Wax Begonias Plant: Perennial herbs with bright beautiful flowers
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Wax Begonias Plants are easy to grow plants that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The plants require very little care and maintenance. The bright color flowers along with the dark green or reddish brown leaves gives a unique touch and adds beauty to the garden.
Quick Details of Wax Begonia
| Other Common Names | Wax Begonia, Annual Begonia, Bedding Begonia |
| Type | Outdoor/ indoor flowering herb |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | Summer |
| Light | Bright direct sunlight |
| Water | Deep water the mature plants when the soil is dry |
| Temperature | Warm climatic conditions |
| Soil | Well draining, moist light weight soil |
| Fertilizer | Fertilizer rich in phosphorus ones a week |
| Habitat | Tropical and subtropical regions |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets, allergic to humans |
| Common Diseases | Leaf spots, rot |
| Scientific name | Begonia semperflorens |
Wax Begonia Plant Buying Instructions
- Buy a bushy plant.
- Buy a healthy plant.
Overview of Wax Begonia
Wax Begonias Plants are perennial herbs or shrubs native to the tropical and subtropical climates and belong to the family Begoniaceae. They can grow up to a height of 5- 15 inches tall depending on the species. The wax begonias are small plants having succulent stems, the leaves are round, green to reddish brown in color. The plants bloom mostly from early summer and are single or double flowers of one and inches each with pink, red or white colors.
Usage and Advantage of Wax Begonia
- Wax Begonias Plant are grown as an ornamental plant.
General Care for Wax Begonia
Soil
They prefer a well draining, light soil with enough aeration.
Water
They prefer their soil to be moist Mature plants are drought resistant and can survive without water. Deep water the plants when the soil starts to dry out.
Sunlight
They prefer bright direct sunlight. The plants thrive and bloom when provided with at least five to six hours of direct light. Water the plants regularly.
Temperature
They prefer normal to warm conditions. These plants can survive hot conditions and thrive but cannot tolerate excess cold. They are not very concerned with humidity change. However, during winters, make sure to place them over a pebble tray.
Special Care for Wax Begonias Plant
They do not require much care. Regularly prune the tips of the plants and also Deadhead the flowers to encourage new bloom. Maintain the moisture content in the soil. During winters, transfer the plants indoors and provide them with enough humidity.
Fertilization
Feed the plants ones a month with a phosphorus rich fertilizer and twice a month with any balanced fertilizer half its recommended amount.
Pests and other problems for Wax Begonia
These plants are not prone to many diseases or pests. Over watering and overhead watering can result in the fungal diseases like leaf spots and root rot. Avoid excess moisture in the soil and on the surface of the plants. Water the plants at the base.
Stem rot
It is a fungal disease caused by a variety of fungal pathogens like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Botrytis. The stem rot caused by Botrytis causes the stem to become soft, brown and gray fuzzy Botrytis spores. Rhizoctonia stem rot causes webbing and sunken brown dry spots on the stem. The plants infected with Pythium shows small discolored roots and tubers and blackened stems.
Powdery mildew
It is a fungal disease caused due to excess moisture on the surface of the leaves. A white powdery layer is formed on the surface of the leaves, preventing the entry of sunlight. The infected leaves wilt and die.
Gray mold
It is a fungal disease where Brown Spots are seen on the surface of leaves and flowers, the stem becomes soft and rotted.
Whiteflies and spider mites can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Slugs and snails can lead to holes in the leaves.
Propagation of Wax Begonia
These plants are hybrids and might not give good results when grown from seeds. The best way to propagate Begonia is through leaf cutting. Select a healthy growing tip without any bloom. Cut the tip, make sure it has at least 2-3 nodes. These cuttings can be grown on a fertile moist potting mix.
