Wax begonia ( Begonia Semperflorens - Cultorum ) is a radical of beautiful begonia plants with unripened , bronze , or reddish - brown waxy leaves that grow in thick , bushy cumulus . Wax leaf begonia are pop bedding plant that grow as annuals or quick - weather condition perennial . Growing in dappled sunlight , the spreading , low - growing bedding begonias produce clump of blank , pink , or red-faced flowers that blossom from summer until fall .
Wax Begonia (Begonia Semperflorens-Cultorum) in the Annual Garden
Wax begonia ( also bonk as bedding begonia ) is one of the most popular annual for growing in flower beds , border , container , hanging peak basket , windowpane box , and houseplants . Wax begonia are easy to acquire and maintain , and have enormous decorative economic value for your garden landscape painting or menage interior .
Wax begonia are the most wide planted bedding blossom due to their long flower sentence and impenetrable , mounding ontogeny . The botanic namesemperflorensmeans “ everblooming . ” The begonia ’s common name — wax begonia — bear on to the waxy gloss of the rounded or ovate leaves .
There are over 1,500 differentbegonia speciesand C of hybrids .
This clause is a complete guide to growing wax begonia outdoors and indoors . You will also find out about this attractive yearly bedding plant ’s leaves and flowers so you may maximize its visual effect .
Wax Begonia Plant (Begonia semperflorens-cultorum)
Wax begonia ( Begonias Semperflorens Cultorum )
Wax begonia go to the hybrid mathematical group of begonias Semperflorens Cultorum in the familyBegoniaceae . Begonia semperflorens have sinewy roots , fleshy base , and shiny , waxy go out in various nuance of green and brown .
Wax begonia produce between 6 ” and 12 ” ( 15 – 30 cm ) tall and spread up to 12 ” ( 30 cm ) .
Wax begonia grow best in full sunlight to partial shade . The green - leafed begonia semperflorens change grow best in dappled sunshine or partial shade . The bronze - leafed and dark - leafed begonias do well in full sun .
Wax begonia ( begonia semperflorens ) plant are herbaceous perennials in USDA zones 10 and 11 . In colder climates , begonia are annual bedding plants as they do n’t tolerate freeze . you’re able to plant begonias as annuals every fountain or overwinter them indoors in container during wintertime .
The clumping wont of wax begonia and small spread make them idealistic forground cover , hanging baskets , along walkways , establish in container , or flowering borderline plant life .
Wax begonia have a quick growth rate once they grow into seedlings . After transfer the seedlings to your garden in spring , the bedding begonias will develop cursorily and fill quad in your garden seam and borders . Planting wax begonia in mass allow you to cover bare solid ground and total coloured leafage and flower to your garden landscape painting .
Wax Begonia Flower
Wax begonia can have single or forked flowers
Wax begoniaflowers are typically pinkish , livid , red-faced , or a combination of those colours . item-by-item begonia flowers have four or five flower petal , and they grow in light clusters of single or duple flowers . Wax begonia flowers bloom from May until October , creating a riotous mat of color .
Wax Begonia Leaves
Wax begonia leaf can be unripe or tad of bronze
Wax begonia has a waxy round or ovate - shaped leaves that have a glossy sheen that create an oculus - catch carpet of showy foliage . Wax begonia leaf are dark-green or various nicety of brown , bronze , or copper . The alluring burnished leaves can be light green to dark bronze .
Wax Begonia Plant Care
Wax begonia develop best in full Lord’s Day or partial shade in moist , well - drain , copious rich soil . It ’s a well approximation to put a layer ofmulch to retain moistureduring hot summer . Once established , no pruning is need to encourage shaggy growth and fecund flowering .
When uprise potted wax begonias , irrigate the soil enough to keep it moist , without becoming soggy . The time to water begonia in container is when the top layer of ground is teetotal . pour out water evenly around the stool until it drain from the drain holes .
Wax begonia are alsodrought - tolerant plantsif the weather condition is not too raging and sunny .
