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

Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Begonia Rex has tiny seeds that need warmth to germinate. They also thrive on humidity but don't like direct misting, which encourages powdery mildew. The water will evaporate over time, keeping humidity in the air at all times. Begonia rhizomes are sensitive to soggy soil or overwatering and may rot. Cut a healthy leaf. Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. Mist the soil as needed, so the cuttings stay moist, but don't keep them so wet that water stands on them. 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. This is to prevent the spread of spores and fungi. Your plant cannot photosynthesize and produce food if it is not exposed to light. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. Step 1 Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. 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, . If you can squeeze water from the medium, it is too wet. Your begonia, regardless of variety, requires partial shade to bright, indirect light to thrive. If you give your begonia too much space, it will seize the opportunity and spread as quickly as it can into the new space. Compact grow lights are very common and simple to use and will provide your begonia with the light levels it requires to stay in one place rather than legging it off in search of a brighter day. Begin by removing the tallest, thinnest stalks. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome No pruning is required. These flowers have a slight resemblance to roses. Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf. When shopping for a new pot, choose one that is only an inch (2.5cm) or so wider across the top. Keep a Rex Begonia plants soil moist. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. Spider mites love Begonias as well. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . Carefully cut away the rotted portion of the roots, and re-pot in better soil. 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. At night, the temperature should never drop below 60F (16C). Move your Begonia Rex to an eastern exposure and the new leaves will be fine. 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. Here is where you will find the Rex begonias, Dragon Wing begonias, and other specialty ones like Eyelash begonias. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Well walk you through both methods step-by-step down below. 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. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. The leaves on this plant can grow to about 6 inches in width. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. 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. Ive cut each vein about an inch from the central vein in the photo above. Avoid putting a pin through a main leaf vein, or that vein may not root. How to Divide Bearded Irises Pin the leaf down so that each cut makes good contact with the seed-starting mix. Tamp down the medium to hold the cutting upright. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. Regarding the Rex Begonia, you want to repot in a shallow pot. Pin into place with wire. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. You should avoid freezing temperatures at all times. The rex begonia is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Once a nice cluster of roots has formed, they can be potted as a separate plant in their own right. Water when the top 1" of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. This plant disease can destroy a plant. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? Check for rot in your cuttings once a week. Plants are root bound when you can't insert a pencil into a drainage holes on the pot. Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. Silver Limbo is a compact, small-leafed variety that offers beautiful metallic-silver foliage that has purple-red backsides. Youll also need to make sure theres plenty of air circulation. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. A stem cutting should be two to four inches in length and come from a healthy plant. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting. Be careful not to over-water your plant, though. It takes about 1,000,000 begonia seeds to make up 1 ounce, with each seed weighing about 28 micrograms. Begonias shed their lower leaves as they grow older. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Other common problems caused by over-watering include yellowing leaves, fungi, and stunted growth. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. You should fertilize your winter-blooming plants with a high-phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer that contains little or no nitrogen. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. Thank you! Let me show you the secret to propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings. 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. Divide the leaf into sections about 2cm long, each with . Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. Taxon 67(2): 267-323. The leaves are narrow and spotted white. 2. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials This is it! If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! The vast majority of begonias offered in the trade are hybrids so they cannot be accurately propagated from seed. These resemble pink or red bumps, similar to the growing eyes on potatoes. This beautiful plant was introduced to cultivation in 1952 and has puckered leaves with a dark cross in the middle. To grow a begonia in a pot, you need to allow for growth, so ensure you choose a pot that is twice the width and depth of the plant. Step 2 - Cut with a sharp knife. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. . Rex begonias can be bought at the following online retailers: Logees, Amazon and Etsy, and many other online and offline shops. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. How to Propagate Begonia Rex in Water by using a single leaf | plant Propagating Experiments. 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. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. Expect one or two plants per cut. Place the leaf-cutting, so its sticking out of the soil at a 45-degree angle. Fill the plant pot with porous and fast-draining soil. - . I am going to walk you through how to propagate Begonia using root division and through leaf cuttings. Whats more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. 