Begonia is a genus of about 1,300 species of annuals, perennials, shrubs and climbers. Most have fleshy stems. Some produce underground tubers or rhizomes. They are grown for their showy flower or colorful leaves; some for both. Begonias can be divided into 7 informal groups by growth habit: cane-like, rex-cultorum, rhizomatous, semperflorens, tuberous, trailing or scandent, thick-stemmed and shrub-like. Semperflorens Cultorum Group, often called wax begonia, is an extremely popular garden annual. It is a compact, bushy, mounded, fibrous-rooted plant that features fleshy stems, waxy dark green to bronze leaves and loose clusters (cymes) of single or double flowers in shades of white, pink or red plus bicolor versions thereof. Flowers reliably bloom throughout the growing season (May to October). Dwarf varieties grow to 6-8” tall and taller varieties grow to 10-12” tall. Genus name honors Michael Begon (1638-1710), Governor of French Canada.
Begonia Betsy Care
Semperflorens Cultorum Group
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Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Full Sun
Hardiness zone
10B - 11
Difficulty
Medium
Hibernation
Cold Period
Toxicity
Poisonous
How to Care for the Plant
Water
You should water with lukewarm water, and never get water on the leaves or they will develop spots. Water at the base of the plant.
Pruning
Use clean, sharp shears or a knife to cut the stems back to a leaf node. Begonias can be cut back to within 3 inches of the soil to revitalize them, if necessary, but pinching and pruning is not the end of the story. Sterilize pruning tools with household disinfectant spray before and after use.
Fertilizer
Nitrogen plant food “Begonias are heavy feeders, and for best bloom production should be fed every two weeks,” Roberts said. He recommends a high nitrogen plant food with a 10-10-5 formula early in the season
Sunlight
Dark green plants need more light.
Soil
Quick-draining. A cactus and succulent potting mix would suit this plant fine.
Temperature
Ideal daytime temperatures are around 21 degrees Fahrenheit, nighttime temperatures around 16 degrees, and a constant humidity level around 50%. Provide the plant with plenty of bright indirect sun, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Rotate the plant frequently to expose it to equal light on all sides.
Additional
This plant is an epiphyte. The soil should never dry out completely between waterings, but it can't be kept too moist or the roots will rot. Pets: Non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs.
Popularity
13 people already have this plant 3 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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