Can You Grow Begonia Rex From A Cutting?

Can you grow Begonia rex from a cutting?

Rex begonias are not only lovely and graceful, but they are also very simple to cultivate from leaf cuttings. This is how you may get more of these wonderful plants for free.

Step 1: Gather your materials for propagating rex begonias.

Step 2: Take a leaf cutting from your rex begonia.

Step 3: Cut the rex begonia leaf.

Flip the begonia leaf over and use your knife to make a 12-inch cut across five or six of the main veins. In the photo above, I’ve sliced each vein approximately an inch from the central vein. These incisions (together with the stem cut) will result in the formation of additional plantlets.

Step 4: Insert the rex begonia leaf into the seed-starting mixture.

Reverse the begonia leaf and press it into the seed-starting mix. Then, to maintain the cuts in touch with the mix, begin inserting T-pins into the soil through the leaves. Use as many as necessary to keep the leaf flat. If you poke a pin through a primary leaf vein, the vein may not root.

Step 5: Give the begonia leaf cutting humidity and light.

Wrap your container in plastic wrap or cover it with its dome. However, avoid allowing the plastic to come into contact with the foliage to avoid fungal problems.

Maintain a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a high humidity level for your leaf cutting. You can sprinkle every day and water it once a week.

Give them light: place fluorescent lights 6 inches above the cuttings and leave them on for around 12 hours each day until the young plants emerge. You might also place your leaf cuttings in an east window as long as the temperature is consistently warm.

Can you grow a rex begonia indoors?

Rex begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum) is a semi-tropical perennial plant that is typically planted as an indoor or outdoor container plant. Commercially available forms are carefully produced variations of the B. rex species, which is native to regions of eastern Asia.

In all save the warmest climes, rex begonia is grown as an annual if planted in the garden (a somewhat rare occurrence).

The requirements when planted indoors are:

Light: Rex begonias prefer bright, indirect light all year. They can accept less light than other begonias and flourish under fluorescent lights because they are not aggressive bloomers.

Soil: Rex begonias prefer light, airy soil that drains quickly.

Water: Rex begonias demand regular watering, but don’t overwater them. They thrive in humidity, but if you shower the leaves, make sure they don’t become too moist and encourage powdery mildew. Before watering, allow the soil surface to become dry to the touch.

However, if the soil becomes too dry, the plant will begin to wither. Water the soil until it feels slightly moist yet equally moist.

Temperature and Humidity: Rex begonias thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with moderately high humidity (around 50 percent). Growth slows in frigid temperatures, and some begonias lay dormant over the winter owing to a lack of light.

The rex and other foliage begonias, like other begonias, prefer the same humid, mild habitat that understory ferns do.

Fertilizer: Apply a quarter-strength liquid fertilizer weekly or a half-strength fertilizer every two weeks.

Can you propagate a begonia rex in water?

To water propagate your Begonia, just immerse the stem in water while leaving the leaves sticking out. Then, to ensure ideal growing circumstances, place the vase or glass containing the plant in a bright and warm location.

There’s no need to use a soilless mix or rooting hormone because these plants desire to grow. They can be started in a glass of water. Keep the begonia cut stems cool and moist until you’re ready to place them in a transparent vase or jar of water.

Make sure you know which side is up, because putting the tips down in the water can prevent the cuttings from rooting.

Rhizomatous begonias, such as the rex begonia, can be propagated readily through rhizome division during repotting. Almost all begonia species can be propagated from leaf-tip cuttings. A rooting hormone might assist the cuttings in sprouting.

Does begonia rex like to be root bound?

Because begonias like to be root bound, wait until the container is completely filled with roots before repotting. If you gently take the plant from its pot, you will notice this. Allow the begonia to grow if there is still loose dirt. When the plant’s roots have absorbed all of the dirt, it is ready to transplant.

A larger container is not always required for a begonia transplant. A begonia may wither and tumble over from time to time.

