How to divide rex begonias - potting on each rootball division

How to divide rex begonias

Find out to divide your rex begonia house plants, in our step-by-step guide.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Divide
Divide

Do not Divide in January

Do not Divide in February

Do Divide in March

Do Divide in April

Do Divide in May

Do Divide in June

Do Divide in July

Do Divide in August

Do Divide in September

Do Divide in October

Do not Divide in November

Do not Divide in December

Time to act
Time to act

Do not Time to act in January

Do not Time to act in February

Do Time to act in March

Do Time to act in April

Do Time to act in May

Do Time to act in June

Do Time to act in July

Do Time to act in August

Do Time to act in September

Do Time to act in October

Do not Time to act in November

Do not Time to act in December

Rex begonias are semi-tropical perennial plants native to Asia, usually grown as house plants. Typically grown for their beautiful leaf markings, most rex begonias have large leaves with intricate swirling patterns in a variety of colours including green, red, purple and silver. Because their leaf markings are so beautiful, rex begonia growers often remove the small, inconspicuous flowers when they appear, as they can detract from the foliage display.

Rex begonias make excellent presents and are easy to divide. What’s more, dividing rex begonias reinvigorates them and makes them grow better. So what are you waiting for? Follow our step-by-step guide to dividing rex begonias and create the perfect gift for friends and family, while ensuring the continued health of your own plant.

More advice on growing begonias:

Advertisement

You Will Need

  • Begonia rex
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • 7cm pots
  • Scissors, snips or secateurs

Step 1

Snip off flowers and older leaves first to give the division more energy for root growth. Allow fleshy cuts to dry for an hour before potting.

How to divide rex begonias - removing old leaves
How to divide rex begonias – removing old leaves

Step 2

Divide the plant by prising the root ball apart from the top, being careful to keep buds on each section.

How to divide rex begonias - dividing the rootball
How to divide rex begonias – dividing the rootball

Step 3

Po each piece into individual pots of new compost, making sure each portion of rootball is planted at the same depth it was originally. Water sparingly and allow to drain.

How to divide rex begonias - potting on each rootball division
How to divide rex begonias – potting on each rootball division
Advertisement