How to Plant Annual Wax Begonia in the Garden
Plant wax begonia in partial tad or mottled sunlight
Annual wax begonia are one of the gentle plant to grow in gardens . The wax begonia seeds are midget and postulate to be protrude indoors . Once the seeds burgeon forth and seedlings appear , you could plant wax begonias in the terra firma when the temperature is constantly above 50 ° degree Fahrenheit ( 10 ° C ) .
commence growing begonia seeds indoors in January or 12 week before the last expected frost date . inseminate the powder - alike seed in a sterile potting mix and do n’t cover them with soil — they require brightness to germinate . cut through with clear plastic to increase humidity and allow enough light through . Keep indoor temperatures between 70 ° F and 75 ° F ( 21 ° C – 24 ° C ) . The seeds should sprout in around 20 days .
When to plant wax begonia : Plant wax begonia in the flat coat when the terror of frost has passed . temperature below 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) will vote down the legal tender annuals .
Where to plant wax begonia : The better place to implant wax begonia is in fond shadiness or mottled sunlight . Bronze - leaf wax begonia withstand full Sunday well than the greenish - leafed varieties . begonia grow best in slimly acidic grease , so it ’s a good idea to amend the territory with compost before planting .
How to engraft wax begonia : plant life wax begonias about 6 ” to 8 ” ( 15 – 20 cm ) apart . This ensures that the pinnace annuals have enough room to distribute and get fair to middling air circulation .
To raise wax begonia from the tuberous ancestor , initiate them indoors and plant them hollow side up about 1 ” ( 2.5 cm ) apart . Put in a sour elbow room and keep the soil moist . In around 30 day , the tubers should burgeon forth , and you could move them to a brighter location . Plant begonia tubers in the ground when there ’s no longer a risk of freeze .
Pests Affecting Wax Begonia Growing in the Garden
Growing in ideal precondition , unchewable - rooted wax begonias are relatively resistant to blighter . However , whitefly , aphids , thrips , wanderer mites , andmealybugscan affect the leafy bedding flora .
If you observe small insect hovering around your wax begonias , match the underside of the leaves for sign of plague plague . If you have thrip , aphids , or other bugs , use a potent jet of water system to blast the pesky insect from your plants .
Growing Wax Begonias in Containers
Wax begonia ( Begonia semperflorens ) works grow exceedingly well in containers . Planting begonias in pot allows you to grow them indoors , on patios , pack of cards areas , or window boxes . Wax begonias spread up to 12 ” ( 30 cm ) , so you ’ll need a large enough container for the plant . It ’s also critical that the pot has drainage fix to prevent root rot .
When growing potted wax begonias indoors , place the plant in a sunny pip but aside from lineal sunlight . Depending on the mintage , wax begonia in containers outdoors should be in dappled sun or full Dominicus .
Wax Begonia in Hanging Basket
Wax begonia is anexcellent plant for hanging baskets . Its distribute glossy leaf , passably pink , reddish or white flowers and drop stem brighten up a way , porch , terrace , or out-of-door decking region . Like growing in containers , begonia in hanging flower baskets need estimable drainage . fall the begonia baskets in fond shade or dappled sunlight .
Some varieties of wax begonia have shiny fleeceable leaves with red bottom . The colourful red ink and dark-green leaf , together with pinkish - blanched heyday , look sensational hanging from a backup . Because the plants are at eye grade , you may revalue the wonder of these colorful begonia .
Related reading : Ideas for hang flower baskets .
How to Overwinter Begonias
Wax begonia do n’t outlive winters outdoors . In USDA zones 9 and below , you ’ll need to winterize fibrous - rooted begonias to grow them again the following year . There are a few way to lay in wax begonias during wintertime to protect them from the cold .
In fall , when nighttime temperature drop below 50 ° F ( 10 C ) , dig up the tuberous or rhizome radical . channelize the bedding plant to container and convey them indoors to grow until next spring . It ’s a ripe idea to make the transition to indoors gradually .
First , bring the container indoors in the eve and put them out of doors in the forenoon . After two weeks , increase the meter the wax begonia spend indoors . This will help to acclimatize them to indoor temperatures , humidness and lightness . To look after potted begonia indoors during wintertime , body of water now and then when the top layer of soil prohibitionist .