This indicates that the roots have begun to rot and that there is an excess of soil giving more nutrients (and water) than the plant need. In this situation, you will be relocating the begonia to a smaller pot rather than a larger one.

Do Rex Begonia have flowers?

Rex begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum) is a semi-tropical perennial plant that is typically planted as an indoor or outdoor container plant. Commercially available forms are carefully produced variations of the B. rex species, which is native to regions of eastern Asia.

Rex Begonias features very dainty blooms, but they are grown for their bold, distinctively formed, deeply textured, and patterned leaves. Brighter light will bring out any red tones in the leaves, while lesser light will highlight the silver sheen. Even when not in bloom, it provides year-round color.

Does Begonia rex purify air?

The Begonia Red Bull is a plant that will draw the attention of everyone in the room with its flaming red leaves color. The plant’s vivid crimson shade makes it difficult to ignore in enclosed places.

Begonia rex Red Bull is a beautiful indoor purifier that uses its air-purifying properties to eliminate harmful pollutants and undesired toxins from the air around it.

Rex Begonias should be planted in partial shade and watered once a week. Direct sunshine is preferable than partial shadow because it will damage the plant’s leaves. Watering once a week is advised, especially if the soil is dry to the touch.

However, as winter approaches, the levels can drop to once every two weeks.

Does begonia rex need sun?

Rex begonias are shade loving plants that do best in indirect light, with the lower leaves turning a beautiful crimson color. Like other begonias, they need to be watered when the top inch of soil dries between waterings.

Rex begonias are not true sun lovers, preferring shade and being happiest in a semi-shade location. To ensure that the begonia is not located in full sun for the most amount of time, place it in a sunny window.

These plants are herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes, which are plant stems that grow horizontally underground or across the soil surface.

Although these potted plants are moderately drought-tolerant, it is advisable to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist before wilt sets in.

How big does a Begonia rex get?

With all of the breeding that has gone on with Rex begonias, it’s difficult not to find one that catches your eye, especially as more and more choices with a wide range of colors and unique veining and puckering in the leaves are being released.

The leaf sizes vary but can grow up to 9 inches long and 5 inches wide, and the plants’ mounding habit can reach 12 to 18 inches tall and wide—the ideal proportions for creating stunning and dramatic planting combinations with perennials, annuals, or other tropical beauties.

How do I care for my Rex Begonia?

Rex Begonias grows primarily in the spring and summer. They require stable temperatures of roughly 70°F during the day and 60°F at night, moist air with sufficient circulation, and a light, slightly damp growing medium that is constantly moist but never waterlogged or severely dry.

Set the pots in a tray of moist pebbles to keep the humidity up. Rex Begonias will thrive in a window garden with strong, diffused light but no direct sunlight on the foliage, unless it is extremely early or very late in the day. They must be kept safe from drafts.

A Rex Begonia can be cultivated outside as long as the night temperature stays above 50 degrees. They make fantastic porch plants and look beautiful in any largely shady yard. Window boxes facing north or otherwise shaded from harsh sun are ideal for displaying a variety of leaf hues and shapes.

How do I propagate a begonia rex?

Rex begonia can be propagated. Rhizomatous begonias, such as the rex begonia, are easily propagated through rhizome division during repotting. Almost all begonia species can be propagated from leaf-tip cuttings. A rooting hormone might assist the cuttings in sprouting.

Rex Begonias can also be propagated by pinning a leaf to the bedding mix and making minor incisions in the leaf veins, or by immediately inserting a leaf (with a petiole) into the soil. The petiole is the stalk that connects the leaf blade to the stem of the plant.

How do you care for Begonia rex in the winter?

There are a few things you can do to your begonia rex plant when winter rolls around. If you have been watering on a weekly basis, start cutting back to every other week during the winter (or less). This will help prevent overwatering and root rot from occurring.

You can move your begonias indoors or if they were outside, they can be brought inside; be sure to allow them to acclimate.

Water as needed (but no more than once every 3-4 weeks). You will also want to cut back on the fertilizer but continue to feed during the winter if done so on a regular basis.

