Rhizomatous begonia care

When they are overwatered, they start showing signs of distress, and they lose their beauty. The striking foliage, which often features intricate patterns, textures, and colors, is the primary feature of most rhizomatous types.

Identifying the Rhizome Structure and Growth Habit

The defining feature of this begonia group is the rhizome, a modified stem that acts as a storage organ for water and nutrients.

Fertilizer

Consistent fertilization keeps the rhizomatous begonia elegant and healthy. Fungal issues like powdery mildew, which appears as a white, dusty coating on leaves, can be managed by increasing air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Common insect pests include mealybugs and spider mites, which can damage the ornamental foliage.

1. Cut some rhizome parts into medium pieces, removing as much root as possible. The regular household humidity can be just perfect for this houseplant. They are grown for their gorgeous blossoms and spectacular leaf shapes and colors. Apply water directly to the soil, avoiding the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal issues.

   A highly porous, well-draining potting medium is necessary to prevent water from lingering around the rhizome.

   It is very interesting because you can propagate with different parts of the plants You can use stem cutting, leaf-cutting and for rhizomatous plants, you can use the rhizome cutting method. 

   Needs for propagation:

   • A rhizomatous begonia of your choice
   • Gloves
   • Secateurs 
   • Perlite
   • Garden soil
   • Compost
   • Propagation tray
   • Warm Water (Optional).

   1.

Rhizomatous Begonia should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. While they do flower, they are grown more for their vibrant, textured leaves. Maintaining a warm, bright location encourages the formation of adventitious plantlets that emerge from the cut veins.

They are often grown in the garden, but their sensitive nature means they must be dug up and preserved in peat moss over the winter months.

How to Grow Rhizomatous Begonias

When growing begonia rhizomes, some attention to detail is necessary, as these plants can be particular in their needs. They prefer bright but indirect sunlight.

Refrain from fertilizing from fall until new growth emerges in the spring.

Rex begonias like to be consistently moist but not saturated.

Rhizomatous Begonia does best in well-draining soil. Most of these plants grow in breadth but not in height. Inside, Rex begonias thrive in easterly facing windows or set back from southern or western exposures.

They also prefer relatively high humidity and flourish in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity levels are often higher.