rex begonia pruning

You can take a little off younger plants to encourage fuller growth. Last Updated: April 30, 2020 Tip pinching earlier will result in beneficial branching. Begonia leaves come in a variety of shapes, sizes, color combinations, and patterns. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you have winter-flowering begonias, cut them back in the spring after they have finished flowering. Using clean pruning snips simply cut the stem back to the base and the remaining portion should sprout new leaves and stems. Regular pruning will keep them in shape. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. As such, you’ll likely want to trim off flowers when they bloom. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,998 times. However, in ideal conditions, the plant can reach up to a height of about 10 feet. Water when the soil feels dry. A general purpose houseplant feeder is ideal. Rex begonias require little regular pruning. evansiana, Bégonia vivace de Madame Evans, Bégonia rustique; Begonia maculata, Bégonia maculé, Tamaya; Begonia semperflorens, Bégonia a The average height of the vine is ranging between 3 to 6 feet. Pinch off new stems when the newly-planted cane begonia is about 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Some may be affiliate links, meaning we earn commissions on purchases. Begin fertilizing Rex begonia plants when they begin to grow in the spring. A Begonia rex needs fast-draining soil. It also promotes fresh growth and prevents them from becoming pot bound. Each section should have a primary vein. Rex begonia has a reputation for being difficult but their eye-catching foliage means that they are well worth the effort. You can also grow them outside as annuals or in containers. When the plantlets have formed at least several leaves and a root system, gently remove them from the leaf. One of the most attractive is the cultivar Snow Queen. It is best done from leaf cuttings. After positioning your leaves put the container in a plastic bag. Finally, the cultivar Stained Glass produces eye-catching ruby red leaves, the edges of which are pewter in shade. Rex Begonia Care – Temperature and Humidity, 20 Best Desert Landscaping Ideas for Your Backyard. Just remember to move the Rex Begonias inside before the temperatures begin to fall. unlocking this expert answer. Another cultivar with silver foliage is Fireworks. Adding to the visual display, dark veining marks the center of the leaf. Allow the plant to grow on, caring for it as you would a larger Rex begonia. Horticultural Group Rex begonias are evergreen, rhizomatous perennials grown for their handsome, brightly coloured leaves, rather than the small pale pink or white flowers which may appear in spring, summer or autumn Eventually plantlets will begin to grow. How to Plant a Moon Garden: Design, Layout, and Plant Selection, Growing Rhubarb Guide – How to Grow Rhubarb at Home, Growing Ginger Guide – How to Grow Ginger At Home. If you are growing in containers outside move them inside as the temperatures begin to fall. This helps to encourage a fuller plant to emerge. Water until water drains from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. This helps to keep the leaves dry. Place each section in the rooting medium, ensuring the veins are at least partially covered. The plant can spread up to 6 to 20 inches. Begonia Rex Escargot is a particularly attractive variety. Begonias make a great addition to the shaded areas of your garden or your house, but they need to be pruned to control their spread, keep their foliage thick and avoid an overgrown look. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The cultivar River Nile produces beautiful luscious green leaves that are edged in deep bronze. Rex begonias are technically a rhizomatous begonia, but are often put in a group of their own because of their amazing iridescent foliage. Regular re-potting ensures that the plants have lots of fresh, rich soil to develop in. How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost to Pour and Maintain? If the soil is too wet Rex begonia can also develop root rot. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to successfully care for a growing Rex begonia plant. It should be as large, or slightly larger, than the container currently holding the plant. Don’t overfeed, this can cause the plants to become leggy. For more tips from our Gardening co-author, including how to propagate begonia cuttings, read on! Over handling can cause the plants stress and, in the worst cases, can cause them to die. This dormant period is also the ideal time to tidy up your plants. Fortunately they're part of the rhizomatous begonia group and that means you can take leaf-cuttings and save money. Fiches des plantes du même genre. This will make the plant produce additional blooms. They also require high humidity levels. This can rot the leaves and burn any developing roots. For more tips from our Gardening co-author, including how to propagate begonia cuttings, read on! Begonias do not grow or use fertilizer efficiently below 58°F. This will encourage several new stems to sprout in place of each stem you pinch. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Repotting rex begonias each spring will ensure that they have plenty of soil to grow in, but they like to be a little bit pot bound. By using our site, you agree to our. There are many different varieties of Rex begonia, including hybrid varieties, available. Begonia 'Benitochiba' Other names. Begonia boliviensis, Bégonia de Bolivie; Begonia grandis ssp. Each mature leaf is around 3 to 5 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. Remove any brown or unhealthy leaves and unsightly stalks. Rhizomatous and fibrous rooted begonias don’t die back but they are usually pruned annually to keep them full and blooming properly. Among the various types of begonias, the Begonia rex are some of the most beautiful and stunning plants. If a lot of your begonias’ leaves go brown, it may be a sign that you need to thin out the foliage to allow the plant to grow properly. Common varieties of begonia include tuberous, cane, semper florens, rex and winter-flowering begonias. When pruning, always use clean secateurs or scissors. You can grow many of the varieties outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10, but you can grow them as annuals or indoors in colder climates. [1] X Research source This step is particularly important if you have cane begonias, such as Angel Wings. You can grow many of the varieties outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10, but you can grow them as annuals or indoors in colder climates. Making your own plant feed allows you to know exactly what you are putting into your soil. Pruning your Begonia. Pests such as aphids, caterpillars and mealybugs can all attack Rex begonia plants. It also prevents them from becoming pot bound. Cowardly Lion is another attractive cultivar, producing beautiful golden leaves with chocolate colored veining. Cissus Discolor Plant Features Height And Spread. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Trailing begonia: perfect for hanging baskets or in the garden, trained to grow up a post or trellis. This helps to encourage a fuller plant to emerge. Flushing the soil once every four months will wash away any salt that may be building up. However the flowers of Rex Begonias, which are often dismissed as being insignificant, have a delicate charm of their own. Dark brown, crisp looking marks on leaf edges are usually caused by low humidity. Overwintering: Rex begonias make excellent houseplants and can easily be overwintered indoors. Rex Begonias aren't heavy feeders, so you can fertilize them as little as once or twice a year. Rex begonias don't require quite as much humidity as many other exotic houseplants, but if your home has dry air, boost humidity in the winter months to keep the leaf tips from turning brown and dry. Variety or Cultivar 'Escargot' _ 'Escargot' is a tender, rhizomatous, clump-forming, evergreen perennial with large, spiraling, purple-flushed, silver and dark green leaves and clusters of small, pale pink flowers in autumn. Rex begonia propagation is possible but it is a slow process. Rex begonia plants do best in light, rich soil. Begonia Rex is a popular and well-known tropical Begonia plant variety. TIP: Expert gardening advisor, Susan Patterson adds, "Sterilize pruning shears before trimming begonia." Unlike many begonias that people are familiar with, this one isn’t known for its large, colorful showy flowers. It will develop new leaves and may even branch. However, if you can find a position that Rex Begonias favor, they will cause you little trouble. Pruning is simple: just cut the rhizome back. This will protect the begonia during the winter. However, because of foliage problems and a preference for cooler climates these are often better houseplants than landscape plants. This step is particularly important if you have cane begonias, such as Angel Wings. A Begonia Rex plant, also called a Painted-Leaf Begonia, a Fancy-Leaf Begonia, or King Begonia, is a colorful perennial flowering plant that originally came from India. Begonia stems can be brittle and easily damaged. Some varieties flower throughout the year with pink or white flowers. Rex begonias are rhizomatous, and are grown for their colorful leaves instead of their flowers. When sited in the correct position the colors and pattern of the plant’s leaves becomes more intense. This enables you to find a plant that not only appeals to you but also suits your growing conditions. This can stunt growth and lead to disease. However, this may be needed if the plant starts to grow long stems or if you want to make a fuller plant. In general, Rex Begonia will not require much pruning. Give Rex begonias a diluted dose of organic, soluble food every four to six weeks during the growing season. This helps to maintain humidity levels, encouraging roots to form. If you're growing your begonias as a perennial, they need more pruning. You should be careful not to damage the main stem of the plant while pruning it. The leaves may have bold shapes or striking, often silver markings. Support wikiHow by Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/begonias_angel_wing, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/trim-begonias-64007.html, https://newengland.com/today/living/gardening/how-to-prune-houseplants/, https://www.doityourself.com/stry/pruning-a-begonia, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This is a houseplant that is mainly grown for its foliage. … How to Grow Escargot Begonia (Rex Begonia ‘Escargot’) Read More » To sanitize the implement, wipe it with a solution that is at least 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. These plants are grown almost exclusively … You can root the rhizome cutting and grow another plant. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. Alternatively you can make your own plant feed. Pinching out the tips of young plants will also encourage fuller growth. Leaves. Let the soil dry between waterings and avoid overwatering as it may cause fungal diseases or rot. Maintaining relatively high humidity levels helps to keep them healthy. Press the leaf, with the cuttings face down, gently onto the rooting medium. We have roughly 50 different Begonia Rex available. Regular fertilizing can, sometimes, cause salt to build up in the soil. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Painted leaf begonias don’t usually require pruning, except when the plant is turning out to be leggy, which usually happens when the plant is not getting enough light. Fill the container about a quarter full with fresh, well draining general purpose potting mix. Indirect light is best, this helps the plants to retain their interesting color. The soil should be porous. The different cultivars produce leaves in a range of shapes and shades, including green, silver, red, pink, purple and orange. When you prune a large and overgrown angel wing Begonia it will grow back and be more compact than before. Trim the stem down, as close to the leaf as possible. Remember soil in clay or terracotta plant pots dries out quicker than soil in plastic pots. - Begonia rex est rhizomateux avec des feuilles pourvues d'une bande argentée - Bégonia x rex 'Merry Christmas' aux feuilles vertes avec du rose au centre. Gently remove the plant from the container. The reason for this is its stunning spiral-like pattern on its leaves that look like the tiny snails. If you’re up for a challenge you can give them a try. A peat-based mix is ideal. Rex begonias are hardy around USDA zones 10 and 11. Your chosen container should be clean and have drainage holes in the bottom. All begonias benefit from general pruning and pinching to develop full foliage, but cane begonias, like the angel wing begonia (Begonia “Angel Wing”), require more extreme pruning … This can help you monitor and prevent salt build up. Plant … Pests can also be removed with a blast of water from a hosepipe. Unfortunately while Rex begonias may be attractive they are also very demanding. You can also use rubbing alcohol. This produces distinctive leaves that are silver in color. While the leaves of these plants are varied and interesting the flowers can seem incidental. Rex begonias are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Its attractive leaves are etched with purple markings. Begonias also get sunburnt, seen as a pale brown or yellow scorch mark on all, or part, of the leaf. Fill in the container with more fresh potting mix for the Rex Begonias, gently firming the soil. Use your finger and thumb to remove the ends of small stems that branch off the main stems. Rex Begonias are also sensitive to frosts. Rex begonias require little regular pruning. Common varieties of begonia include tuberous, cane, semper florens, rex and winter-flowering begonias. Shop online today. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. Rex begonia’s eye-catching leaves make it a popular houseplant. They also grow well in full sun positions but keep them out of direct light. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Begonias such as Begonia Rex and Begonia metallica are popular houseplants grown for their attractive foliage or flowers. Cut back any crowded shoots to the desired length. Regularly re-potting your houseplants helps to keep them healthy. You may also want to transplant soon after purchasing. You can also pinch off a few of the largest healthy stems to help the rest of the plant grow more evenly. In Europe, begonia "Rex" appeared in the second half of the XIX century as a guest from the hot southeast Asian tropics and was instantly taken for breeding by growers and breeders. You should cut them back up to 1/3 of the plant after flowering. Always rotate the plant so it’s evenly reached by light and prevents leggy growths. This can create uneven humidity levels and lead to spotting. Pruning Requirements. Rex begonia ceases growing if the temperatures fall below 58 °F – be mindful in the winter months. % of people told us that this article helped them. Throughout the growing season, regularly check your begonias for any discolored leaves and stems, and remove them with shears or scissors. Don’t spray the leaves of the plant. It is grown for its large colorful leaves rather than its small pink flowers. This is perfectly natural, fresh growth will emerge the following spring. Certain types of cane begonia (e.g. Outside, Rex begonias do best in partial shade positions. Plants in unheated conservatories or greenhouses may benefit from an application of mulch onto the top soil. The Right Time to Prune. You can also pinch off the young flower buds of tuberous begonias. If you are growing in containers cluster them together on a pebble tray filled with water. Clean a sharp scissors or small garden pruner. Just follow these simple steps for great results. As the plant ages the colors of the leaves become more intense. So, depending on your choice of container, you may need to water them more frequently. Pruning your begonias regularly will keep them under control and looking beautiful in your garden. If your begonias start to get overgrown, cut up to a third of the stems at a time to thin them out. The advice given here will help guide you to growing success. Continue to fertilize once a fortnight during the growing period. Pinching the … Best grown in containers or as houseplants, this is a stunning way to add interest and color to your home. The escargot begonia is a one of the most popular Rex Begonia hybrids. Your rooting medium should be a soiless mix such as vermiculite or perlite. Rex begonias require high humidity and heavy fertilization during the growing period. Begonias can be cut back to within 3 inches of the soil to revitalize them, if necessary, but pinching and pruning is not the end of the story. For most begonias, the blooming season is in the spring and summer. Pruning. Do Rex Begonias Require Pruning? Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Begonia Begonia. The original Begonia rex had dark leaves with wonderful silver designs. At the end of the growing season, pinch off any brown or dead flowers with your finger and thumb. This will make the plant produce two branching stems, rather than a single stem growing straight up. References. Rex begonias require minimal pruning unless long, bare stems require cutting back, or you’d like to create a fuller plant. Water soluble feeds are easily incorporated into your watering routine. Planting and Care. Handle the root system with care. Pinch off new growth a few weeks after planting. Peat moss can also be used. Where helpful to the reader, some posts may contain links to products. If the tuberous begonia is growing in a pot, tip the pot over on its side and move it to a sheltered area. Rex Begonias are beautiful tropical foliage plants, but they are expensive to buy. Potting soil may be too rich in nutrients. Make each cut just above a leaf node, your plant will grow back right from that point. This step is particularly important if you have perennial begonias, which come back year after year. