After that, apply a fungicide solution to the roots and repot the plant in a container with good drainage. These begonias have gorgeous flowers with frilly edges. And watch out for strong winds and heavy rainfall that could wreak havoc on the foliage and drown the poor plant. Today I will explain the main causes of this occurring and how to bring them back to life. Thats because many cultivars have profound winter dormancy. The painted leaf begonia should be watered evenly throughout the summer and growing seasons. With these tips and considerations on hand, youll be prepared to maintain a king begonia as a thriving member of your houseplant collection. Melinda earned a BA in History from the University of Utah, is trained in lean and agile methodologies, and completed her Certified Professional Facilitator certification. You should only allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out before you water. Check for rooting in a few weeks after which you can remove the bag and bring the pot into a spot with more light. Pot in well-draining soil and feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer months. I suspect it was from overwatering. - I am beginning to strongly suspect the last one being a problem. Delphinium Not Blooming? It suffocates the pests within only minutes. Rex Begonias are admired for their fabulous foliage. You can also use artificial lights for this Begonia. Feed it weekly with a good fertilize that promotes leaf growth tomato feed is ideal for begonias (no, it wont make them produce fruit!). These items are detailed below. Humidifiers allow you to adjust the humidity as needed. Let them dry before you head on to the next step. I tried to mix it in something similar minus the orchid bark and cut back on the perlite. The Begonia rex is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. As well as, the edges becoming light brown and crispy. I'm noticing a number of plants being girdled by orange stuff even if I don't fertilize. Despite its trickiness, Begonia rex is absurdly easy to propagate, and you can make several plants from a single leaf. Use a pair of sterilized pruning shears to get your leaf cutting. Bathrooms and kitchens are often good locations in the home if youre growing indoors though a warm spot near a south or east-facing window is also an excellent option. It can cause the fine hairs on the roots to die and reduce their ability to uptake nutrients. Oh, and guess what? Booman advises feeding with a soluble houseplant feed once a month, April through August, at a concentration of 180 parts per million nitrogen. It is better to gradually increase the size of the pot as the plant grows, rather than plunking it into a huge container, which can lead to root rot. Once your plant is soil-free, you must wash off the roots. Place your Rex begonia in either a north or east-facing window to get bright indirect light indoors. Signs of too much fertilizer are the leaves turning yellow, and having dead spots on the leaves. Avoid placing them directly in the sun, and turn the plant regularly to ensure even growth. These plants also grow well in a hanging basket. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Alternatively, you can put the stalk in a jar of water to encourage more growth from the roots before you pot it. I'm trying desperately to save my Capricorn variety that I've had just barely hanging on for about 3 years. Copyright 2007-2023 Remodelista, LLC. A Begonia rex fools many plant lovers with dry leaves. When an infestation is too big for you to handle, consider pesticides. Pests such as insects and mold can be treated with a range of methods which Ill explain below. SOURCEBOOK FOR CONSIDERED LIVING Use a fertilizer that has high levels of Nitrogen, to give your little rex a better chance at growing well. 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It is preferable to keep the soil somewhat drier. Last updated: Sep 2, 2021 4 min read. Begonia rex plant pests: Mealybugs can infest the area of a Begonia rex plant where the leaf joins the stem or the stem joins the rhizome. Not enough sunlight wont give them the energy they need to grow. All Gardenista storiesfrom garden tours and expert advice to hand tools and furniture roundups. Add bright yellow flowers to shady and partly shaded areas with Nonstop Mocca Yellow, a tuberous hybrid with double flowers above dark foliage. Shops, hotels, restaurants and points of interest for the home and garden obsessed on the go. The leaf should not touch the dirt. Beefsteak geranium,King begonia,painted-leaf begonia,Rex begonia. Like many other Begonias, the Begonia rex is susceptible to several plant issues. I don't want to have to order it online if I don't have to. While its flowers are small and appear in the spring, its leaves are vivid and evergreen. The great thing about a rex begonia is that it really, REALLY wants to grow and thrive. Although Rex begonias are sure to bring a bit of an exotic and tropical appeal to your indoor spaces, use caution where you decide to place them. This plant is only a semi-tropical plant. Put a plastic bag over the pot without touching the leaf. Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista CAUSE: Powdery mildew; remove affected leaves and increase air circulation around plant. Hugh McLaughlin comes to mind - always colorful and hard to beat no matter what the season. The Royal Horticultural Society in the UK carried out extensive trialsin 2006, giving the coveted Award of Garden Merit to 25 of the dozens of varieties they grew. This plant is a rhizomatous perennial with striking leaves that grow in a variety of vivid colors, shapes, and patterns. As such, they do best in large, relatively shallow pots where the rhizome has room to spread. Get rid of these infected leaves right away. Once it is dry, remove the stems and any remaining foliage, also being sure to shake off any excess soil. Consider using a systemic fungicide. If your begonia rex is looking a little sad and sorry for itself, you are probably wondering how to bring rex begonia back to life. You may have everything you need at home already. Youll want to use the root division process for the best results. If the mix is dry, it's time to water. Delivered Fridays. You dont need specialist begonia compost; multipurpose is fine. 10 Best Shade Plants The ideal pot size for your rex begonia will depend on its current size. This is an easy method, and it doesnt cost much. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The easiest method is to buy a humidifier. A great way to prevent powdery mildew is through a spray mix you can make at home. Use a sharp, sanitized cutting tool to take off a leaf from the mother plant. Step 4: Pin the rex begonia leaf into seed-starting mix. Rhizomatous and fibrous rooted begonias don't die back but they are usually pruned annually to keep them full and blooming properly. It will not produce as much vigorous growth in the winter, and at times it may seem as though it is not growing at all. Propagating a Begonia rex doesnt have to be complicated. Remove dead leaves promptly and provide good air circulation. Our stores around the US are open for plant shopping, repotting, curbside pickup, in-person workshops, and more. The soil should always be moist. But the air in the plants environment cant be dry. Over-watering can make your plant sick and fast. Begonia rex is toxic to pets such as cats, dogs, and horses, according to ASCPA. This plant pot should have drainage holes on the bottom. Just all the leaves went. Rex begonias typically reach a maximum height of around 1.5 feet. If you find that the plants rhizomes outgrow the container without producing more foliage, you can trim them back. The best temperature is 65-75F (18-24C). Begonias are some of my favorite indoor plants. Treat the mildew with a fungicide or homemade spray, using a mixture of water, dish soap, and baking soda, until it subsides. Minimize your fertilization schedule as fall approaches, and stop fertilizing the plant during its dormant winter months. A wide, shallow, well-draining container and saucer, or hanging basket, Small stones for propagation or added drainage in the plants container. Begonias in general are beautiful and very fun plants, and they are easy once you . University of Connecticut Home and Garden Information Center. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This makes them easier to work with because theyre easier to see. When the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. The plant propagates by placing stem cuttings in water. Powdery mildew and patches of mold are easy to spot on the surface of the leaves. The rex begonia is native to parts of India, China, and Vietnam, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates. Insert the petiole stalk gently but directly into the hole in the soil. Removing spent growth will also help your rex begonia; fallen or drooping leaves will not help the plant thrive so they should be removed. Its a natural oil and isnt known to harm many plants. The microscopic, dust-like seeds should germinate in 15-20 days. Begonia rex soil Keep a Rex Begonia plant's soil moist. Before you bring this herbaceous perennial home, you may want to research the background of the rex begonia cultivar. Cut the stem off all the way back to the base of the leaf. Rex begonias require regular water, but don't overwater them. There are several ways to create humidity for any indoor plant. But here's a pro-tip: when you're growing these plants outdoors, it's best to keep them in containers instead of sticking them directly in the ground. Then you can use the mix to spray down your plant. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. The good news is that it should bounce back if you can give it its preferred conditions! The basics you need to know. Take cuttings from a healthy leaf or overgrown rhizome on your plant. These gorgeous foliage plants require some watering know-how to keep them in tip-top shape whether you grow them indoors our out. To do this, you want to cover the leaf-cutting in plastic wrap. It is important to find the right balance, not only to help the plant thrive, but to avoid frustrating issues like those mentioned below. Pests and Diseases These plants are susceptible to the fungal disease powdery mildew, which appears on the leaves as white patches. The rex begonia cultivar is a dramatic and vibrant plant to incorporate into your houseplant collection. Provide 50% humidity. You can use tape to keep the plastic wrap to the cutting. This will double the chance of being successful with propagation. Insects are fairly easy to spot by visually inspecting the stems and leaves. Like most begonias, your rex begonia will likely live around two to three years. You can feed it with a complete formula at a quarter strength every 3 to 4 weeks during the summer. Make sure the water isnt running full blast. This article has been viewed 40,266 times. A rhizome is basically a thickened stem, and the leaves emerge from the rhizome. Use regular insecticidal soap to keep pest insect numbers down. Rex Begonia plants are rhizomatous plants. I suspect high mineral content in the city tap water is also harming my plants. