves in a pretty pink with blackened edges. You dont want it to take off again, so keep an eye on it. The humidity levels are too low (but don't mist the plant because rex begonias do not like wet foliage). What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? 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. a Few Hardy Begonias @ It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. Repot your begonias only when they are completely root-bound. Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. 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. Cut a healthy leaf. Dont be afraid! The seeds . We earn from qualifying purchases. 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When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Divide rex begonia in early spring right before the plant begins growing again. Do you want to save any of the leaf patches? It came from Assam, India which is in the Himalayan foothills. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. These resemble pink or red bumps, similar to the growing eyes on potatoes. Can you divide Rex Begonias? 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? Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . Regarding the Rex Begonia, you want to repot in a shallow pot. - . Another interesting andbeautiful begonia is B.masoniana, also known as the Iron Cross begonia. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. All rights reserved. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. Very good article. Propagate leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome. You Might Also Like: 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. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. Begonias are easily propagated at home. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. 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. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias See those tiny plants unfurling? Tap water contains salt and other chemicals that can harm your plant. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. . These cuts (and the stem cut) are where the new plantlets will form. Nothing should go to waste. Since you must wait for the roots to dry, prepare the plant pot. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Use a garden fork to dig a healthy wax begonia plant. [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. Lush Garden 5.95K subscribers 108K views 2 years ago #begoniarex #waterpropagation #begoniarex. A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. 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. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. Rex-cultorum begonias can be propagated in three ways, based on their type: by softwood cuttings, by leaf cuttings, or by dividing the rhizomes in summer. They thrive on humidity but be careful if misting leaves that they don't stay too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names used to market the plants. The rex begonia requires at least 50 perecnet humidity and careful watering that keeps the soil moist but not too wet. The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. You should also make sure theres good air circulation near your plant. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. If you do this too often, it can create powdery mildew. 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! My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. The problem is that a rex begonia with some leaves bitten off is really a disaster on the gardening front. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. Place each leaf cutting on the surface of a tray of moist seed raising mix. You can also propagate rex begonia from water. If it has, remove the rotten roots. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. Remove the begonia from its container and gently tease the roots apart, position it in the pot and backfill around it. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. This is usually in March. Now, set your plant on the pebbles. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. On the other hand separating the rhizome takes the most work since you need to get the plant out of its container. In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. Make sure you pack the soil tightly around the cutting. 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. Expect one or two plants per cut. Your plant cannot photosynthesize and produce food if it is not exposed to light. Plant a tuber section per pot. Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. You can use a mixture of perlite, vermiculite and peat moss, if you prefer. This plant can come in various colors depending on how its bred. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Straight perlite is very easy for starting new rhizomes. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Now you care for the new plant like you do the mother, Rex. The salt from the fertilizer can build up in the soil, causing serious fertilizer burn. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. Begonia seeds are tiny and you might mistake them for dust or pollen. You should avoid freezing temperatures at all times. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. Theyre perfect for the pastel plant lover. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. Keep your begonias in a growing environment that is between 58 72F (14 22C) for the best results. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. The Rex Begonia originates in areas without salt in the water. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their variegated leaves. But they can get pricey. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. The Rex begonia is a rhizomatous plant with stems creeping on the surface. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? Step 2 - Prepare the New Location. After reading this, I am quite confident that I can now save my favorite plants, and to have many more! Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. 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. 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. Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. Its usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. This article will show you the easiest way to propagate a rex begonia leaf. Rex begonias are a colourful addition to your indoor or patio potted plants. The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. Its both economical and satisfying to watch your sad, leggy begonia transform into a thriving swarm of new plants. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Begonias are just as at home in a pot as they are in the garden. The Begonia rex is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. Is the Begonia rex plant toxic to animals? Mix a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of canola oil, and a tablespoon of dish soap. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! 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. Remove the lower leaves on each cutting, leaving the upper one or two leaves. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. After you've resolved the initial problem, prune your plant from the top-down, removing the leggy parts. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. You want to be careful during this process to avoid injuring the plants roots. The water shouldnt flow over the pebbles. 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. Like most Begonia species, such as Begonia maculata, the Begonia rex is easy to care for. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. Spray your plant down every three weeks or so. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. 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. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. 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. Lay the plants roots on a paper towel. 1. Make sure the plant never dries out. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Make sure the soil is always moist. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. 3. You may have everything you need at home already. Once you see the plant roots coming through the pots drainage holes, its time to re-pot it. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Cuttings taken from leggy specimens are a great way to start new plants. Then simply immerse the entire stalk in water. Then go ahead and fill the tray with water. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. 2. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. Begonia Rex has tiny seeds that need warmth to germinate. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Pin into place with wire. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. 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. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. Tuberous, rhizomatous, and waxy begonias do not suffer as frequently as cane varieties, but long and malformed leaves can still be seen. You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. By cleverly planting multiple plants in the same space, each with sprouted cuttings from the parent plant, you can give the appearance of a bushier plant. 4. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. 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. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. 1. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Let me show you how to get more of these great plants practically free! But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. When used sparingly, this will encourage the growth of those lovely leaves without inspiring them to reach for the stars. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Typically grown for their beautiful leaf markings, most rex begonias have large leaves with intricate swirling patterns in a variety of colours including green, red, purple and silver. Fading leaves on a Begonia rex indicate too much direct sunlight. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. 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. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. Read our. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. How to Water Houseplants How to propagate Rex Begonia in water? Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. 50%. The weaker stems lean and nod, and your plant takes up more room in your arrangement. Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings Take 4-6 in. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. After you've placed your Begonia Rex seedlings into holes in the soil, cover them with soil and water them generously. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. 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. Begonia fungicide is available at garden centres. There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. 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.

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