Place the entire pot into a clear plastic bag and place it in bright, but filtered, light. Locate the main veins on the begonia leaf and cut from the edge of the leaf all the way back to where the stem once was. There are many types of begonia to grow, from popular tuberous begonias, fibrous-rooted types and hanging begonias, which are ideal for hanging baskets. A common name for Rex Begonia is the fireworks plant. Before cutting a rex begonia leaf to propagate it, sanitize your cutting tool. The rex begonia is a native of Southeast Asia. Begonia propagation from rhizome. The Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates. A good rule of thumb is to allow the top inch or so (2.5 cm.) Turn the leaves upside down, and slice them into wedges with a sharp, clean knife. Cut back spent flower stems to 5–10cm long, to revitalise the … We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Cut back spent flower stems to 5–10cm long, to revitalise the … They will stop growing when temperatures dip below 58°F (14.4°C). Begonia Rex-cultorum group, (bah-GO-nyah). Then you simply separate each new plant from the mother leaf and pot it on. The rex begonia is a native of Southeast Asia. Examples of soilless mixes are blends of peat moss and vermiculite or perlite. However, you must have a good balance because these plants can easily be prone to root rot. When planting directly in the ground, a moist, well-drained location is optimal and mulch will keep the roots shaded. Grow them in African violet potting mix and keep it evenly moist. They will stop growing when temperatures dip below 58°F (14.4°C). A young plant will erupt from tissue along the leaf veins and then root into the compost. In terms of growing, they like rich, well-drained soil and detest soggy feet. Rex begonias are very easy to propagate this way. A group of two or three pots of these little beauties will brighten any room. Larger flowered types are often grown as specimen house plants, as are rex begonias, which have impressive foliage. Rex begonia propagation is possible but it is a slow process. Because rex begonias are perennials only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, they are popularly grown as houseplants. There are two general types of begonias: those grown from seeds, and those grown from tubers/bulbs. To make babies from cuttings, start by snipping a few healthy leaves from your favorite begonia. Cut a healthy leaf that is free of blemishes. Leave 1 to 2 inches of leaf stem attached. Before you propagate any plant, make sure that the cultivar you want to propagate is not patented. Place the entire pot into a clear plastic bag and place it in bright, but filtered, light. Cut the leaf into wedges to do so lay the leaf flat on your work space. Then you simply separate each new plant from the mother leaf and pot it on. Choose newly matured leaves. Cut off the leaf stalk, then, using a sharp blade, carefully cut through the major veins, spacing cuts about 2.5cm (1in) apart. Watch for signs the propagation is successful. 2. Rex begonia propagation is possible but it is a slow process. After pressing rex begonia leaves into the rooting medium, place the container in a plastic bag, and bring up the ends of the bag over the container to make a loose tent that will provide the humidity needed for the roots to form. Rex begonias, however, are famous only for their foliage. Summer is the ideal time to take leaf cuttings from your houseplants and begonias propagate well from leaf cuttings. 5. Victoria Lee Blackstone is a horticulturist and a professional writer who has authored research-based scientific/technical papers, horticultural articles, and magazine and newspaper columns. How To Water A Rex Begonia Indoors. How to care for Begonia maculata: Begonia maculata needs bright indirect light, well-aerated soil that dries a bit between waterings, fertilization every 2-4 weeks, and temperatures of 65°F (18°C) to 86°F (30°C). Rex Begonias are beautiful tropical foliage plants, but they are expensive to buy. Simply put a leaf cutting in a mixture of moist peat moss and perlite and wait for it to root. In pots, be sure to provide drainage holes.