How Does Wax Begonia Survive the Winter? Detailed Guide to Winter Care Precautions
Although wax begonia has a very long blooming period, the cold winter is quite a challenge for it, and it is extremely sensitive to cold, so winter care is even more important. Today let us learn together how it survives the winter and what important precautions there are for cultivating wax begonia in winter, so that our wax begonia will not be afraid of getting through the cold winter.
How Wax Begonia Survives the Winter
1. Before Bringing Indoors
Before wax begonia is brought indoors, it should be properly exposed to the low temperatures of autumn so that it can adapt and improve its own disease resistance and cold resistance. The amount of watering should also be gradually reduced at this time, using artificial intervention to force the plant into a dormant state.
2. After Bringing Indoors
After bringing it indoors, spray water mist frequently on the leaves of the plant to increase the humidity of the surrounding air. Also keep the 24-hour temperature difference indoors from becoming too large, keeping it within a certain temperature range as much as possible, and the lowest temperature must not be lower than 5-8°C. Control the watering of wax begonia well; in winter, watering once every 2-3 days is enough for it to overwinter safely and smoothly.
Precautions for Cultivating Wax Begonia in Winter
1. When the indoor temperature is below 5°C, the potted plant should be moved at night to a small table farther from the window so that the leaves are not frostbitten. During the day, move it back to a sunny spot on the windowsill. In order for the plant to grow evenly, the flower pot should be turned frequently. If the indoor temperature drops to 0°C, cold protection measures should be taken: insert three or four thin bamboo sticks into the pot as a support, then cover the whole pot with a transparent plastic film bag, and seal the opening at the bottom well.
2. After the room temperature rises, many water droplets will appear inside the bag. At this time, the plastic bag should be removed to avoid causing the leaves to rot. If the room has heating or a stove for warmth and the room temperature can be kept above 15°C, wax begonia will grow as usual and bloom continuously, but never place the potted flower too close to the stove or heater, so as to avoid scorching and burning.
3. The stems and leaves of wax begonia are succulent and rich in water. After entering winter, its growth is relatively slow and water consumption is not great, so it should not be watered too much. Generally, after 3-4 days, when the surface of the pot soil turns white, or when it feels rather hard to the touch of a finger, water once. It is best to keep the pot soil moist with a touch of dryness, and avoid excessive watering and waterlogged, rotten pot soil. In winter, watering is generally done around noon, which can reduce the temperature difference and benefit the growth of the plant. When there is a lot of dust on the leaves of the plant, choose a sunny day with mild wind and gently rinse with clean water to keep the leaf surface clean and glossy.
Sometimes when the daytime weather is clear and the indoor temperature rises, doors and windows can be opened for ventilation, but be careful not to place the potted plant in a drafty spot.
4. When wax begonia overwinters indoors, it should not be fertilized, to prevent it from growing thin, weak new tender branches and leaves and, if not properly cared for, withering.
After late March of the following year, as the weather gradually warms up, wax begonia can be moved outdoors for cultivation according to the weather conditions.
How to Sow Wax Begonia
First mix the seeds with fine garden soil, then evenly scatter them on the surface of the pot soil. There is no need to cover them with soil. Use a relatively thin piece of glass or plastic film to retain moisture, and place it in a cool, ventilated place. If it is placed in a greenhouse, then shading is needed. A temperature of 15-22°C is suitable for rooting and sprouting, which takes about 1 week.
How to Prune Wax Begonia
1. Suitable Pruning Time
The most suitable time to prune this flower is in spring or autumn. Pruning requires consideration of many factors, including the growth state of the plant and the surrounding temperature, etc. Summer is the season of rapid growth for wax begonia. At this time, the plant has a very high demand for nutrients. If pruning is carried out at this time, the plant will be unable to fully absorb nutrients, causing the entire plant to begin to wither or drop its flowers.
Pruning in winter is also extremely unsuitable. The temperature is relatively low and the plant grows relatively slowly. Pruning at this time will make its growth even more difficult. So the best time is in spring and autumn. Pruning at this time will not let it lack nutrients, nor will it cause difficulty in growth. In addition, when the branches and leaves have just grown or just fallen off, the nutrients needed are also relatively few, and pruning will not affect it.
2. Choosing Good Pruning Tools
When pruning wax begonia, it is best to choose relatively sharp tree shears. When pruning it, if the scissors are not sharp enough, they will damage the cortex of the plant, or squeeze and deform its branches, which has a great impact on the plant's later growth and development as well as its ornamental appearance. In addition, be sure to note that the scissors chosen are clean; otherwise it may cause the plant to be infected by bacteria, bringing harm to the plant's growth. So when pruning it, be sure to prune with clean tree shears.
3. Pruning Method: When pruning, we should keep some relatively good branches, cut off the inferior ones, and also retain them.
4. The main trunk branches of the plant are enough; too many are also not good, since the main branches will still divide into many small branches. Also, when pruning, try to cut off the lower outer branches, and do not prune too much of the inner ones, so as to ensure ventilation, prevent it from rotting, and also allow it to have sufficient space to grow. Finally, note that it is best to prune before or after it blooms, and never prune while it is in full bloom, otherwise it will affect its blooming the following year.
In fact, if we master the above methods, we can still grow beautiful wax begonia in winter. But if you want your wax begonia to grow even more beautiful and more luxuriant, pruning its branches and leaves is also very important. As long as you master the methods, I believe you will surely be able to cultivate wax begonia that looks better than others'.