The part that's green is all the way at the top and would defeat the purpose. Because rhizomes have shallow roots, a shallow pot will do. Another way to prevent pests is to remove dead or dying leaves right away permanently. To get rid of an infestation naturally, you should try neem oil. Have a lovely tuberous begonia who has been blooming well since August but is leggy now in December. After reading this, I am quite confident that I can now save my favorite plants, and to have many more! Above: Moist soil, happy begonia. Simply keeping your new dense delight well-watered and well-lit will result in thicker, more luscious growth. 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. Published: Wednesday, 26 August, 2020 at 3:06 pm. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. If you have a heat mat for seedlings, that will help the begonia leaf cuttings get off to a faster start. It grows about 6 inches tall and wide. As with other begonias, the rex and other foliage begonias prefer the same humid, gentle environment in which understory ferns thrive. Make sure you pack the soil tightly around the cutting. The most common affliction from too much direct sunlight is the scorching of leaves. The scorch marks can be either dark or white. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. Gently transplant the babies into 3-inch pots. Propagating Begonia rex. Fertilise every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertiliser. And always make sure the first inch of soil is dry before you water your Begonia rex. But theyre covered in a cotton-like substance that protects them from outside forces. 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. 3. The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. You should only fertilize this plant during the growing season when new growth emerges. After youve pruned your begonia, it will begin to sprout new leaves. How to propagate Begonia Rex from stem cuttings Take 4-6 in. To be cautious, I always rinse all my supplies (and my hands) in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart of water. Leave them in place until they start to get in the way. Begonias, according to conventional wisdom, benefit from smaller-than-average pots. There are several ways to create humidity for any indoor plant. Find a rex begonia leaf you want to propagate and cut it off the plant. NCBI BLAST name . 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. A few stones may help keep the begonia leaf from curling up and away from the mix, as well. If you grow cane or wing begonias, give this technique a try with them, as well! The soil for your Begonia should always be moist. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. We empower you to efficiently solve each new challenge and make your life better and easier. Cut away any shrivelled or soft and rotten sections of the tuber and discard these. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Ideal daytime temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 60 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50 percent. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Is the Begonia rex plant toxic to animals? Rhizomatous types grow from fleshy, caterpillar-like structures inclined to spread over the pot lips or even stand upward. 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. Gently remove the begonia from its container and immediately transplant it into the new medium. Place your plant or bury the rhizome in a shallow container filled with rich, aerated plant mix. How to Divide 45 Favorite Perennials I have a question. It drains well while retaining a good amount of moisture, and the slow but steady decomposition of the moss provides a consistent amount of nutrition. Fertilize your begonia no more than once a month during the growing season for best results. Continue reading to learn how to turn this unfortunate circumstance into a win for your indoor garden. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. High humidity isnt necessary for a Rex begonia. All of that summer zeal will end up in the leaves, giving you a display of growth to be proud of. Why are the leaves on my Begonia rex fading? The temperature should be between 65-75F (18-24C). Flip the begonia leaf over and make a -inch cut across five or six of the largest veins with your knife. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias benefit from leaf removal and will reward you with new shoots and more perfectly formed growth. While this may appear barbaric, it will prompt your blushing beauty to produce not one, but two new sprouts from the trimmed tip. The Rex Begonia requires bright but indirect sunlight. You should avoid freezing temperatures at all times. When used sparingly, this will encourage the growth of those lovely leaves without inspiring them to reach for the stars. They can take up to 6 weeks to emerge, so be patient. 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. Post #8301529 Quote CindyMzone5 Hobart, IN Jan 10, 2011 Should I try to evenly divide the roots so that all of the clumps have some roots? 100K views 9 years ago In the video, Alan of The Plant Farm talks about the unique Rex Begonia and how to propagate it. This is usually in March. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Most of the time, the roots should be easy to divide by hand. Rex begonias are beautiful and easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. 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. After youve trimmed your plant to the desired height, pinch off new growth sprouting at the top on a regular basis. Place this in a warm area of your home, but out of the path of direct sunlight. How to Water Houseplants Finally, pinch back stray leaves on a regular basis to keep your begonia lush. Grow them there until theyre big enough to put in the garden or transplant into more permanent pots. Anthurium Light Tips, How Cold Can Anthurium Tolerate Temperature and Humidity. Grows up to 10-12 in. How to Grow Tuberous Begonias Water the begonia transplant and acclimate it in an area out of direct sun. Begonias are prone to fungal infections, and bleach kills any lurkers. Begonia rex plants can quickly get mildew or fungal diseases. The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. Theyre full of chemicals, so its important to test an area of your plant before using it. A Rex Begonia can grow to be 12 to 18 inches in height. Learn more Rex begonias are striking known as painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias because of their stunning leaf coloration. 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. When to Start Seeds Indoors If there are several plants in one pot, they will crowd together. It needs bright, but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be slightly moist. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. The truth is, dry leaves are a sign of over-watering. Keep your leaf cutting near 70 degrees and give it plenty of humidity. 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. Then spray your Begonia down with the oil. If the begonia will be transplanted to an outdoors location, prepare the soil about 7 to 10 to days before planting by adding aged manure or compost and mix into the soil. In no time you should start to see new growth springing up from the site of the old, woody stems. Mermaid Tail Succulent Care #1 Best Tips. Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. Avoid nicking or cutting the tuber if you are using a spade. Plus, there will be minimal damage to your plant. This is because of []. Rex begonias make excellent house plants, and are easy to divide so you can gift them to friends. It contains Soluble calcium oxalates. ". 