Fibrous begonias have roots like most plants. The rhizome is cut apart and divided in order to propagate new plants. Choose newly matured leaves. It’s usually an easy process if you know what steps to take. Select a healthy leaf. They grow from rhizomes underground, hence the name. By BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Most rex begonias sold today are named hybrids, although they are not always labeled as such. 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. This article will describe the various ways to propagate begonias through cuttings. Most rhizomes can be rooted directly into your potting mix without any special considerations. The first thing you must know before propagating begonias is that there are three basic types: fibrous, rhizomatous and tuberous. Before cutting a rex begonia leaf to propagate … 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. Leaf cuttings are the easiest method of propagating rex begonias. Columbus, OH . Above: Begonia rex ‘Red Tango’ mixes well with other shade- and humidity-loving plants such as asparagus ferns and geraniums. These are herbaceous perennial plants with watery stems and mainly asymmetrical leaves i.e. 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. Cut off the leaf stalk, then, using a sharp blade, carefully cut through the major veins, spacing cuts about 2.5cm (1in) apart. Growing Rex Begonias Indoors. 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. Begonia Rex-cultorum group, (bah-GO-nyah). There are different methods of propagating begonias based on their group category. Begonia is a genus of tender perennial flowering plants, in the family Begoniaceae. 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).). Using Root Division . Propagating Rex Begonia. It has a high success rate, and new plants are formed in about 6 months. I have a somewhat large Rex Begonia Plant and I am in need of two. Fortunately they're part of the rhizomatous begonia group and that means you can take leaf-cuttings and save money. By dividing/propagating plants you can continue to enjoy them throughout the years. Ask a Question forum: How to propagate a Rex Begonia from a rhizome. Propagation by cuttings is done by obtaining … Preparing rex begonia leaves for propagating is a matter of preference because you have several approaches, all of which result in root formation. Around 1850, this species was introduced into cultivation and rapidly became popular as a houseplant. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias can be propagated through their tubers and rhizomes. The leaf pieces are laid flat on the planting medium, and plantlets will form along the cut edge. In the illustration the rhizome is cut into two inch sections. 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 … We’ll also teach you how to propagate this plant using leaf cuttings. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome; No pruning required. Photo - Eve81/Shutterstock.com . The Rex cultorum group originated from an Indian species, Begonia rex. Contents. It's also an easy and quick way to make new plants of begonia species. Use either a single piece of rhizome (stem) with a … Tuberous begonias produce a fleshy tuber at the base of the stem, similar to a bulb. A rhizome is a thickened stem from which leaves arise. Known most for their ornately shaped and colored leaves, rhizomatous begonias (those growing from swollen underground stems called rhizomes) propagate readily from leaf cuttings. A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest. Begonia propagation is an easy way to keep a little bit of summer all year long. Rex Begonia Plant Propagation. You may get several cuttings depending on the size of your leaf. Most rex begonias grow from rhizomes on or near the soil surface, and have shallow feeder roots. We’re going to walk you through how to propagate using root division. When the soil is kept too wet, root rot can develop in Rex begonias. 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. This method involves cutting leaves in multiple places across leaf veins. I'd like to propagate this plant, but don't have 6 months to do a leaf cutting propagation technique. The easiest method to turn one Rex Begonia into two (or more) Rex Begonias is by dividing the rhizome. How to Propagate Rex Begonias. Views: 1296, Replies: 6 » Jump to the end. The escargot begonia is a one of the most popular Rex Begonia hybrids. She explains the process: Rhizomatous cuttings. Rex and rhizomatous group: - Most of the rex groups are evergreen, rhizomatous begonias, though some have a tuberous character. Rhizomatous begonias range in size from quite small to immense with 3-foot (1 m.) leaves, although their size is in breadth not height. Propagating a Begonia rex doesn’t have to be difficult. Then place the leaf with its top surface uppermost on a seed tray of sandy cuttings compost. This species is typically propagated by leaf cuttings. Rooting cuttings to form new plants is basically a type of cloning. Rex begonias grow from a rhizome, which is a root system that sprouts buds and roots to grow into the plant. The resulting hybrids are often known in the trade only by fancy trade names dreamed up by growers looking to market their plants. Remove dead leaves promptly and keep the soil surface free of debris to avoid disease problems. Prevention is as easy as following a proper watering schedule and water only when the top of the soil is dry. Unlike many begonias that people are familiar with, this one isn’t known for its large, colorful showy flowers. Dip each piece into hormone rooting powder and shake off the excess. 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