Our expert plant columnist Robyn Wilkey has tips on how to care for
your Christmas begonia. Send your plant questions to her at
Swwgod@aol.com.
My parents gave me what's called a "Christmas
begonia", and I was wondering if it will bloom through the winter and maybe
even last till next year. How do I make more plants from it, so that I may
pass it along to my sister?
The Christmas Begonia, Begonia x chemimantha, is an old and valued
friend which will brighten your home through the winter. Most people keep
their Christmas begonia only for as long as it is in flower. But with proper
care you can get it to bloom each year.
New plants can be made by taking cuttings.
Christmas begonias are usually 10"-14" tall. The main season is
from November to February. Their growth depends on temperature, water and
feeding. Always give it plenty of light, but not direct sunshine, which can
scorch the leaves. It should be kept cool, preferably 60*-70*F during most
of the year.
Temperatures between 62*-65* during the winter assure an abundance
of flowers. The plant activity grows in summer, and not during winter, even
though winter is when it blooms.
The soil should be a peaty soil and well drained.
Be sure to remove flowers as they fade. Remove dead leaves to prevent
mildew. Pinch out tips of young plants to promote bushiness.
To propagate begonias use mature leaves with sturdy stems and a
diameter of 1-2 inches. Very young, weak leaves have a tendency to rot and
older leaves will not root easily. Set them in perlite at a 45* angle, with
the stalk -1" inch deep. Place in an area with bright, but not direct light.
High humidity and bottom heat of 70*-75* will give the best
results.
Watering from below will keep water off the leaves and prevent them
from rotting. The leaves should usually root in 2-3 weeks. Treat tip shoots
the same way as leaf cutting, but use a 2" inch long stem placed
vertically.
The Christmas begonia is a short-day plant and will come into bud
when the day length is under 12 hours regardless of what the temperature
is. However, if the temperature drops below 59*F it will come into bud even
if the day is more than 12 hours long.
Enjoy your Christmas Begonia throughout the year and pass cuttings
or propagated plants to friends and family.
About the Author: Robyn Wilkey is an interior landscape consultant.
She is a third generation horticulturist and now lives in Bowling Green,
Kentucky. Write her at
Swwgod@aol.com.
Books on Plants:
* The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher O.
Bud.
To
order click here.
* The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden
Plants by Christopher Brickell, editor, Judith Zuk, editor.
To
order click here.
* The House Plant Expert: The World's Best-Selling Book on House
Plants by D. G. Hessayon.
To
order click here.
* The Flower Expert by D.G.
Hessayon.
To order click here. |