If you live in a cold environment or you are planning on bringing your begonias indoors with the cold winter, then be sure to follow this care guide and make sure that you do not over water.

How do you care for a red kiss Rex Begonia?

Begonia ‘Red Kiss’ is a small leaved rex that is bright metallic red with a huge black spot in the center and a black edge around the leaf. It has a compact growth habit. This is an absolutely stunning tiny rex cultivar. It’s a beautiful and eye-catching houseplant cultivar.

Height: 4 to 6 inches bushier depending on production.

Pot size: Grown in a 4-inch plastic pot.

Repotting: Repot the received plant in a 6 to 8-inch container with suitable soil medium.

Watering: Should be done only when the soil has totally dried.

Soil Media: 30% Potting Soil + 35% Coco pit + 25% Organic Manure/Vermicompost + 5% Charcoal Chips + 5% Perlite.

Placement: Indoors, in medium to low light, with good natural air circulation/ventilation.

Sunlight: There will be no direct sunlight.

How do you care for escargot Rex Begonia?

Escargot is a cultivar of a group of begonias known as Rex begonias (Rex cultorum group). It grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches. Rex begonias are evergreen perennials that survive for many years in warm locations where freezing winter temperatures do not occur.

You can plant them as summer annuals in frigid climates, enjoying them for a single growing season before succumbing to frost.

Prefers organically rich, moist but well-drained soils in moderate shade. During the growing season, Rex begonias require high humidity and frequent fertilization. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal infections and decay. Pruning is not required.

How do you collect Begonia rex seeds?

Rex begonias (Begonia rex hybrids) are rhizomatous begonias with intricate, brilliantly colored leaves. While these spectacular plants do bloom, their foliage outshines their little pink blossoms. These container plants thrive in warm, damp environments similar to those found on forest floors.

While most rex begonias are propagated by cuttings, they can also be grown from seed, either indoors or outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 11.

Buying rex begonia seeds can be challenging, but the seeds can be collected from a plant you already own. After the petals fall off, each pollinated rex begonia flower develops a little papery seed pod. Allow this pod to dry on the plant before harvesting begonia seeds.

Carefully open the pods on a clean piece of paper, then wrap the seeds in the paper to form a secure packet. Area the packet inside another container in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.

How do you divide Rex Begonia?

Rex begonias give a splash of color to your indoor or outdoor potted plants. Rex begonias grow from rhizomes, which are root systems that generate buds and roots to form the plant. To reproduce new plants, the rhizome is broken apart and divided.

If you want to add more begonias to your houseplant collection, divide a Rex begonia after it outgrows its pot or when the plant is at least three years old.

To divide:

Using a shovel or your hands, remove the Rex begonia tuber from the pot. If you’re using a spade, avoid nicking or cutting the tuber.

Brush away the excess soil and inspect the rhizome for buds. These have the appearance of pink or red pimples, comparable to the growing eyes on potatoes.

With a sharp knife, cut the tuber apart, leaving three growing eyes on each piece. Remove any shriveled or soft and rotten tuber parts and discard them. To avoid illness, apply fungicide to each cut surface of the roots. Fungicide for begonias is sold in garden centers.

Fill an 8-inch-diameter pot halfway with a well-draining soil mixture. To keep it moist, water until it starts dripping from the bottom drainage holes.

Plant one tuber part in each container. Plant the root with the flat or concave portion facing up. Sow the tuber so that the surface is at or below soil level.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy in a brilliantly lit, 60-to-70-degree F environment. Fertilize your houseplants every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer.

How do you fertilize Begonia rex?

Rex begonias, like many houseplants, should be fertilized when they are actively growing. During the growing season, use a dilute, quarter-strength, water-soluble fertilizer once every 2 to 3 weeks. From October until new growth appears in the spring, avoid fertilizing.

In summary, fertilize with a dilute solution roughly twice a month throughout the active growing season. Fertilizing should be avoided throughout the winter months, when plant development can slow.