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. Here are some tips for the most common plant problems youll encounter. As a result, you might find that the same crosses have different names in different garden centers. Keep it out of direct sunlight, but in a warm, well-lit spot. 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. Find out how, in our step-by-step guide. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. (6 Useful Methods of Use). Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. But be careful not to let the plastic touch the leaves or you could risk fungal problems. Pruning on a regular basis causes the plant to mature and develop a thicker set of stems. Well walk you through both methods step-by-step down below. If you see silver or grey spores on your plant, it has Botrytis Blight disease. Remove the stem with a sharp knife and slice the leaf into wedges, each piece with a main vein. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. The plant requires less water during winter, when it often enters a dormant . Rex Begonia Crispy Leaves Just as Begonia's do not do well if overwatered, it is also important to ensure that your plant does not dry out and die of thirst. Trim the cutting to just below the next node along for cane or tuberous begonias. During the warmer months, take the time to pinch off new growth at the plants crown. 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. It was published in 1857. Easy Houseplants - Begonias. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. This is a common method for dividing hardy begonias. Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. For a previously leggy plant, a good all-purpose balanced liquid fertilizer is ideal. Cover the whole cutting and pot with a plastic bag to help maintain the proper moisture levels needed for a begonia. This means it wont absorb the fertilizer. Take a close look at the shape of your begonia first. Place the cutting at a 45-degree angle in a fresh pot of peat moss and perlite. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. However, while they do best in partial shade and indirect light, this is not the same as no light at all. This can harm Begonias roots as well as the leaves. These plants can grow wide. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. There are three types of begonia propagation: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division. We earn from qualifying purchases. Grown for their foliage, the leaves come in shades of green, red, pink and silver. Lay the plants roots on a paper towel. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or at half strength every two weeks. 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. But you should always test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side. Growth will slow in freezing temperatures and some types of begonias go into a dormant period during the winter due to lack of light. This plant dislikes cold temperatures. Brush fungicide onto each cut surface of the roots to prevent disease. Start as many leaves as will fit in your tray or pot without the leaves touching. Step 1 Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Get the plant pot ready. Within minutes youll see plant pests popping up deceased. Indoor begonias thrive in soil-free mediums. 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. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Cut a healthy leaf. Dig up the begonia and then look to see where it naturally sections. 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. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. Stem cuttings are very simple. Managine Pests in Gardens: BegoniaBegoniaspp. Rex Begonia can also reproduce by dividing tubers. Once you see the plant roots coming through the pots drainage holes, its time to re-pot it. Once the roots have dried, its time to plant them. Deer will eat the former and turn up their noses with the latter. All rights reserved. There is a major downside to spritzing the Rex Begonia. Alternatively, you can propagate using water as a medium for Begonias. Then, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a light and warm spot to provide the perfect growing conditions. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Creach Greenhouse and The Plant Farm are family owned and operated. 4. Youll know you have a mealybug infestation if you see cotton fluff covering your plant. It can be a tattered, older leaf, but on the underside, the main veins should be plump and undamaged. There is an entire group of hybrid begonias that the world knows as Rex Cultorum meaning that they can all trace their . Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. Take a long stem cutting from a mature rex begonia plant with single foliage. 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. The best way to thicken the stem of your begonia is to simply wait. Turn the begonia leaf back over and press it into the seed-starting mix. 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. % of people told us that this article helped them. This article is about how to care for Begonia rex. Rhizomatous varieties, such as the popular begonia rex, are even easier, requiring only a single leaf in water to produce a new addition to your collection. Begonia propagation is just as easy without it. When peat moss is unavailable, Ive had success substituting coir or sphagnum moss for it in this blend. Brush off the excess soil and inspect the rhizome to find the buds. 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. Dont be afraid! . Sow so the surface of the tuber is right at or right beneath soil level. Spider mites love Begonias as well. Soil Airy, light, fast-draining soil is best for rex begonias. 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. Look for a healthy, full-grown leaf on the parent rex begonia plant. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Rex begonias are often troubled by powdery mildew and botrytis fungal disease. Porous soil allows excess water to drain instead of holding onto all that unneeded water. It is perfectly acceptable to lop off the entire top of your leggy begonia. What are the Anthurium Roots Above the Soil? Lush Garden 5.95K subscribers 108K views 2 years ago #begoniarex #waterpropagation #begoniarex. 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. 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. A leggy begonia appears bare, with an insufficient amount of foliage. Rex begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. Divide rhizomatous begonias in spring, ensuring that each portion of the rhizome bears one or more growing points. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. It grows 8 inches tall and wide. You can root these cuttings in perlite, potting soil, or any other sterile media. How to Divide Bearded Irises. Begonias are prone to mildew and mold. A stem cutting should be two to four inches in length and come from a healthy plant. If it has, remove the rotten roots. Make sure you sit your plant a few inches away instead of sitting it right under the light. When it comes to repotting, your choice of potting medium is critical. It should sit right under the top layer. Check weekly. This Begonia creates both gorgeous leaves and flowers. The rex begonia plant thrives in humid environments and exposure to bright indirect sunlight. . 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