Begonia Corallina de Lucerna Care Indoors, Propagation, Common Problems & Remedies
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Begonia lucerna blossoms in medium to bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, this guide will cover everything you need to know about growing and maintaining Begonia Lucerna indoors. But first, lets get to know some facts about this plant.
Begonia Corallina de Lucerna is an evergreen flowering Begonia which may be less spectacular in bloom than other Begonias but has the advantage of keeping its beautiful 'Angel Wing' leaves through out the year.
Begonia lucerna also called Angel Wing Begonia lucerna is one of the highly valued of the Begonia varieties for its ability to grow in low light environment while providing extravagant colours.
The leaves are narrow 'Angel Wings', olive green with small silver spots on the top and often red-veined. The flowers are large clusters which hang from the stems.
Begonia Lucerna like Begonia coccinea (Angel Wing Begonia) and Begonia maculata (Polka Dot Begonia) is one of the popular Begonias that easily adapts to indoor growing conditions and is easy to propagate from stem cuttings.
Origin
Begonia Lucerna whose full name is Begonia Corallina de Lucerna is a hybridized form of the Angel Wing Begonia. It was hybridized by Wettstein of Lucerne, Switzerland in 1892.
Size
Angel Wing Begonia lucerna can reach the height of 10 feet or more if left unpruned. On account of its and magnificent foliage, Begonia lucerna is one of the best low-light tree-like plants for indoor growing.
Is Begonia Lucerna toxic to pets?
Yes. All parts of Begonia Corallina de Lucerna and especially the roots are considered toxic to pets as outlined by ASPCA. If ingested it may cause burning in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets to avoid any mishaps.
Why grow Begonia Lucerna indoors?
- Beautiful foliage: It features wing-shaped leaves with silver speckles.
- Compact growth: Perfect for small spaces, desks, and tabletops.
- Blooms indoors: With proper care, it will reward you with clusters of pink or red flowers.
- Easy to grow: It thrives with minimal care in the right conditions.
Where to Buy
Begonia lucerna are beautiful plants to add to your collection. These plants are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
How to Care for Begonia Lucerna Indoors
To care for Begonia lucerna indoors, provide medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 18-240C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Angel Wing Begonia lucerna only needs repotting when it becomes extremely pot-bound as it grows best when slightly root-bound. Regular pruning is required to keep it neat, to reduce pest infestations and to rejuvenate growth. Keep reading for a detailed account on the best growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water your Begonia lucerna liberally in spring and summer and allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering as it can cause rotting, yellowing and leaf loss.
Cut down on watering in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid wilting, drooping and leaf drop.
Only water with chlorine-free water to avoid browning of leaf edges. Use water that is at room temperature to prevent cold shock which can result in reduced growth and leaf loss.
Angel Wing Begonia lucerna cannot tolerate soggy soil which can result in root-rot and eventual death of the plant. Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is well-drained to prevent it from getting soggy.
Temperature & Humidity
Lucerna Begonia requires an average warmth of 18-240C with a minimum of 130C to thrive. It cannot tolerate temperatures below this range as it is not cold hardy. Keep it away from drafts to avoid sudden changes in temperature as they can cause reduced growth and leaf drop.
Begonia lucerna prefers a humidity of 60-70% for its optimum growth. Very low humidity can result in brown leaf tips and edges. To uplift humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier.
Do not mist the plant as wetting the leaves may lead to fungal infestations. Ensure that there is good airflow to minimize fungal diseases.
Light Requirements
Begonia lucerna grows best in medium to bright indirect light. Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching of the leaves, causing brown edges.
Too little light for Angel Wing Begonia lucerna may cause the leaves to lose their vibrant colors. Move it to a brighter spot or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light from all sides for a balanced growth and prevent legginess.
Fertilizer
Feed Begonia lucerna every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced, liquid fertilizer for a lush growth. To promote blooming, apply a phosphorous-rich fertilizer weekly when the buds begin to form.
Do not feed in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time, therefore, the plant does not need it. Feeding at this time may result in fertilizer burn.
Potting Medium
Angel Wing Begonia lucerna soil should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. A blend of 2 parts of all purpose potting mix and 1 part perlite is ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Begonia lucerna at the beginning of the growing period only if the plant has become root-bound or is too large for the pot. It prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
Use a pot 1 size larger than the current one. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to root-rot. Do not repot a blooming plant as the shock of repotting will cut short the flowering period. Check out these self watering pots available on Amazon.
Pruning & Grooming
Pruning Begonia lucerna is easy. Remove the dead flowers, yellow and dead leaves to keep the plant neat and discourage pest infestations. Do not pinch the growing buds.
Cutback the bare stems with a clean pair of pruning scissors at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth. The foliage emanating from pruning can be used to propagate new plants.
Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and discourage pest infestations. Do not leave water droplets on the leaves to reduce fungal infestations.
