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. I changed the water ones a week.Rubber plant propagation PART Ihttps://youtu.be/yXjvCQt5K0sRubber plant propagation PART IIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBx3UjgMHPQ\u0026t=3sMonstera propagation https://youtu.be/Oa2Bdz14vJMInstagram https://instagram.com/lushgarden.lak?igshid=1awg76y1j643hThanks for clicking and I hope you've enjoyed this video!Stay tune for further updates. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. Its both economical and satisfying to watch your sad, leggy begonia transform into a thriving swarm of new plants. Using a little bit of root tone and a small amount of fungicide to keep. Stick the leaf petioles or wedges into the soil, and slip the tray into a plastic bag. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. Rex Begonia. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Here is where you will find the Rex begonias, Dragon Wing begonias, and other specialty ones like Eyelash begonias. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/divide/how-to-propogate-rex-begonias-from-leaf-cuttings/?epik=dj0yJnU9X0NGUGk3bDdwbWdZUk16SVNJRVFuczRFUVMxYzdmaDUmcD0wJm49RDgtMjg5UmhGOVN6WlBLNlVNbGsydyZ0PUFBQUFBR0hmWWp3, How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings, How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings. 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. . Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. . Find out to divide your rex begonia house plants, in our step-by-step guide. Since you must wait for the roots to dry, prepare the plant pot. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. 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. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. You can use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to do this. Lush Garden 5.95K subscribers 108K views 2 years ago #begoniarex #waterpropagation #begoniarex. Its best to do your pruning in the warmer months when the plant is growing, too. Ensure it bears at least one leaf node. Most of the time, the roots should be easy to divide by hand. Spray the mixture with water until it's damp clear through, but not dripping. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. 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. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base 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. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we This can take about two or three weeks. To water propagate your Begonia, all you have to do is partially submerge the stem in water, leaving the leaves sticking out. 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. Place your plant in the shade if grown outdoors. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. This article has been viewed 38,009 times. Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. What if I told you that you could propagate a bunch of beautiful rex begonias for almost nothing? Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. 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! Powdery mildew is a pain to get rid of, but its possible with a lot of effort. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. 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. The seeds . This plant can come in various colors depending on how its bred. These elegant plants arent hard to propagate. University of Connecticut Home and Garden Information Center. If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Knowing which Begonia you have can help a lot in having success with bringing the plants indoors for the winter. 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. Ingestions may lead to vomiting, kidney failure in grazing animals, and salvation in cats and dogs. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. 8 Causes of Polka Dot Plant Dying (And Solutions), Are Pebbles Good for Soil? How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights, just didn't know how. While begonias are prone to becoming leggy, there is a relatively simple fix that can result in even more begonias! About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . External Information Resources (NCBI . Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Youll also want to check the roots to ensure root rot hasnt started. After reading this, I am quite confident that I can now save my favorite plants, and to have many more! The leaves on this plant can grow to about 6 inches in width. Fading leaves on a Begonia rex indicate too much direct sunlight. Fill containers with fine-textured potting mix and moisten it. These leaves are arranged in an asymmetrical manner on the stems. Its important to pay careful attention to your plant so you can fix any problems as they arise. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. 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. Well walk you through both methods step-by-step down below. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). It grows 8 inches tall and wide. Dry, brittle leaves are a symptom of dry air. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Unlike other types of legginess, this is not caused by excessive growth. Plant with the flat or concave section of the root facing up. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. 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. 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. Now that weve restored your radiant beauty, lets look at how to keep that legginess from reappearing. Direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. I mist mine daily and water the soil once a week. Fill the plant pot with porous and fast-draining soil. After youve pruned your begonia, it will begin to sprout new leaves. The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. It's available in various colors. Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia. Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. Rex begonias require regular water, but be careful not to overwater them. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Provide 50% humidity. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings And make sure your plant is always getting bright but indirect sunlight. You Might Also Like: Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. All rights reserved. How to Water Houseplants Insert the garden fork about 6 inches from the plant so the roots won't be damaged by the fork. Ive found an equal mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss to be an ideal growing medium for my indoor begonias. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. The bright side is if you find an infestation early, its easy to get rid of. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. A very well draining potting mix with added sand and perlite. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. 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. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). Fill an 8-inch diameter pot with well-draining soil mix. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. tall and wide (25-30 cm). Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. For a Begonia, use regular houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks in spring and summer. Stick to the plan above, and your bundle of twigs will be restored to its verdant glory in no time. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. I have a question. Your plant cannot photosynthesize and produce food if it is not exposed to light. The stem stretches, causing the normal spacing between leaves to become excessively wide and gaping. Begonias are easily propagated at home. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Use regular houseplant fertilizer tri-weekly diluted to half-strength. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. . Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. There is nothing you can do for the old damaged leaves. Its usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. You can test the moisture with your finger. 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. [], [] want to dilute the neem oil with water in a spray bottle. Cane begonias should be pruned on a regular basis to encourage a thicker growth, and other varieties benefit from having their excessively straggly growth removed as well. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. Use a well diluted balanced plant feed monthly in the spring and summer. Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. Use a well-draining soil mix to care for Begonia rex and provide bright indirect light. Propagating Begonia rex. Nothing should go to waste. This plant pot should have drainage holes on the bottom. It is also available online, visit our website at spokaneplantfarm.com.For over fifty years, our plants have been locally grown in Spokane Valley, WA. Salsa Rex begonia is a silver-leaf type that's variegated with shades of green and burgundy-red. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. It isnt too good to be true! Blight plant disease is challenging to battle. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. It should sit right under the top layer. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Replant the original piece and pot or plant the remaining piece. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. The Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. Bright indirect sunlight, and can tolerate direct sunlight too. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. You deal with powdery mildew when you see a white powdery substance all over your plant. Common Issues with Strawberry Begonia. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. And the Begonia rex isnt the only wonder species out there. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Begonia. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section. How to Root Succulents with Leaf Cuttings Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. Make sure you sterilize the pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol. Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias. On the other hand separating the rhizome takes the most work since you need to get the plant out of its container. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. . To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. (6 Useful Methods of Use). The original leaf probably will have torn apart and may have even disintegrated. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. 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, . An older begonia may become leggy as the leaves on its older stems fall off. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. The rex begonia plant thrives in humid environments and exposure to bright indirect sunlight. The cutting should then be placed in a clean pot filled with moistened potting mix. Do not mist, increase humidity with humidifier or pebble tray. Underwatering is one of the most likely reasons your . You have to remove all the infected leaves, so it doesnt spread. Its also the most common issue youll come across. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. Expect one or two plants per cut. But they can get pricey. How Much Light Do Anthuriums Need? The vibrant colored leaves of a Begonia Rex start to fade and look bleached when it is getting too much direct sun. 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Regarding the Rex Begonia, you want to repot in a shallow pot. Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. 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. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. 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 can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. Read our. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. 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. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Water Rex begonias like regular water but hate being overwatered. However, if you have over-fertilized your begonia, it may seize the opportunity to really get going, shooting up and becoming leggy. They assume that the plant needs more water. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. Rhizomatous begonias such as the rex begonia can be easily propagated by. Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. But if you place a piece of paper under your plant and shake it, you should see them fall. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. In worst-case scenarios, it can kill your pet. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. Debra is a member of The Spruce Gardening andPlant Care Review Board. So what are you waiting for? Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Plus, you want to trap in moisture so itll grow quicker. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Rex begonias need thorough watering but should not be overwatered. 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. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. Gather the items on the "Materials & Tools" list above. 2 Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. 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. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. A temperature between 65-75F (18-24C) is ideal. This begonia requires high humidity during the growing period. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. Step 1 Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. We earn from qualifying purchases. Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. 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. All rights reserved. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. 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. Even though high humidity isnt required, it keeps the plant full, lush, and healthy. They need room to spread. It was published in 1857. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,009 times. Tuberous begonia. This means they steal the hydration and nutrition from the plant. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. 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. You can purchase this Rooting Powder in our retail store, The Plant Farm located in Spokane Valley, WA. Strip off the lower leaves. Use as many as you need to hold the leaf flat. Begonias require less light than most house plants. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. Divide a Rex begonia when it begins to outgrow its pot or once the plant is at least three years old if you want to add more begonias to your houseplant collection. It can harm or even kill your plant. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. This is it! How to Make a Kokedama. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. 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. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. 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. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. Debra LaGattuta is a gardening expert with three decades of experience in perennial and flowering plants, container gardening, and raised bed vegetable gardening. Begonia rex is toxic to pets such as cats, dogs, and horses, according to ASCPA. Overgrowth occurs in all begonias, but it is most noticeable in cane begonias. You start by filling a tray with smooth pebbles. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don't have a very long lifespan. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. Then simply immerse the entire stalk in water. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. Your plant will get plenty of sun but it wont receive direct sunlight. There are wide different Begonia rex varieties available: Begonia rex has vibrant foliage that ranges from red to green to purple with various patterns.