![]() In this section, we will discuss the basics of wax begonia care, including watering, soil and fertilizer, sunlight and temperature, pruning, and deadheading. This is a great plant for gardeners on a budget, because the cuttings root so easily! You can start plants on a sunny windowsill in the fall and winter. Wax begonias are popular plants that require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Wax begonias can be grown from seed, but are most easily increased by cuttings. First things first: Wax begonias are a category of begonia plants (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) with fibrous roots, as distinguished from begonias with. Begonias enjoy a humid environment and appreciate periodic mistings. Set plants out in spring after the last frost date. Wax Begonia plants thrive with daytime temperatures of 70°-75° and 60°-65° at night. They will tolerate cooler and warmer temperatures, but they cannot tolerate frost. These begonias are at their best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Frequent pinching results in fuller plants and heavier bloom. Regular fertilizing will encourage all-summer bloom. The soil should be kept evenly moist for the best flower production, but the plants will tolerate dryness once they are established. They are not fussy about soil pH, but they do need good drainage. Their tolerance for shade makes them suitable for use as houseplants as well as in the garden. Most varieties can tolerate heavy shade, and a few varieties have been developed to do well in full sun. Wax-leaf begonias prefer dappled or bright shade. Therefore, in areas where summers are exceptionally hot, plant wax begonias where they will get afternoon shade. ![]() Full sun locations during hot summer days may stress annual begonia plants, making them susceptible to disease. The genus was named in honor of Michel Bégon (1638-1710), a French amateur botanist who collected begonias from while he was stationed in Santo Domingo with the French navy. Plant wax begonias in a full sun to shaded location. The common name, wax begonia, refers to the waxy sheen of the leaves. The genus Begonia is unusual because all 1500+ species can be hybridized with one another, even those that originated on different continents.īegonia semperflorens-cultorum was named for its long bloom period, from semperflorens, meaning 'everblooming'. This group probably originated from a cross between Begonia cucullata var Hookeri and Begonia schmidtiana. How to Deter Rabbits With Plants and Other RepellentsĪ group of hybrid cultivars, Begonia x semperfloren-cultorum, is the most widely planted.It has been popular in gardens since the Victorian era, and it is one of the most common plants in commercial cultivation today. In cooler climates, it is grown as an annual. Frost can kill wax begonias, so make sure that you keep the plant indoors until well after frost is a threat.In tropical or subtropical climates, the wax begonia is a perennial plant that can grow to the size of a small shrub. Once inside, they will need warmth and plenty of sunlight to grow, but as long as the temperature is above 60 degrees, it will survive the winter. Wax begonias are very attractive, they adapt well when brought inside the house for overwintering and can live up to 4-5 years. ![]() Since wax begonias do not grow in cold climates, many gardeners will remove the plants from the ground and place them in a planter so that they can come indoors for the winter. Pro tips: Wax begonias like to grow in a relatively humid environment, so if you cannot keep the humidity above 50 percent, a small humidifiermay be useful for indoor plants. Watering: Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not dripping wet. If you find that the plants are not blooming, then more sunlight is recommended. It is differently called the Wax Begonia and most commonly cultivated as a bedding plant outdoors. Light: In most areas, these plants will grow best in full sun, but if you live in the more tropical areas of the country, some shade may be required from the hot afternoon sun. However, in these cold conditions wax begonias won’t thrive. This is the least temperature where wax begonias can survive. These waxy flowers are related to pumpkins and melons in fact, these edible flowers even have a citrus flavor to them. Wax begonias tolerate 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit (7-12 degrees Celsius). This plant has been popular since the Victorian age, and it is still popular in gardens and homes today. They also flourish in containers and flower pots, so they make a terrific indoor plant as well. The wax begonia is a plant that thrives in growing zones 10 and 11 as perennials, but they can also grow in other zones within the country as annuals. They are easy to grow and can be the center of any garden, and they even grow well indoors. There are more than 1,000 species of begonias, and they come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. Wax begonia is a hardy perennial that brings bright blooms to your home and garden for the majority of the year.
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