Propagation
Begonia lucerna propagation is done from stem cuttings at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer) when in active growth to enhance rooting. You may root the cuttings in soil or in water.
1. Begonia Lucerna propagation from stem cuttings in soil
- Select a healthy stem (4–6 inches long) with at least two leaves and two leaf nodes.
- With a sterilized pruning scissors cut just below a leaf node as this where new growth will come from.
- Strip off the lower leaves, leaving only the top ones.
- Dip the lower cut end in a rooting hormone to hasten establishment.
- Insert 2-3 inches of the cutting in moist, free-draining rooting mix.
- Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Roots will develop in 2–4 weeks.
- Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
2. Begonia Lucerna propagation from stem cuttings in water
- Select a healthy stem (4–6 inches long) with at least two leaves and 2-3 leaf nodes.
- With a sterilized scissors cut just below a leaf node as this where new growth will come from.
- Strip off the lower leaves, leaving only the top ones.
- Dip the lower cut end in a rooting hormone to promote establishment.
- Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Change the water every 5-7 days.
- Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.
- When the roots are about 2-3 inches, transfer the cuttings into individual pots in moist, rooting soil.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges.
- Allow the new plant to be well established after which you can begin routine care.
Begonia lucerna Problems & Solutions
Begonia lucerna problems are yellow leaves, leaf drop, flowerbud drop, brown leaf tips, plant dying, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Yellow leaves
Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Begonia lucerna are too little light dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil and aging.
How to fix it
Remove such leaves by snipping them off at the base with a clean sharp knife or a pair of scissors.
Too little light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together, use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom.
Inconsistent watering: Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out. Do not water on a schedule.
Soggy soil: Use well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.
Aging: It is natural for the old leaves to turn yellow and drop as the plant matures.
Leaf drop
Leaf drop on Begonia lucerna is caused by too little light, temperature stress, inconsistent watering, soggy soil or consistent use of cold water.
How to fix it
Too little light: Position the plant in a brighter place where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is not enough.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts to maintain a warmth of 18-260C, that is, a temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for the plant.
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Soggy soil: Ascertain that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole.
Use of cold water: Water with room temperature water to avoid cold shock.
Flowerbud drop
Flowerbud drop on Begonia lucerna is caused by dry air, drafts, underwatering or watering with cold water.
How to fix it
Dry air: To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a humidifier or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home.
Drafts: Keep the plant away from drafts emanating from AC units, hot air vents, stoves, windy doors and others.
Underwatering: Maintain the soil consistently moist in spring and summer and slightly moist in fall and winter. Do not allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Use of cold water: Use water that is at room temperature water to avoid cold shock.
Brown leaf tips
Brown leaf tips on Begonia lucerna are caused by low humidity or salts buildup.
How to fix it
Low humidity: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a humidifier to elevate humidity. You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen, laundry area and other humid areas in the home.
Salts buildup: Regularly flush out accumulated salts from the soil by running of a steady stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage holes.
Plant dying
There are three possible causes of plant death in Begonia lucerna. One possible cause is stem-rot disease which is promoted by soggy soil. Discard the affected plant to minimize spread to other plants as it cannot be saved.
The second possible cause of plant death in Lucerna Begonia is nematodes (root knot eelworm) which are characterized by swollen bumps on roots.
The third possible cause of plant death in Angel Wing Begonia lucerna is vine weevil which is characterized by tunnels in the rhizomes.
White powdery leaf spots
White powdery leaf spots in Begonia lucerna are an indication of powdery mildew which is promoted by over damp conditions, low temperatures and poor air circulation.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant and cut off the diseased leaves to minimize spread.
- Spray the plant with a systemic fungicide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Avoid damp conditions and improve air ventilation to ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant.
- Take care not to wet the foliage during watering; you may water from the bottom instead.
- Maintain an average warmth of 18-240C and keep the plant away from cold drafts which cause sudden drops in temperatures.
Brown blotches which turn grey and moldy
Brown blotches which turn grey and moldy in Begonia lucerna is an indication of botrytis disease which is enhanced by overdamp conditions coupled with poor air circulation.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant and cut off diseased parts to reduce spread.
- Spray the plant with a systemic fungicide. Ensure to cover all the parts of the plant with the fungicidal solution
- Avoid over damp conditions by ensuring that the soil is properly drained.
- Ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant.
Pests
Common pests on Begonia lucerna are aphids and spider mites. Ensure the plants are healthy at all times to minimize pest infestations.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the other plants.
- Treat the plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap. Ensure to follow the manufacturers' recommendations on the label.
- Regularly damp-wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to discourage the pests.
- Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.
- Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together to increase humidity to reduce the pests infestations.
Conclusion
Begonia Lucerna (Angel Wing Begonia) is a gorgeous, easy care plant that adds elegance and color to any indoor space. Whether you grow it for its stunning foliage or delicate flowers, this plant thrives with minimal effort. If you follow proper watering, lighting, and feeding, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving Begonia Lucerna for many years.
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