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Begonia elatior Indoor Begonia. Care and advice

Indoor Begonia

The Plant: Fleshy green, heart-shaped leaves, with strongly coloured flowers borne on brittle fleshy stems. Begonia flower colours range from deep scarlet, through orange, pink to creamy white.

Its needs: Strong light, but not direct sunshine other than a little morning sun. Strong sunshine will give you leaf scorch patches.

Good air circulation. Good rich potting compost to support heavy top-growth, and provide anchorage for fibrous root system.

Care: Potting compost should be kept damp from beginning of spring, but avoid watering foliage, (leaves), as this could promote mildew growth on fleshy parts of the plant. Water the compost regularly to avoid drying out. Feed weekly or fortnightly depending on size of plant and rate of growth.



As this plant tends to become top-heavy, it will need support, e.g. short slender canes, and green twine, (string will do, but more noticeable!).

This begonia is susceptible to powdery mildew. Pinch off dead flowers to promote new blooms. Can be placed outside once all danger of frost has passed, but Begonias tend to scorch easily in full sun.

Grows well in window boxes in dappled sunshine, but nor strong direct sun.

To increase humidity in hot dry conditions, place pot in a water-filled saucer of small pebbles.

Good for: Excellent, easy care plant for giving as it has good flowering season; generally a good cheerful plant in variety of colours. Not too expensive! Begonia elatior is a very popular houseplant which can be bought at almost any time of the year with masses of flower and buds.

Indoor Begonia Care Guide

Characteristics and Ideal Growing Conditions

Begonia elatior, commonly known as Elatior Begonia or Rieger Begonia, is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage. It's a hybrid species that has been bred for superior performance as an indoor plant.

  • Light: Begonias prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, while too little light can hinder flowering.
  • Temperature: These plants thrive in standard indoor temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). They do not tolerate frost or extreme cold.
  • Humidity: Begonias enjoy high humidity. If your home's air is dry, consider using a room humidifier or placing the plant on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
Specific Care Requirements
  • Watering: Water your Begonia when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure your pot has good drainage.
  • Fertilization: Feed your Begonia every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove dead leaves and flowers to encourage more blooms. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's shape and size.
Common Pests and Diseases

Indoor Begonias can be prone to pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. If these pests are present, you can treat the plant with a natural insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis can affect Begonias, especially if they're overwatered or kept in poor air circulation. To prevent this, avoid getting the leaves wet when watering and ensure your plant has plenty of air movement.



Tips and Recommendations
  • Potting: When potting your Begonia, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix, is ideal.
  • Companion Planting: Begonias can be paired with other shade-loving indoor plants like ferns or peace lilies. Just be sure that all plants have similar light and water needs.
  • Propagation: Begonias can be propagated from leaf cuttings. Simply cut a leaf into pieces, ensuring each piece has a vein, and plant them in moist potting mix.

Remember, every plant is unique and may not adhere strictly to these guidelines. Keep an eye on your plant's health and adjust care as needed. Happy planting!

Indoor Begonia Seed Growing Guide

Introduction to Begonia Plant

Begonias are popular indoor plants appreciated for their stunning foliage and beautiful, delicate flowers. They come in different varieties, each with unique leaf patterns and flower shapes. Indoor gardening enthusiasts love begonias for their ability to thrive in lower light conditions and their long-lasting blooms that add a splash of color to any interior space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grow Indoor Begonias from Seed

  1. 1. Purchase Begonia Seeds: You can find a variety of begonia seeds at your local garden center or online.
  2. 2. Prepare Your Potting Mix: Begonias prefer a light, well-draining potting mix. A good choice is a mix of equal parts perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite.
  3. 3. Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle the tiny begonia seeds on top of the soil. Do not cover them as they need light to germinate.
  4. 4. Maintain Humidity: Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse, helping maintain high humidity levels necessary for germination.
  5. 5. Place in Ideal Environment: Keep the pot in a warm place (around 70°F or 21°C) with bright, indirect light.
  6. 6. Watering: Mist the soil lightly whenever it begins to dry out.
  7. 7. Germination: With proper care, seeds should begin to germinate within two weeks.
  8. 8. Transplanting: Once seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into their own pots.
  9. 9. Ongoing Care: Continue to keep the plants in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Commonly Asked Questions and Challenges

Why Aren't My Seeds Germinating? Begonia seeds need light to germinate. If they're buried in the soil, they may not sprout. They also require warmth and humidity.

Why Are My Seedlings Dying? This could be due to 'damping off,' a fungal disease common in seedlings. To prevent this, ensure your pot has good drainage and avoid overwatering.

How Can I Speed Up Germination? Using a heat mat can help maintain an optimal temperature and speed up the germination process.



Troubleshooting Tips and Year-Round Plant Maintenance

Ensure your begonias receive the right amount of water and light, too much or too little of either can lead to problems. Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, while leggy growth can suggest the plant isn't getting enough light.

During the growing season, feed your begonias every two weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. In winter, reduce watering and stop feeding as the plant enters dormancy.

With patience and care, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful flowering begonia grown from seed. Enjoy the process and happy planting!






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