Begonia Beefsteak

October 30, 2024 Post a Comment

Begonia beefsteak

Begonia erythrophylla (Beefsteak begonia) is a rare begonia found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Not usually sold in plant stores, the beefsteak begonia is a real collector's item.

How big do beefsteak begonias get?

Scientific Name	Begonia Erythrophylla
Pruning	If needed, towards the beginning of the growing season
Propagation	Root ball division, water propagation, leaf cuttings, and stem cuttings
Toxicity	Non-toxic for humans, but toxic pets
Mature Size	12-18 inches

What light for beefsteak begonia?

Light. One of the great characteristics of the beefsteak Begonia is that it's not fussy at all when it comes to lighting. It can tolerate relatively low light as long as you adjust the watering schedule accordingly. Bright indirect light works best, though.

Do beefsteak begonias flower?

BEGONIA ERYTHROPHYLLA -BEEFSTEAK - A rhizomatous old heirloom variety. Large 4" rounded thick fleshy leaves, dark shiny bronze red with reddish undersides. Grows into a very large plant displaying pink flowers on long slender stalks yearround.

Do begonias do better in pots or in the ground?

Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it's no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers. Begonias planted in a pot should be spaced 4-6″ apart and with the tubers buried hollow-side up.

How long do potted begonias last?

No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care.

Do begonias do better in full sun or shade?

They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.

Do begonias like to be in bigger pots?

Begonias like to be root-bound, and can struggle if repotted too often. When it's time for repotting begonias, be certain to choose a container that is only one size larger than the current one. They can start to suffer if they're planted in a pot that's too large.

Do begonias like to be misted?

Your Begonia prefers a humid environment but does not tolerate misting. Use a pebble tray or humidifier instead. Your Begonia will do well in average room temperatures between 65-80°F. Feed once a month during the spring and summer with an all-purpose fertilizer for indoor plants.

Is Miracle Grow a good fertilizer for begonias?

Begonias do not need a lot of fertilizer, especially when they are very small. Try watering seedlings with ¼ strength fertilizer. You can use premade soluble fertilizers like Miracle-Gro™ or Peter's™ as they are the easiest to dissolve and apply initially.

Do begonias come back every year?

This results in at least four months of blooms a year and if looked after properly, they will come back year after year so one purchase will give years of enjoyment in your garden. Begonias are extremely versatile and can be used in different ways.

How do you care for beefsteak begonias?

Begonias grow best in well-drained, humus-rich soil with moderate water. They prefer high humidity and indirect light. Apply a slow-release fertilizer sparingly in spring. This makes a beautiful accent plant for a border or container, but is primarily used as a houseplant.

How many times a year do begonias bloom?

Once begonias begin flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost. There are several different types of begonias. Wax begonias and angel-wing begonias are usually grown as outdoor annuals or indoor houseplants. Both grow from a clump of roots and are winter hardy in growing zones 9-11.

Do coffee grounds help begonias?

Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.

Can you leave begonias in pots over winter?

Yes, you can overwinter begonias in pots. Fibrous types can be kept as a houseplant, while tuberous varieties should be stored dormant in a cool, dark location. What is this? Overwintering begonias is easy, and it's a great way to save your favorite varieties every year.

How often do you water begonias?

Begonias thrive in soil that is neither dry nor saturated. Your goal is to find a moisture level and watering schedule that is justttt right. A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it's hot and dry you'll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture.

Should you deadhead begonias?

Pruning and deadheading begonia is recommended to promote a bushier plant with more flowers. Also, prune if your plant becomes leggy. This will help the plant have healthier looking growth and helps encourage the plants to put energy towards producing more flowers.

How do I know if my begonia is tuberous or fibrous?

Gently dig up your begonia and take a look at the roots. Fibrous-rooted begonias will look stringy; rhizomatous will have creeping surface stems and roots; and tuberous begonias have a round, flattened brown tuber that looks, well, a lot like a cow pie!

How do you keep potted begonias blooming?

For maximum blooms, begonias should be lightly fertilized every 10 to 14 days when grown in pots and containers. For bedding plants, fertilizing every three to four weeks is enough to do the trick. But the real key is to use a light dose of nutrients in place of full strength applications.

Can begonias take full hot sun?

Begonias need some sunlight, but they don't do well if that sunlight is harsh and direct. Instead, place them in filtered light, such as beneath high, thin tree canopies.