Growing Wax Begonia Indoors
Varieties of begonia semperflorens are idealistic houseplant . The shining round super acid or bronze leaves , the great unwashed of dainty flowers , and spreading nature enhance the aesthetics of any elbow room . Under the right shape , potted wax begonia indoors can blossom continuously all yr long .
Let ’s look in detail at how to manage for wax begonia houseplants .
Where to Grow Wax Begonias Indoors
Wax begonias farm good indoors in a promising room that has plenty of strain circulation . you could spring up begonias in pots or hang baskets . When choosing an indoor locating , secure that the plant life is aside from direct sunlight . The sun ’s rays shining through glass are more vivid than alfresco .
Light Requirements for Potted Wax Begonias
To give care decent for wax begonia , give the plant life enough collateral sunlight
Wax begonias grow best indoors when they get enough luminance . opt an east , west , or south - facing elbow room to advance healthy growth and mountain of flowers . If there ’s not enough lighting , then begonia do well in artificial luminance . The most decisive light requirement is to keep wax begonia in indirect sun .
The Best Soil for Wax Begonias Houseplants
Wax begonias growing in containers need a unclouded , fertile potting mix that drains well . habituate apeat - based potting mixthat is amended withperlite to better drain . This type of begonia filth allows the roots to stay moist without getting waterlogged . Alternatively , you may buy a commercial potting mix for African violets .
Related recital : Easy DIY pot mixture recipe .
How to Water Wax Begonia Plants
water supply wax begonia plant when the top ground is dry and piddle less in wintertime
piddle wax begonias whenever the top 1 ” or 2 ” ( 2.5 – 5 curium ) of dirt is juiceless . During the growing season , you may have to water the tropical potted begonia once or twice a calendar week . To water the plant , pour water through the soil until it drains from the bottom .
The essential uprise prerequisite is to avoid begonia etymon sit in soggy territory . Therefore , it ’s crucial to allow the top layer of pot land to dry before watering . All you demand to do is poke your digit into the potting mix to break for wet .
Here are a few handy tips for watering wax begonia houseplant :
Wax Begonia Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Wax begonias thrive in modal room temperatures . The ideal temperature range for begonia semperflorens is between 60 ° F and 75 ° F ( 16 ° C – 24 ° C ) . Growing in these temperature advance non - intercept blooming .
seek to ensure that wax begonias grow in relative room humidness of around 50 percent . If indoor conditions are peculiarly dry , sit the works skunk on a pebble tray and water . Just verify that the mickle does n’t sit down in water , but on the small Stone .
Indoor wax begonias must have good ventilation . If tune circulation is unequal , you may observe sign of fungal outcome on foliage — awhite powdery substance on leavescaused by mildew .
Fertilizing Wax Begonias Growing in Pots
Fertilize thinly wax begonia during spring and summertime with a high P fertilizer
Wax begonia houseplant benefit from regular spark fertilizing . habituate a dilutedhouseplant fertilizerthat is gamy in P . A suitable fertiliser is one with an NPK evaluation of 10 - 20 - 10 .
When it get along to fertilizing wax begonia houseplant , here are few things to remember :
Pruning Wax Begonias
The only time you need to prune a wax begonia is to get rid of spend flowers . you may also snip off dead stem or leggy growing to improve the plant ’s appearance .
If you find that the wax begonia stanch become leggy , it ’s a signaling that the plant needs more light . Wax begonia do n’t grow well or flower regularly in low light or full shade . So try moving the plant to a bright position to encourage compact , shaggy growth .
Propagating Wax Begonias
The best way of life to propagate wax begonia is through stem slip
Taking stem clipping is the best way to propagate wax begonia . In natural spring , cut intelligent stems that are 4 ” ( 10 centimetre ) long and place them in a small-scale pot incorporate brisk , dampish potting admixture to root . get across the container with a formative base to create a humid environment . Keep the soil moist but never soggy .
