Unlike many begonias that people are familiar with, this one isn’t known for its large, colorful showy flowers. Rooting tips (the plant tops) is simple, and can be done in much the same way as rooting tip cuttings for other plants (see, for example, the lesson on kohleria).). Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome; No pruning required. The leaf pieces are laid flat on the planting medium, and plantlets will form along the cut edge. Wedges of leaf tissue that contain at least one main vein take root in moist, warm soil, creating a tiny plantlet that then grows into a new plant. Prevention is as easy as following a proper watering schedule and water only when the top of the soil is dry. We’re going to walk you through how to propagate using root division. Propagation by cuttings is done by obtaining … When the soil is kept too wet, root rot can develop in Rex begonias. I had several pots of Rex Begonias this summer that I grew outside for their coloured leaves and because they tolerate quite deep shade. Does anyone know how I could propagate this plant using … These plants were noted for their dark leaves with prominent silvery grey bands. The rhizome is cut apart and divided in order to propagate new plants. It’s best to discard the plant and start over with a healthy one. Rex and rhizomatous group: - Most of the rex groups are evergreen, rhizomatous begonias, though some have a tuberous character. Divide the rhizome to develop more new plants. A rhizome is a thickened stem from which leaves arise. Begonias can also be propagated directly through seeds. Simply put a leaf cutting in a mixture of moist peat moss and perlite and wait for it to root. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; To do; To do: J Do not To do in January F Do not To do in February M Do not To do in March A Do not To do in April M Do not To do in May J … Rex begonias don’t mind being a bit root bound, but repotting each spring is beneficial to the plant. one side larger than other. Above: Begonia rex ‘Red Tango’ mixes well with other shade- and humidity-loving plants such as asparagus ferns and geraniums. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. The escargot begonia is a one of the most popular Rex Begonia hybrids. Choose newly matured leaves. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. Like cane, shrub and other stem cuttings however, you do have to use cutting with nodes. After seeing how one of our local begonia club members did almost all her propagation that way and knowing I have had problems with this particular begonia, I gave it a try and became a champion on this method. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. Then place the leaf with its top surface uppermost on a seed tray of sandy cuttings compost. Conditions: Considered perennials in tropical and semitropical climates, Rex begonias are frost tender and typically grown as annuals or houseplants in North America. Instead, its green, purple leaves are the stars. Rex begonias (Begonia rex) are tropical plants, prized for their colorfully patterned and intriguingly shaped leaves.Although they are at home in a shady garden, they are also popular as houseplants.Many people collect and display several varieties. Origin: The initial species, B. rex, originated in the forests of northern India.Today, there are countless cultivars derived from this species enjoyed around the world. There are two main types of rhizomatous Begonia: the Asian ones, which include Begonia rex and which are hard to grow successfully in Sydney as long-term plants; and the South American ones, which do brilliantly in our climate, and which are discussed here. Views: 1296, Replies: 6 » Jump to the end. Propagating a Begonia rex doesn’t have to be difficult. I've been experimenting with propagating begonias for a few years but never knew I could water root a leaf until last year. Fibrous begonias have roots like most plants. They grow from rhizomes underground, hence the name. As such, it gets its nickname. To make new copies of begonia hybrids, cuttings are the only way they can be reproduced. While their flowers are insignificant, their foliage is like a royal robe with purple, pink, maroon, pewter, silver and shades of green splashed on the foliage in dazzling combos. Propagating Rex Begonia. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. Begonia Rex Propagation Steps. This article will describe the various ways to propagate begonias through cuttings. They are actually a type of rhizomatous begonia. Martin's Mystery was my first back in Feb '06. Interestingly, Rex begonias are tolerant of juglone toxicity produced by black walnut trees. I'd like to propagate this plant, but don't have 6 months to do a leaf cutting propagation technique. Using Root Division . A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest. This species is typically propagated by leaf cuttings. Begonia is a genus of tender perennial flowering plants, in the family Begoniaceae. We’ll also teach you how to propagate this plant using leaf cuttings. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Begonia Rex-cultorum group, (bah-GO-nyah). There are different methods of propagating begonias based on their group category. The leaves grow on short leaf stalks, from the plant’s underground rhizomes. 