How to Grow Wax Begonia Flowers (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)

By Erin Marissa Russell

First thing first : Wax begonias are a class of begonia plants ( Begonia x semperflorens - cultorum ) with fibrous root , as distinguished from begonias with tuberous roots . Wax begonias are especially known for their power to flourish during times of drought or heat . Wax begonias may have bronze or unripened leaves , and the bronze - leaved varieties are well suited for sunshine . We ’ll delve into this and other thing you need to roll in the hay to take care of wax begonia in this article .

Wax begonias are known for the beauty of their floral display , which lasts all summer long and into the other daylight of declivity . Their growth habit is beautifully bushy and can reach peak of up to 18 inches . However , most stay put between six inches and one metrical foot tall , with the same spread . flora are made up of heart - shaped leaves that look to be report in shiny wax . The foliation may be fleeceable , reddish bronze , or deep brownness , with pinkish , red , or white blossom .

wax begonia plant in the flowerbed

Varieties of Wax Begonia Flowers

Ambassador Series : Wax begonia in this group are known for their large bloom , light-green foliage , and compact growth .

Cocktail Series : plant in this series are dwarf motley that grow to between six and eight column inch tall . leaf is bronze , and blooms may be pink , white , red , or white butt in bolshie .

Doublet Series : As the name suggest , wax begonias in this serial are known for their showy threefold blooms .

stem cutting wax begonia propagation

Pizzazz Series : Choose from pink , red , or white bloom in this serial publication , which is known for produce lots of flowers . These wax begonia mature to between eight and 10 inches marvelous .

Prelude Series : This strain is especially hardy in showery or hot climate . They ’re known for their compact growth and shiny , vivid green leaves .

Super Olympia Series : These variety have glossy green leaves and are known for the bright coloring of their bombastic flower , which come out early in the garden . opt from shades include pink , rose , ruddy , and white .

Victory Series : These bronze - leave wax begonia are known for the sizing of their flush . useable in pinkish , red , and white .

How to Plant Wax Begonia Plants

When you ’re consider where to plant your wax begonias , you need to take the soil and the sun exposure into account . Do take into account the care need of the case-by-case variety show of begonias you are growing , as there is some discrepancy between the types . Generally , however , most begonias raise their good when given partial nicety , which read to between three and six hours of direct sunniness each twenty-four hours . As far as soil is come to , give begonias moist soil that hold plenty of rich constituent textile and provide near drainage .

begonia can be a fleck fussy when it come to lighting , need a Goldilocks - alike “ just right ” amount to really thrive . Most begonia need entree to some direct sunshine in gild to blossom forth their best . However , too much direct sunlight , or sunshine that is too bright , can scorch the leafage of some begonia kind .

mark off into the sun exposure needs of the variety of wax begonias you are growing to ensure you provide them with just what they need . As a prescript of thumb , begonias that have bronze leave of absence are better able to handle full sun than green - leaved begonia . If you are produce begonia with light-green farewell , endeavor to implant them in a pip where they will get sun in the morning and tone in the good afternoon toprevent sunscaldon their leaves .

you’re able to start wax begonias from seed or from small industrial plant . Start your seeded player indoors about 12 week before incite them into the garden , which should take place after all peril of frost has go past . besprinkle the seeded player on top of the soil and do not pass over them . Keep them between 68 and 75 degree Fahrenheit .

Wax begonia seeds are so bantam that they are sometimes sell as pellets to make them prosperous to deal . If the seed you want to expend is pelleted , follow the instructions on the packaging for plant for skillful resultant .

Whether you are planting small plants from the greenhouse in the garden or transplanting seedlings you have protrude indoors , situate the young plants about 6 to 8 inches apart .

How to Grow Wax Begonia Plants

Be mindful when water begonia not to splosh pee on the foliage , as this can result to sunscald as well . Aim the stream of H2O at the base of the plant where the roots are . The good clip to water begonias ( and most plant in the garden ) is in the morning . Watering should be avoided when the sun is radiate directly on the begonia ’s leaves .

Wax begonia are relatively low maintenance because they are “ self - cleaning ” plants . This means the efflorescence will fall from the plant naturally at the destruction of their animation oscillation , so you wo n’t have to spend sentence deadheading and picking off the spent flush .

