How to care for wax begonia so it blooms continuously? A detailed guide to care techniques
Begonia is one of the most popular flowers in our country, so many people like to grow begonias at home, and among them wax begonia (Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum) is the most popular. Its flowering period is just like its name, as it can bloom all year round. However, many people find that things do not work out that way during cultivation: not only do the plants bloom little, but they also do not bloom often. So how should you care for it to keep it blooming continuously? Let's learn about it together.
1. Suitable soil
The growth of any plant is inseparable from its growing medium, and soil-cultured wax begonia is even more dependent on fertile soil. To keep wax begonia blooming continuously, it especially needs loose, fertile soil with good water permeability. When planting, you can use garden soil, leaf mold, and river sand in a 2:2:1 ratio to prepare the growing soil for wax begonia. After mixing, add some bone meal 1 as a base fertilizer when potting up, to promote the vigorous growth of wax begonia.
2. Watering
Wax begonia likes moist conditions, so during the growing period, you should water reasonably according to the plant's growth status and changes in temperature. In addition, during the budding period, water less and keep the potting soil slightly dry, because overly wet potting soil can cause root rot. During the growing period, water once every two days, and at the same time frequently spray water around the plant to increase air humidity. Also note that when watering, do not pour water directly from the top down onto the stems and leaves; water along the edge of the flowerpot instead, otherwise water easily accumulates on the stems and leaves and causes rot. During the growing period in the four seasons, fertilizer should be applied according to the leaf color and leaf growth of the plant. Do not apply too much fertilizer, otherwise it will cause the leaves to stop growing and affect flowering. During the flowering period, appropriately increase phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer to improve the flowering quality of the plant.
3. Care through the four seasons
① In spring, place it in a sunny spot with good ventilation, and rotate the flowerpot every half month to prevent phototropism from causing it to grow leaning to one side.
② In summer, semi-shaded care should be provided to prevent poor plant growth and leaf scorching caused by evaporation of water from the potting soil. At the same time, pay attention to watering frequency, and water thoroughly in time before the potting soil dries out completely. No fertilization is needed in summer; just spray water around the plant every day to cool it down and maintain moisture.
③ In autumn, provide shading in early autumn, and let it enjoy sunlight freely in late autumn. At the same time, ensure sufficient nutrients, and you can fertilize about once a week, preferably with decomposed cake fertilizer water or a dilute nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer solution.
④ In winter, give wax begonia a warm growing environment. At noon during the day, place it on a windowsill or balcony to bask in the sun, and at night pay attention to cold protection and warmth retention. You can also keep it indoors, maintaining above 15 degrees to let it continue blooming. In winter, control watering and do not water too much; just keep the potting soil slightly moist.
The above is an introduction to how to keep wax begonia blooming continuously. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.