Growing Begonia Rhizomes - What Is A Rhizomatous Begonia

Begonias are herbaceous succulent plants that hail from the tropics. They are grown for their gorgeous blossoms and spectacular leaf shapes and colors. One of the more common types of begonias grown is the rhizomatous, or Rex begonia.

What is a rhizomatous begonia?

Rhizomatous begonias are a large group of Begonia species, hybrids and selections characterized by large, sometimes-colorful leaves arising from thick rhizomes that grow along the soil surface. White or pink flower clusters that appear in late winter and spring are an extra bonus with these plants.

What are rhizomatous plants?

Rhizomes are modified stems running underground horizontally. They strike new roots out of their nodes, down into the soil. They also shoot new stems up to the surface out of their nodes. This rhizome activity represents a form of plant reproduction.

How do I know what kind of begonia I have?

Identify shrub-type begonias by their upright growing habit and branching stems. Look for velvet-textured, hairy leaf surfaces to spot these little-known begonias. Shrub begonias grow from many shoots and are very multi-stemmed.

How do you propagate rhizomatous begonias?

Simply cut a rhizome into pieces about 1” to 1 ½” long, and press them gently into moistened potting soil, or a moistened mix of perlite and vermiculite. As with the leaf cuttings, give them high humidity and keep them in a warm, well-lit spot out of direct sunlight until roots begin to form.

How do you care for rhizomatous begonias?

Besides their penchant for low light and high humidity, begonias in general should be fertilized during the growing season. Fertilize with a water-soluble food that has been diluted to quarter strength once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Where should I plant begonias?

Where to Plant Begonias. Wax begonias do best in part shade, particularly during the summer months, but will do well in full sun when planted over the winter as a perennial. Use these compact plants in borders and/or to mass plant in a flower bed. For best results plant begonias in rich, moist, well-drained soil.

What is it called when a plant spreads?

Creeping plants are plants that spread and grow outward from the original plant. These species often grow as long vines and are used as ground covers.

Whats a rhizome look like?

Technically, a rhizome is a stem that grows underground. It usually grows horizontally, just below the soil's surface. ... This means a patch of what looks like several individual plants grouped near each other may actually all be shoots of the same plant, put up by the same rhizome.

How do you kill tuber plants?

The only reliable way to get rid of them is to dig up every bit of tuber because, like potatoes, any part of the fleshy tissue can generate a new plant. Covering the soil won't work. You might want to consider a small tractor to remove the soil and replace it with some no-tuber containing topsoil.

Do begonias like sun or shade?

Begonias need some sunlight, but they don't do well if that sunlight is harsh and direct. Instead, place them in filtered light, such as beneath high, thin tree canopies. However, as noted below some begonia varieties might tolerate more sun than others.

Do begonias do well in pots?

Begonias are tropical perennials that thrive in warmth and, typically, partial light. ... Tuberous begonias are suitable options for begonia container gardens as they work well with the light texture of potting mix, and they work as bedding plants, too. These types of begonias are either upright or trailing.

Does Begonia maculata like humidity?

This exotic plant derives its name from its unique silver spotted leaves and red undersides. The Begonia Maculata does well in a potting mix with good drainage using a soil mix with sand and clay. Keep temperatures between 67 to 70°F with high humidity and keep the soil a bit damp, but not overly wet when watering.

Can you take a cutting from a begonia?

Some types of begonias can be propagated using different techniques like leaf cuttings, division and root cuttings. All begonias, however, can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings, sometimes called tip cuttings. ... Many begonias root easily, and you can use the simpler technique of rooting them in water.

Can you root begonia cuttings in water?

No need to use a soilless mix and rooting hormone, these plants want to grow. You can start them in a glass of water. Keep the begonia cut stems cool and moist until you get them into a clear vase or jar of water. ... Make sure you know which way is up since the cuttings will not root if you put the tops down in the water.

Can I divide begonias?

Unlike potato tubers, you can't cut begonia tubers into pieces to produce more plants. Although some growers divide begonia tubers, they must make the divisions when the plant is actively growing, and the tuber pieces often become diseased and rotten.

How do you care for begonias?

Once appropriately placed in the flower bed or hanging basket, deadheading spent blooms and keeping the soil moist is the basis of annual begonia care. Watering correctly is important in the care of begonias. Soil should remain moist, but not too wet. A well-draining soil or potting mix simplifies this task.

How many species of begonias are there?

Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains more than 1,800 different plant species. The Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates.

How do you repot a rex begonia?

Potting and Repotting

When the rhizome begins to butt up against the sides of the pot, however, it's time to repot into a fresh pot with fresh soil. Divide the rhizome when repotting to increase your plant stock. As with all begonias, don't soak the soil of newly potted plants, but do keep it lightly moist and warm.

What month do you plant begonias?

April - planting begonias

Begonia tubers can be started off indoors in a light room, conservatory or greenhouse.
Plant the tubers in trays or pots with the hollow side up.
Cover with no more than 1cm (1/4in) of soil or potting compost.
Begonias prefer partial shade but do ensure they have plenty of light and air.

Can I leave my begonias in pots over winter?

Overwintering Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonias should be dug up and stored indoors during winter until the return of warmer weather in spring. ... Pot-grown begonia plants can be stored in their containers as long as they remain dry. They should also be relocated to a protected area that's cool, dark and dry.

Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?

Once a week apply half strength (1/2 T Miracle Grow or other soluble plant food per gallon) fertilizer solution in place of regular watering, being sure to give the basket enough so that liquid seeps from the bottom of the pot. Tuberous begonias are not heavy feeders, so don't overdo it.