Wax begonias benefit from an software of mulch during the summer to keep the roots moist and cool .

Wax begonia are acquire as annual , but if you choose to grow yours in containers , you’re able to cut them back in the fall and bring them indoors to spend the wintertime in ease . Keep them in a place where they will stay coolheaded , and contract watering as the plant will go into quiescence . Wax begonias prefer little container and a peat - based copious potting mixture that drains well . Repotting should only be demand a time or two during the plant ’s life sentence , as wax begonias prefer to stick around rootbound . That say , repotting should be done in springtime , somewhat increasing the size of the container and using fresh potting grime .

How to Propagate Wax Begonia Plants

Wax begonias should not be propagated by seed assemblage , as they are almost all F1 hybrids that will not multiply true to type . Instead , wax begonias should be propagated with foliage or stem cuttings pick out in spring . opt cut that have at least two nodes but do not have blossoms , and ensure to use sterile , sharp gardening shears . Bury the gelded conclusion of the stem in moist potting filth and keep in a warm spot that offer some shade until it begins to produce new development . Then it can be moved into its regular spot in the garden .

Pests and Diseases of Wax Begonia Plants

As charming and various as wax begonia are , these lovely works can sometimes face a few challenges in the garden . By understanding the potential issues and learning how to prevent or address them , you’re able to ensure that your wax begonias thrive and keep their vivacious beauty throughout the time of year .

Powdery Mildew : One coarse trouble that wax begonia may encounter is powdery mold , a fungous disease that manifests as a white , powdery substance on the leaves . This can lead in discolored , distorted leaf and , in severe face , may cause the plant life to wither . To keep powdery mildew , make certain your wax begonia have right breeze circulation and avoid overhead watering . If you notice house of the disease , debate using a fungicide or homemade solution like a dilute Milk River spray to treat the affected plant . For more info , see our articleIdentify , Prevent , and Treat Garden Problems : Powdery Mildew Fungal Disease .

Stem and Root Rot : Wax begonia are susceptible to theme and root rot , which is often because of overwatering or poorly draining soil . Symptoms of this government issue admit wilting , yellowing folio , and blackened stems or roots . To forbid rot , ensure that your plants are get in well - draining soil and irrigate them only when the soil feels ironical to the touch . If you suspect that your wax begonia are affected , it may be necessary to remove and discard the septic plant life to prevent the disease from spreading . For more entropy , see our articleHow to defend Stem and Root Rot .

Pests : Like many plants , wax begonia can attract certain pests , such as aphid , whiteflies , and mealybugs . These lilliputian insects provender on the plant ’s sap , leading to distorted leaves , scrawny increment , and potential disease transmittal . To keep these pest at bay tree , regularly inspect your plants for house of plague and think using insecticidal soap or other organic pest control methods if needed .

Sunscald : While wax begonias can tolerate a range of light conditions , too much lineal sunlight can do sunscald , result in pallid , decolor leaves or brown , blacken spots . To prevent sunscald , provide your wax begonias with dappled sunlight or morning Sunday , followed by good afternoon shade , specially in hotter climates . If your plants show signs of sunscald , deliberate relocate them to a more worthy spot or provide them with some protective shade during the hot section of the solar day .

Here are some other specific problems to look out for .

Bacterial Leaf Spot and Blight : For more selective information , see our article Tomato disease : How to Fight Bacterial Spot .

Botrytis : For more information , see our articleDealing With Botrytis Blight , or “ Grey Mold ” Fungus .

Mealybugs : For more data , see our articleHow to Fight Mealybugs .

Nematodes : For more info , see our articleHow to crusade Root Knot Nematodes .

plate : For more information , see our articleHow to Control Scale Insects .

Slugs and Snails : For more information , see our articleHow to Control Snails and Slugs .

Thrips : For more information , see our articleHow to Fight Thrips .

Whiteflies : For more information , see our articleHow to Fight Whiteflies .

By staying open-eyed and drive the proper preventative measures , you’re able to denigrate these common wax begonia problems and enjoy the lush , coloured video display that these delicious plant bring to your garden .

Wax begonia are lovely in planter , window boxwood , large plantings , or at the front of garden beds . Choose your favorite miscellanea ( or varieties ) to turn and you ’re on your room to enjoy their beautiful flower .