Wax begonia

Begonia Semperflorens

Begoniaceae

It has evergreen leaves which are round, fleshy and waxy in appearance. Leaves may be green, bronze or red.

It produces pink, red, white flowers throughout the year.

The plant grows best in semi shaded conditions.

It grows best in moderate temperatures.

The potting medium could be peat or compost or a mixture of peat or compost with sand or other ingredients.

Begonias thrive at higher humidity, producing larger leaves and less marginal burning of the leaves.

The soil needs to be kept moist at all times but not soggy. Avoid excess watering.

Begonia relatively pest free. Watch out for mealy bugs.

It is a low growing plant, growing to about 6 to 12 inches.

Plants should be fertilized every other week all year long with a fertilizer having adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Diluted the fertilizer to ½ the strength recommended on the label.

Keep yellowing and dead leaves trimmed off. Make cuttings of long stemmed types to reduce their legginess. Remove spent flowers.

Propagation is done through seed and cuttings.

Protect the plant from excess water during the monsoon.

It is a compact, bushy plant ideal for beds, low borders and edging. The distance of planting should be 6 in. cc. The plant looks excellent when grown as a mass plantation.

Ground cover, hanging basket, perenial, potted plant