After a few week , the propagated begonia cuttings should have source , and you’re able to grow your new begonia industrial plant as usual .
Repotting Wax Begonia
Being a low - sustentation houseplant , wax begonias rarely involve repotting . Wax begonias grow well when they are slightly root - bind . The just way to tell if you need to repot the begonia is to see if the plant ’s roots hold the potting grunge in billet .
When repotting a wax begonia , watch the hempen roots for signaling of decay or disease . If so , remove the dead or mushy stem before replant .
Wax begonia are debauched cultivator . So , suppose a begonia has outgrow its pot . In that pillow slip , it ’s sometimes easier to circularize a plant from new cutting rather than repot it .
Pests and Diseases Affecting Wax Begonia Growth Indoors
Common blighter affecting potted wax begonia houseplants are thrip and mealybugs . If the soil is too dry , you might get problems with wanderer mites . If you noticesigns of houseplant pests , treat the plague with neem oil .
merge 2 tsp . neem crude oil and 1 tsp . liquid Castile soap with 1 quart ( 1 l ) water . Mix thoroughly in a nebuliser feeding bottle and liberally spray the begonia ’s foliage once a week until you get rid of the pestilence .
mutual diseases affecting wax begonia are powdery mold and root rot . Both conditions are get by moisture issue — either too much humidity or too much watering .
Totreat powdery mold , use a homemade Milk River spray to kill the fungal disease . Mix one part of regular Milk River with two parts of body of water . Spray the milk solvent on the leaves to facilitate get rid of the clean powdery meaning . replicate every calendar week until the foliage looks healthy .
To preventmold issues on leaves , verify there is enough air travel circulation and lighter .
Begonia root word decomposition induce foliage to reverse yellow and stems to become bleak and kitschy . If you notice these sign , it ’s important to repot your plant life and hit all parts of decaying roots . If price is wide , it may be dependable to take radical cuttings and pass around a new plant life .
Are Wax Begonias Toxic?
plant in the familyBegoniaceae , such as wax begonias , are poisonous to cats and domestic dog . TheASPCA saysthat begonias check soluble atomic number 20 oxalates . take in the begonia leafage , stems , or base can ensue in disgorgement or excessive drooling .
Varieties of Wax Begonia
There are many wax begonia miscellany and cultivars that grow as annual or lovesome - atmospheric condition perennial . Here are a few of the most striking case of begonia semperflorens :
Ambassador Series Begonias — Wax begonias in the ‘ embassador ’ serial publication have thick ellipse green leaves and large pinkish , red , or clean flowers . These begonia varieties are resistive to pests and drouth .
Begonia Ambassador Rose
Begonia Ambassador Scarlet — This wax begonia is a flowering bedding plant with large shiny green leaves and flushed flowers . The ‘ Ambassador Scarlet ’ performs well in hanging basket , bloom beds , and containers .
Begonia Ambassador Scarlet
Cocktail Series Begonia — Cocktail begonia are dark - flick wax begonia that thrive in full Sunday . The philia - shaped dark leave-taking and lily-white , pink , or red flower look stunning in garden bed , borders , or gay windowpane boxes .
Begonia Cocktail Vodka
Begonia ‘ Doublet Red’—The ‘ Doublet Red ’ is a spectacular reddish - flower , dark - flick wax begonia with showy threefold flowers . Plant in mass along borders , in containers , hang field goal , or mixed beds for best force .
Begonia ‘ Doublet Red ’
Begonia ‘ Party ’ serial — The white , red , or pink flower and dark immature or bronze leafage on the ‘ Party ’ series begonias brighten up any garden . This wax begonia hybrid has large oval farewell , making it able-bodied to defy more temperateness than most begonias .
Begonia ‘ Party ’ climb Pink
Senator White Begonia — This benighted green or bronze - leafed , heat - tolerant begonia semperflorens has spectacular consummate white and icteric flower . It maturate 6 ” to 8 ” ( 15 – 20 cm ) grandiloquent and up to 12 ” ( 30 atomic number 96 ) widely .
Begonia Senator White
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