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. This substance is toxic to cats and dogs. Mulch helps to keep the root system of the plant warm as well as helping the soil to retain moisture. This enables the entire plant to receive similar bright indirect light levels. Cut the stems off at 45-degree angles to help them grow back. Pinch off new stems when the newly-planted cane begonia is about … Regularly check the medium, ensuring it remains moist. With a knife make several slashes across the underside of the leaf vein. As the name Begonia Rex Escargot suggests, the spiraled markings of the foliage of Begonia Rex Escargot resembles the shell of a snail. Rex begonias can also be successfully grown in a container garden or, in warm climates, a good bedding plant. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Before purchasing your plant research the cultivar’s specific needs. In cooler USDA zones a south facing window is also favorable. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. In warm climates, begonia plant pruning is usually done in spring. Only cut off the tops of the few tallest stems. Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome; No pruning required. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Use small pebbles or weights to hold the leaf in place. It is also pleasingly disease resistant. Once the cutting has been taken they are a couple of ways you can prepare it before placing it in the rooting medium. When planted in the ground they are classed as annual plants. The flamboyant foliage of the Rex begonia plant is an eye-catching choice for a houseplant. This is a visible sign that the plant is not getting enough light. Cut back any bare stems. Make sure to remove the dead leaves and stems from the floor immediately as they may spread disease into the healthy plant. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Houseplants do best when the temperatures range between 60 and 85 °F. It needs bright but indirect sunlight and the soil should always be moist. Clean your scissors or pruning shears by soaking them in a diluted bleach and water solution. Avoid soggy conditions, but do not allow plants to wilt. An application of neem oil or insecticidal soap will clear most infestations. To prevent this water early in the day, giving the leaves time to dry before the cooler evening temperatures arrive. Their rich, variegated foliage is a great way to bring color and interest into your home. In either case, make sure to rinse them off thoroughly in water and dry the tools with a hand towel before pruning your plant. Rex begonias are perennial around tropical and semitropical climates. Moisten the soil, it should be completely damp, not soggy. Depending on the cultivar, the Rex begonia plant can reach from 12 to 24 inches in height and spread. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Place the pot in a tray with pebbles and water, making sure the pot base doesn’t sit in the water to prevent root rot. This helps you to make clean, precise cuts. Many growers tend to cut the flower stalks away. The plants thrive when placed in the bright indirect light of an east or west facing window. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. As such, it gets its nickname. Like other houseplants, such as Christmas Cacti or African Violets, once you know how to care for a Rex Begonia plant they are pleasingly easy to grow. Some can grow to 2m or more. If the leaves begin to brown, or appear burned, it is a sign that the plant is too close to the window. Rotate the container every week. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Prune-Begonias-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Begonias-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Prune-Begonias-Step-1.jpg\/aid10233985-v4-728px-Prune-Begonias-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Prune-Begonias-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Begonias-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Prune-Begonias-Step-2.jpg\/aid10233985-v4-728px-Prune-Begonias-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Prune-Begonias-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Begonias-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Prune-Begonias-Step-3.jpg\/aid10233985-v4-728px-Prune-Begonias-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Prune-Begonias-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Begonias-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Prune-Begonias-Step-4.jpg\/aid10233985-v4-728px-Prune-Begonias-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Prune-Begonias-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Begonias-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Prune-Begonias-Step-5.jpg\/aid10233985-v4-728px-Prune-Begonias-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Prune-Begonias-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Begonias-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Prune-Begonias-Step-6.jpg\/aid10233985-v4-728px-Prune-Begonias-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Prune-Begonias-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Prune-Begonias-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Prune-Begonias-Step-7.jpg\/aid10233985-v4-728px-Prune-Begonias-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"