What are the cultivation methods for wax begonia?

Wax begonia is the most common and most widely cultivated species among begonia plants, also known as four-season begonia, scallop-flesh begonia, etc. It is a succulent herbaceous plant of the genus Begonia in the family Begoniaceae, with graceful posture, tender and glossy leaves, clustered flowers, blooming in all four seasons and carrying a slight fragrance, making it one of the main potted flowers for indoor and outdoor decoration. Let us take a look together below at the cultivation methods for potted wax begonia!

Growth habits of wax begonia

Wax begonia likes sunlight, tolerates slight shade, fears cold, and prefers warm, slightly shady and damp environments and moist soil, but fears heat and waterlogging. In summer, pay attention to shading, ventilation and drainage. It is very sensitive to sunlight, so in summer the lighting time should be adjusted to create an environment suitable for its growth, and shade treatment should be carried out. Plants cultivated indoors should be placed in a place with scattered light and air circulation, and windows need to be opened at night for ventilation and air exchange.

Propagation methods of wax begonia

1. Sowing: For sowing, the seeds should be evenly scattered on the fine soil in the pot, then the sowing pot should be soaked with enough water using the bottom-watering method, then covered with a piece of glass and placed in a semi-shady place. After 10 days they will sprout.

2. Cuttage: Cuttage can be carried out all year round, but after the seedlings mature they branch less, so except for double-petaled varieties, this method is generally not used for propagation.

3. Division: Perennial old wax begonia plants can be divided, and pruning can be carried out at the same time to promote new side branches to form a well-shaped plant.

Cultivation methods of wax begonia

1. Pot soil: The most ideal pot soil for wax begonia is a mixture of river sand, leaf mold and snakewood chips. Wax begonia fears intense heat, so in summer it should be kept in a cool place for care.

2. Temperature: Wax begonia flowers fear cold. Before frost, move the pot indoors to protect it from freezing and keep it warm. If the indoor temperature stays above 15°C, it can still continue to bloom.

3. Watering: In summer, water in the morning and evening; in winter, water around noon. Do not water too much, and by no means allow the soil to become waterlogged, otherwise excessive moisture will cause root rot and the leaves will turn yellow.

4. Light: Wax begonia flowers like sunlight, and should be placed in a sunny, ventilated and airy site. If there is insufficient light, growth will be poor and the flower color will not be bright enough.

5. Fertilizing: During the growing season, apply a thin liquid fertilizer once about every 10 days, using quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. In summer and winter when growth is slow, apply less or stop fertilizing, to avoid rot diseases caused by tender stems and leaves and weakened heat and cold resistance.

6. Pests and diseases: The common disease and pest of wax begonia is the leaf roller moth, which is not particularly serious and can be caught by hand. For serious cases, spray with a diluted dimethoate solution.

Precautions for wax begonia

1. Wax begonia likes warm and moist conditions, so during the growth period, watering should be based on the plant's growth condition and changes in air temperature. Water less during the germination stage and keep the pot soil slightly dry; if too wet, it will cause root rot. During the growth period, water once every two days, and frequently spray water around the plant to increase air humidity. In addition, note that when watering, do not pour from the leaves and stem tips; pour along the edge of the flower pot, otherwise the stems and leaves are prone to water accumulation and rot.

2. During the growth period of wax begonia, fertilizer should be applied according to the leaf color and leaf growth condition of the plant. Do not apply too much fertilizer, otherwise the leaves will grow excessively and flowering will be affected. Before flowering, apply an appropriate amount of phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer to improve flowering quality.

3. When winter comes, wax begonia should have its bulbous roots dug up and hung in storage in a dry, ventilated place, or the potted flowers should be placed in a warm indoor place to overwinter.

4. During periods of high temperature and dryness, wax begonia is prone to root rot and stem rot. When discovered in the early stage, watering should be controlled in time, and carbendazim should be sprayed for prevention and control. The curative effect can be seen after continuous use for a period of time.

5. After the flowers of wax begonia fade, be sure to remember to pinch out the heart in time and remove the residual flowers, so that it can grow more luxuriantly.

6. Wax begonia should usually be kept in semi-shade on a balcony or in a courtyard for care. Never let direct sunlight come in, and pay attention to ventilation.

7. About half a month after planting wax begonia, apply one application of decomposed fertilizer water. After that, during the growth period, apply a light fertilizer water once every 20 to 30 days. In winter, move it indoors and place it in a sunny place, and the minimum temperature must not be lower than 10 degrees.