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. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. Copyright 2023. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. When to Start Seeds Indoors The best light for rex begonia vine when growing indoors. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials This is especially true of cane begonias, which can grow to look almost like bamboo with careful, consistent care. I like to take leaf cuttings because its so fascinating to watch a single leaf sprout a whole bunch of babies. Young leaves should be removed before they unfurl. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. long stem cutting from a healthy Begonia Rex. 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. There are a few plant pests that love the Begonia rex. Warm spells are unavoidable I personally avoid using air conditioning if possible due to my other, more heat-loving plants but its best to keep your begonia in a cooler part of your home or office. Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. Some Begonias go dormant for the winter and others have no dormant period and continue to grow and flower for the entire winter. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. A brief period of unusual warmth will inspire your begonia to make the most of the summery conditions, resulting in a leggy plant. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. This begonia is rhizomatous, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome that grows just below the surface of the soil. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. Cover your container with its dome or plastic wrap. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Cut apart the tuber with a sharp knife, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Plus, you want to trap in moisture so itll grow quicker. All of that summer zeal will end up in the leaves, giving you a display of growth to be proud of. Get the plant pot ready. Very good article. You could also put your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature stays consistently warm. It was published in 1857. It can be challenging to find just the right conditions for rex begonia to display its best leaf color. If it has, remove the rotten roots. The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). Let the surface of the soil get dry to the touch before watering. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Its beautiful leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. Examine your growing environment and choose a location for your newly trimmed begonia that receives more light than its previous location. It isnt too good to be true! Etiolation is the rapid growth of the portion of the stem between the leaves. . I knew I could propagate the leaves, I. 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. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. The leaves are hairy and wavy. Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Plant Disease Handbook. 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. You Might Also Like: A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Let me show you how to get more of these great plants practically free! You want to switch out the saturated soil for fresh, moist soil. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist. The easiest way is to run a faucet or hose over the roots. Letting the cut sides dry overnight before replanting as well as the use of fungicide helps prevent this. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. 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. 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! You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. Prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist but well-drained soils. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. 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 Begonia tuberous plant creates beautiful pink flowers. Don't water the leaves, only the soil to avoid fungal disease issues. My begonia is so leggy that I wonder if when I cut it I can cut the stems several times to propagate them? How to Grow Tuberous Begonias It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. See those tiny plants unfurling? Consider using a systemic fungicide. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Your begonia has indicated this need by stretching its leaves in the direction of a brighter light source. Then, to keep the cuts in contact with the mix, start pushing T-pins through the leaf into the soil. Keep the seeds in temperatures of between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil that is kept moist during the growing season (spring through autumn). Begonia. ". This begonia requires high humidity during the growing period. After youve pruned your begonia, it will begin to sprout new leaves. This moisture goes straight to your plant since it sits atop the water source. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. A leggy begonia, like an adolescent, is one that is rapidly growing. When the plants are 3 inches tall and have at least two leaves, theyre ready to lift. The Rex Begonia originates in areas without salt in the water. Clip just above growth nodes to give the plant something to work with as it grows new leaves. Rex begonias are a special group, because we grow them for their beautiful leaves. In most cases, it is easiest to divide a perennial plant by first digging and lifting the entire plant. Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. The Begonia is a stunning houseplant with colored leaves that grows from a rhizome. How to Grow Rex Begonia Rex begonias are grown from seed and require about four months to reach maturity before being ready for flowering. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. Allow the top layer of soil to become completely dry in between waterings. 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 . You have to remove all the infected leaves, so it doesnt spread. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. Begonias are easily propagated at home. Because of its thick stems, this Begonia is known as a fibrous Begonia. Because you can only cut once, consider what you want to keep and what needs to go. 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. Fill the tray with damp potting mix and youre ready for the fun part taking the cuttings! One of our favorite methods for creating high humidity is the pebble tray method.