Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens) Indoor Care, Propagation and Growing Problems
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Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens) prospers in bright, indirect light with some direct sunshine, average warmth, above average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Begonia semperflorens is one of the popular Begonia varieties on accounts of its vibrant blooms, striking waxy foliage and ability to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. It is one of the easiest of the flowering Begonias.
Wax Begonia is a small, leafy bush about 6-12 inches high which blooms almost the year round when grown in a sunny location. It is one of the best low-maintenance plants for a sunny balcony.
The Wax Begonia hybrids have a wide range of flower types in red, white, orange and pink. Newer hybrids are regularly developed which are more compact and have bigger blooms. These spectacular blooms place this plant among the best plants for the front porch or main entrance.
Botanical name: Begonia semperflorens
Family: Begoniaceae
Common name: Wax Begonia
Origin
In their natural habitat Begonias grow as understory plants in moist, shady to partially shady conditions in the tropical and subtropical regions in South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia.
Size
Wax Begonia grows to about 6-12 inches high. The hybrids have round waxy leaves about 2 inches across, ranging from greenish-yellow to deepest red. Begonia semperflorens like Begonia coccinea (Angel Wing Begonia) is one of the favorite flowering plants for the home.
Toxicity
All parts of Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens) and especially the roots are considered toxic to pets as outlined by ASPCA. If ingested they may cause burning in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains.
Where to Buy
If you would like to acquire Begonia Wax for your collection, they are readily available online on Etsy. (Link to Etsy).
Begonia semperflorens Care Indoors
Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens) performs best in bright, indirect light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine, moderate warmth of 18-270C, above average humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Begonia semperflorens needs repotting only when it has become extremely pot-bound as it grows best when slightly root-bound. Pruning is required to keep it neat, to reduce pest and disease infestations and to rejuvenate growth. Keep reading for a detailed account on the best growing conditions and how to provide them.
Water Requirements
Water Wax Begonia liberally during the growing season but allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to keep the soil moist.
Reduce watering during the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant. Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Avoid wetting the leaves as it may lead to the fungal diseases infestations. You may water the plant from the bottom instead.
Light Requirements
Wax Begonia grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. Keep it away from hot midday sunshine to avoid scorching the leaves.
You may also grow Begonia semperflorens under grow lights where the natural lighting is not sufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Occasionally turn the pot to ensure that the plant is getting light on all sides for uniform growth as well as prevent leggy growth.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for growing Wax Begonia is an average warmth within the range of 18-270C. Keep it away from cold drafts to prevent sudden drop in temperature which may result in stunted growth and leaf drop.
Wax Begonia prefers a humidity of 60-70% for optimum growth. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for indoor plants.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth. Do not mist the plant as wetting the leaves may lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Wax Begonia with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing period for lush growth.
To promote flowering, apply a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer weekly when buds begin to form. Do not feed the plant during the cold season as growth is reduced at this time, therefore, the plant does not need it.
Potting Soil
The best soil for Wax Begonia should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Wax Begonia at the beginning of the growing period only if the plant has become root-bound or is too large for the pot as the plant blooms more when pot-bound.
Use a pot one size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the plant.
Do not repot a flowering plant as the shock of repotting will cut short the flowering period. Check out these self watering planters with drainage hole on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Wax Begonia is easy. Remove the dead flowers, yellow and dead leaves to keep the plant neat and minimize pest and disease infestations.
Cutback the bare stems with a sharp, clean pair of pruning scissors at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth. You may use the foliage emanating from the pruning to propagate new plants to increase your stock.
Propagation
Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings or from seeds. The seeds can be germinated but they take months to grow.
The easiest way to propagate Wax Begonia is by rooting stem cuttings. We have herein below outlined, the propagation from stem cuttings.
How to propagate Wax Begonia from stem cuttings
Take a 3-4 inches stem cutting from a healthy Wax Begonia plant from low down the plant as cuttings from low down the plant root more easily.
Strip off the lower leaves and insert the cuttings in moist, free-draining potting mix and place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
Cover the set up with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect to hasten rooting.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Once rooting has taken place, gradually remove the clear plastic to acclimatize the new plant.
Allow the new Wax Begonia to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
Begonia semperflorens Problems and Solutions
Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens) growing problems include yellow leaves, pests, brown leaf tips, leaf drop, rotting, pests and diseasea among others. Continue reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
White powdery spots
White powdery spots in Wax Begonia is an indication of powdery mildew which is enhanced by over damp conditions, low temperatures and poor air circulation.
Isolate the affected plant, cut off diseased leaves and treat it appropriately. Avoid damp conditions and low temperatures and improve air circulation.
Brown blotches which turn grey and moldy
Brown blotches which turn grey and moldy in Wax Begonia is an indication of botrytis bisease which is promoted by overwet conditions coupled with poor ventilation.
Isolate the affected plant, cut off diseased parts and treat it appropriately. Avoid low light and over damp conditions and improve air circulation.
Plant collapse or death
There are three possible reasons for plant collapse or death in Wax Begonia. One possible reason for plant collapse is stem-rot disease which is promoted by soggy soil.
The second possible reason for plant collapse in Begonia semperflorens is nematodes which are characterized by swollen bumps on roots.
The third possible reason for plant collapse in Wax Begonia is vine weevil which is characterized by tunnels in the rhizomes.
Pests
Common pests in Wax Begonia are aphids and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Flower bud drop
There are two possible causes of flower bud drop in Wax Begonia. One possible cause of flower bud drop is dry air (too low humidity). To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Do not mist the leaves to avoid fungal diseases infestations.
The second possible cause of flower bud drop in Begonia semperflorens is underwatering. Maintain the soil moderately moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold season but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely.
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves in Wax Begonia are due to two reasons. One cause of yellow leaves is too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot as it grows best in bright light with some morning or late evening sunlight. You may instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient.
The second cause of yellow leaves in Wax Begonia is too little or too much water which may result in soggy soil. Maintain the soil moderately moist but not soggy in the growing season. Keep the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Leaf drop
There are three possible causes of leaf drop in Wax Begonia. One possible cause of leaf drop is too little light. Place the plant to a brighter spot where is will receive bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not sufficient.
The second possible cause of leaf drop in Begonia semperflorens is too much heat due to exposure to hot drafts. Maintain an average warmth of 18-270C. Keep the plant away from hot drafts like hot air vents, hot surfaces and others.
The third possible cause of leaf drop in Wax Begonia is too much water in the soil (soggy soil). Ensure the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
Brown leaf tips
Brown leaf tips in Wax Begonia are due to dry air which result in too low air humidity.
To increase the air humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier but do not mist the leaves to avoid fungal diseases infestations.
Pale rotting leaves
Pale rotting leaves in Wax Begonia are due to too wet soil (soggy soil) which is brought about by poor soil drainage. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the growing season. Cut down on during the cold period to keep the soil only slightly moist. Make sure that the soil is well-drained and that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
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