rhizomatous begonia rex

Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in USDA zones 10-12, so they are more commonly grown as houseplants or annuals. ... Rhizomatous begonias range in size from quite small to immense with 3-foot (1 m.) leaves, although their size is in breadth not height. They grow from rhizomes underground, hence the name.

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.

How tall do rex begonias get?

The leaf sizes vary but grow up to 9 inches long and 5 inches wide, while the mounding habit of the plants generally reaches 12 to 18 inches tall and wide—the perfect proportions to create gorgeous and dramatic planting combinations with perennials, annuals, or other tropical beauties.

How much sun does a rex begonia need?

Light. Full sun to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight. They need some light to keep their coloring, but bright, indirect light is best.

Are rex begonias perennials?

Rex begonias are herbaceous perennials in zones 10-12 so they are treated as annuals or houseplant specimens in Connecticut. Rex begonias do produce delicate flowers but are usually grown for their spectacularly colored and intriguingly textured leaves.

How do you divide rhizomatous begonias?

Start the dividing process by letting the container dry out so you can slip it all out in one piece. Then, soak the contents to soften it all to make it easy to remove loose soil and get your fingers between the rhizomes to gently pull them apart. Each rhyzome will then go into its own container.

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.

Why is my rex begonia dying?

According to Bloomscape, the most common cause of crisping leaves in a rex begonia is lack of water. Begonias like consistent moisture, but they do not like to sit in soggy soil or water. ... The soil should dry out between waterings but not become too dry.

How long do rex begonias live?

How Long Do Rex Begonias Live? Most begonias will only live 2-3 years, even with stellar care.

Is Begonia rex toxic to cats?

Clinical Signs: Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, salivation in dogs/cats. Most toxic part is underground.

Should I mist my rex begonia?

Answer: While rex begonias and many other houseplants prefer high relative humidities, misting is ineffective unless you're prepared to mist the plants several times a day. Also, rex begonias are not fond of water on their foliage.

How do you care for a rex begonia indoors?

Rex Begonia

General Care.
Sunlight. Moderate to bright indirect light.
Water. Water weekly allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Humidity. Will tolerate dry air but prefer high humidity. ...
Temperature. Average home temperature of 65°F-75°F. ...
Size. ...
Common Problems. ...
Precautions.

Are coffee grounds good for begonias?

(soil free is best) Outdoors, growing begonias means adding lots of organic matter to the soil. Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.

Do deer eat rex begonias?

Begonia. Not all begonias are deer-resistant, but those with fuzzy stems/leaves or waxy/leathery leaves tend to be. ... Rex Begonias have rhizomatous stems, fuzzy leaves and stunning foliage.

Can you propagate Begonia rex?

Rex begonias are not only beautiful and elegant, they're also easy to propagate from leaf cuttings.

Are begonias poisonous to humans?

The sap of begonias can be toxic or irritating to nearly everything, including humans. There are few flowers as recognizable and beautiful as begonias. ... Begonias grow well in containers, and depending on the variety may tolerate full sun or total shade.

Can you start a begonia from a cutting?

You can grow begonias from seed, but it's much easier to propagate them from cuttings instead, and you can do this with most kinds of begonias. To make babies from cuttings, start by snipping a few healthy leaves from your favorite begonia.

Can I split begonia corms?

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.

Can you propagate begonia from Leaf?

Propagating begonias is actually quite simple and easy. This can be done by tip cutting, by rhizome, or by leaf cuttings. 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).

Do rex begonias like to be root bound?

As mentioned, begonias like to be root bound. Wait to repot until the container is filled with roots.

Can a begonia live indoors?

Generally, fibrous and rhizomatous begonias make excellent houseplants while tuberous begonias can be grown as houseplants but have a harder time surviving due to the need for higher humidity and light than the other two kinds. ... Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering.

What is the best soil for begonias?

Use light potting soil with extra perlite to promote proper drainage. In the garden, grow begonias in sandy loam soil. If you have heavy clay soil, grow begonias in raised beds filled with compost and topsoil.