Wax Begonia / Fibrous Begonia

Begonia semperflorens-cultorum

description

Wax Begonia is a compact bedding and container plant with waxy leaves and constant bloom.

benefits

Flowering
Suitable for containers

warnings

Toxic to cats
Toxic to dogs

How to care for Wax Begonia

sunlight

Wax begonias flower most freely in bright light. Indoors, give them a bright window; outdoors, protect green-leaved types from the fiercest afternoon sun.

Bright indirect light

Place near an east window or a few feet back from a sunny south or west window. Low light keeps the plant alive but reduces flowering and can make growth sparse.

Gentle direct sun

A few hours of morning sun supports compact growth and blooms. Bronze-leaved cultivars usually tolerate more sun than green-leaved ones; acclimate gradually and provide afternoon shade in hot weather.

If leaves bleach, crisp, or develop scorched patches, move the plant out of harsh afternoon rays.

watering

Keep wax begonias evenly moist, but never waterlog the roots. Let the surface dry slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly until excess drains away.

Spring - early autumn

In bright, warm conditions, water about every 3-6 days. Check that the top 1 inch of soil is dry and the pot feels lighter before watering. Plants in small pots, sun, or breezy spots may dry faster.

Cooler or lower-light months

Water roughly every 7-14 days, only after the top 1-2 inches have dried. Growth slows in cool, dim conditions, so soil stays wet longer.

Feel below the surface, not just the crust: wax begonias dislike both a dry root ball and constantly saturated soil.

Do not leave the pot sitting in runoff. Soggy soil can quickly lead to root rot and yellowing leaves.

humidity

Preferred humidity

50-70%

Wax begonias descend from tropical Brazilian begonias, so they bloom best with moderate humidity and gentle air movement. Typical indoor humidity of 40-60% is usually fine, especially if the soil is kept evenly moist.

Minimum

40%

Air that stays very dry can cause crisp brown leaf edges, dry flower buds, and faster fading blooms. Keep the plant away from heating vents and hot, dry drafts.

Raise humidity around the plant, not by keeping its leaves wet.

Group plants together or use a pebble tray with water below the pot base.
Run a humidifier nearby during heated winter weather.
Keep airflow moving to prevent mildew and rot in humid rooms.

temperature

Preferred temperature

18-24°C (65-75°F)

Winter minimum

15°C (60°F)

Wax begonias come from warm Brazilian begonia parentage and dislike chills. Keep indoor plants comfortably warm and away from sudden swings. They can handle summer warmth with steady moisture and airflow, but growth slows in cool rooms.

Place it a little back from cold window glass and check that nighttime temperatures stay above 15°C (60°F).

Cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can damage leaves and flowers quickly.

nutrition

March - August

Feed every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer for flowering plants, diluted to about half strength. Apply to moist soil while the plant is actively growing and blooming. Stop feeding in winter, or give no more than one light monthly feed if a bright indoor plant is still putting on new growth.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus supports bud formation and flowering. A balanced fertilizer provides enough without pushing blooms at the expense of healthy roots and leaves.

Potassium

Potassium helps support steady flowering and sturdy growth, especially for plants blooming in containers through summer.

Flush the pot with plain water occasionally to rinse away fertilizer salts, especially if leaf edges turn brown after feeding.

soil

Moisture-retentive, well-draining soil

Wax begonias prefer a light, fertile mix that stays lightly moist but never soggy, protecting their fine roots from rot. Use quality potting soil mixed with a little compost and perlite or pumice for air flow and drainage.

pH 5,5 - 6,5

This is slightly acidic soil, which helps the plant take up nutrients well. Most peat- or coir-based indoor potting mixes fall in this range; avoid strongly alkaline garden soil or mixes heavy in lime.