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. Signs of a problem usually show at the base of the plant first where black, mushy lesions develop on the lower leaves and stems. Cut off the leaf stalk, then, using a sharp blade, carefully cut through the major veins, spacing cuts about 2.5cm (1in) apart. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. The reason for this is its stunning spiral-like pattern on its leaves that look like the tiny snails. Columbus, OH . Different Types of Rex Begonia Plant . Rhizomatous begonias sprout from a thick, fuzzy stem-like structure, or rhizome, which grows on the surface of the soil. Begonia Leaf Cuttings Easy Propagation Method Begonia Leaf Cuttings are the easiest way to propagate these plants such as the beautifully foliaged Rex types as they really have no significant stems to work with. Rex Begonias are not difficult to divide and propagate, which comes in handy as individual plants usually don’t have a very long lifespan. Is Rhizomatous Begonia Different from Tuberous Begonia? Most rex begonias grow from rhizomes on or near the soil surface, and have shallow feeder roots. Rhizomatous begonias have similar roots to normal plants but produce large puffy rhizome out of which the roots grow. Begonia propagation is an easy way to keep a little bit of summer all year long. Related plants How to grow Begonia × hiemalis from cuttings Remove dead leaves promptly and keep the soil surface free of debris to avoid disease problems. There are hundreds of cultivars of B. rex to choose among, usually classified by leaf size—small (three inches or less), medium (three to six inches), or large (more than six inches). More infos: the black leaves are from a cultivar named Begonia × rex-cultorum “Dark Mambo”. It has a high success rate, and new plants are formed in about 6 months. Tuberous begonias produce a fleshy tuber at the base of the stem, similar to a bulb. Rooting cuttings to form new plants is basically a type of cloning. The first thing you must know before propagating begonias is that there are three basic types: fibrous, rhizomatous and tuberous. Around 1850, this species was introduced into cultivation and rapidly became popular as a houseplant. Remove the stem with a sharp knife and slice the leaf into wedges, each piece with a main vein. Propagating begonias is actually quite simple and easy. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names dreamed up by growers looking to market their plants. Preparing rex begonia leaves for propagating is a matter of preference because you have several approaches, all of which result in root formation. How to Care for Rhizomatous Begonias. Most rex begonias sold today are named hybrids, although they are not always labeled as such. Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias can be propagated through their tubers and rhizomes. It’s usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. Being that the plant is rhizomatous, it is important to pay close attention to the soil and root care to ensure the plant has the best chance of proper development. Joan enjoyed growing Rex begonias so much she began propagating them herself. Sunday, 24 March, 2019 at 3:00 pm . Before cutting a rex begonia leaf to propagate … About the Rex Begonia. In the illustration the rhizome is cut into two inch sections. The first thing you do is to dig up your Begonia rex plant. This can be done by tip cutting, by rhizome, or by leaf cuttings. It's also an easy and quick way to make new plants of begonia species. Rhizomatous begonias range in size from quite small to immense with 3-foot (1 m.) leaves, although their size is in breadth not height. I have a somewhat large Rex Begonia Plant and I am in need of two. Increase your stock of rex begonias by taking leaf cuttings. Semi-tropical in origin, they are ideal for life outdoors in warm, humid climates such as Sydney. Wax begonias are propagated with stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. How to Propagate Rex Begonias. Most rhizomes can be rooted directly into your potting mix without any special considerations. Fortunately they're part of the rhizomatous begonia group and that means you can take leaf-cuttings and save money. Ask a Question forum: How to propagate a Rex Begonia from a rhizome. She explains the process: Rhizomatous cuttings. This method involves cutting leaves in multiple places across leaf veins. Leaf cuttings of certain types such as Begonia masoniana and B. rex hybrids may be taken in May or June. Propagation: Propagate by leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or rhizome division. Select a healthy leaf. The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the rhizome. Leaf cuttings are the easiest method of propagating rex begonias. Rex begonia hybrids, in the case of your plants, have been developed to feature beautiful, unique leaf shapes, markings and colors. Contents. By BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Rhizome cuttings are a type of stem cutting. Rex Begonia Plant Propagation. The Rex cultorum group originated from an Indian species, Begonia rex. Propagate by seed or tip cuttings. Growing Rex Begonias Indoors. Rhizome cuttings can be made any length. Rex Begonias are beautiful tropical foliage plants, but they are expensive to buy. ChaCheeB May 3, 2018 4:41 PM CST. 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