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. When you cut a leaf, make sure the leaf-cutting has three inches of the petiole attached. 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A Begonia rex needs porous fast-draining soil using peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Rex begonias do well in bright indirect light. Use a copper fungicide spray to remove mold. The soil must be allowed to get light in weight, almost dry, before they are watered again. The biggest plant disease you want to avoid from over-watering is root rot. How Do You Keep Liriope From Overgrowing? 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He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. Grow Rex begonia in a medium to bright spot as a houseplant. Its leaves can be almost round, angel-wing shaped, or any other form. These plants are mainly grown for their leaves, so adding a fertilizer that is designed to support foliage is always a good idea. Best Foliage Plants for Containers. If at any time you want to become a Subscriber and enjoy unlimited, ad-free access to all our content, just go to the My Account link and choose Subscribe. For more information, please read our PRIVACY POLICY. How To Bring Rex Begonia Back To Life. Unlike other begonia groups, the rex begonia stands out for its foliage rather than its flowers. Fading leaves on a Begonia rex indicate too much direct sunlight. Plants & House does not intend to provide any health advice. This article was co-authored by Melinda Meservy. Make sure the plant never dries out. It should be getting bright indirect light. Sow wax begonias 12 weeks before planting out and tuberous begonias 12-16 weeks before planting out for outdoor use. But daily watering does not fit my hectic schedule and also having to do that with over 100 other plants, forget it. Growing Rex Begonias Indoors Rex begonias are rhizomatous begonias. Delivered Mondays. Delivered Saturdays. In winter and summer, the temperature can get too hot or too cold for begonia and they can begin to struggle. You can use a full, healthy leaf by cutting away the stem and making half-inch cuts across the biggest veins in the leaf. 577 subscribers. How many Begonia rex plants can I put in one pot? You need to transplant your Begonia in the fall to give it some time to recover. Rex Begonias are known for being a little fussy when it comes to watering, which is where it goes wrong for a lot of houseplant enthusiasts. Best practice is always to keep houseplants out of reach of small children and pets. If the plant flowers, it is using up a lot of energy that could be put into the leaves you can pinch these out as soon as they appear, if you love your begonia for its leaves. Their fine root systems prefer a well aerated peat-based potting soil in containers. There are a few things to keep in mind when growing your rex begonia plant at home. She is a mom of three who spends all her free time with her family and friends, her mare Joy, or just sipping her favorite cup of tea. The original Rex Begonia had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. There are many different varieties of begonias. However, the cultivar Begonia Kimjongilia has become a floral icon representing North Korea. Here are his top five tips for keeping a Begonia rex alive. Rex begonias do not have a traditional symbolism in culture, literature, or history. Originally I had the plant in an orchid bark (finer grade)/ African violet/ Perlite type mix. Now, its also great to keep the right tools available for optimal care of your rex begonia. With a moderate growth rate, rex begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year. The scorch marks can be either dark or white. It can harm or even kill your plant. Armed with these watering secrets for both for indoor and outdoor care, you'll have a thriving rex begonia collection in no time. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights. Get excerpts of the latest content delivered each morning. Thyme and Place offers indoor plants and containers, a fully stocked potting bench, and tips on plants to suit your space and lifestyle. However, if you have particularly nice and healthy soil that is dark-colored and crumbly it will work well. If it's dry, it's time to water. They assume that the plant needs more water. The Gardenista editors provide a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration. Here are some other cool Begonia species to check out. Rex Begonia Overview Where to Plant Rex Begonias Like most begonias, rex begonias are tropical plants requiring warm, humid conditions to thrive. Water when the top 1 of soil becomes almost dry about once a week. Youll want to repeat this process about three days later. Heres a list of the tools and materials weve mentioned for optimal begonia rex plant care.