How to grow Wax Begonia at home

Wax begonias are popular summer-flowering plants that are commonly grown in containers, hanging baskets, and shade gardens.

These plants are easy to care for and provide your garden with beautiful blooms from early summer through fall. This article focuses on how to grow Wax Begonia at home.

Essentials

Soil composition and ph levels for Wax Begonia

Wax begonias grow best in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil mix for wax begonias contains two parts peat moss, two parts perlite, and one part potting soil or compost.

Begonias also benefit from the addition of a slow-release fertilizer. Wax begonias do not tolerate wet soils and should be watered only when the top inch of soil is dry.

The plants will also benefit from occasional misting to increase humidity. When grown indoors, wax begonias should be placed in a south- or east-facing window.

Watering Wax Begonia

Watering Wax Begonia can be tricky. They prefer to be kept moist, but not wet. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Water until it begins to drip out of the bottom of the pot.

Allow the plant to drain and never leave it sitting in water. Water more frequently in higher temperatures and less in cooler temperatures. Never let the plant go completely dry.

Dropping leaves is a sign of overwatering. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted by half. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter.

Bloom Booster can be used during the blooming season for bigger flowers.

Are there flowers in Wax Begonia?

Absolutely! The Wax Begonia is a flowering plant. The blossoms are usually pink, but can be white or red. They have a waxy appearance, hence the name “Wax Begonia.”

The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. However, if the temperature is too hot, the flowers may not bloom as well.

If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to plant your Wax Begonia in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

Does Wax Begonia produce fruits?

No, Wax Begonia does not produce fruits.

The flowers of the Wax Begonia are long-lasting and most often seen in shades of pink, red, or white. The leaves are large and glossy, and the plant itself is relatively low-maintenance.

Though the plant does not produce fruit, the Wax Begonia still is a popular choice for gardens and indoor spaces alike.

Propagation of Wax Begonia

Propagation of Wax Begonia can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, propagation by stem cuttings is possible and this is probably the most common method.

It is relatively easy to do and does not require any special equipment. Simply take a healthy cutting from a wax begonia plant, remove the bottom leaves and stick the cutting into a pot filled with moist potting mix. Keep the pot in a warm, humid place and within a few weeks, the cutting should have rooted and begun to grow.

Propagation by division is another option and this is best done in spring or autumn. Carefully dig up the wax begonia plant and divide it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a good amount of roots.

Replant the sections in individual pots filled with moist potting mix and keep them in a warm, humid place until they have settled in and begun to grow.

Finally, propagation by seed is also an option but it is generally more difficult and takes longer to achieve results. Sow seeds on the surface of a pot filled with moist seed-raising mix and keep the pot in a warm, humid place until germination occurs.

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain and transplant them into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.

Pests and diseases in Wax Begonia

Pests and diseases are common problems in Wax Begonia. Some of the most common problems include aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and thrips.

These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves or stems, which can lead to the yellowing or wilting of the leaves. In extreme cases, these pests can also cause the plant to die. To control these pests, it is important to regularly inspect your Wax Begonia for signs of damage and infestation.

If you see any pests on the plant, carefully remove them with a cotton swab or other soft brush. You can also use a Pest Control product to prevent or control pests and diseases in Wax Begonia.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

Irritation to pets from Wax Begonia

Irritation to pets from Wax Begonia may include drooling, pawing at the mouth, and vomiting. More serious reactions may result in difficulty breathing, lethargy, and collapse.

If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Varieties of Wax Begonia

There are several types of wax begonias, each with its own unique features. The most common include:
🌺 Semperflorens begonias, also known as wax or Fibrous-rooted begonias, are the most popular type. They are characterized by their fibrous roots, thick leaves, and relatively small flowers.
🌺 Rex begonias have showy, colorful leaves and relatively small flowers. They are one of the most popular houseplants and are often grown as annuals.
🌺 Tree begonias are a type of Rex begonia that has a woody stem and can grow up to 3 feet tall. They are characterized by their large, showy leaves and relatively small flowers.

Wax begonias are easy to care for and make an excellent addition to any garden.

Growing Wax Begonia in containers and pots

Growing Wax Begonia in containers and pots can be an easy and rewarding experience. These plants are relatively low maintenance, and they will provide you with a profusion of beautiful blooms all summer long.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:
🌺 Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread out and grow.
🌺 Use a well-draining potting mix. Wax begonias do not like to sit in wet soil, so make sure that your pot has good drainage holes.
🌺 Water on a regular basis, but do not allow the soil to become overly saturated.
🌺 Place your begonia in a spot that receives indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves.

Caring for Wax Begonia

Wax begonias are easy to care for and make excellent houseplants. Here are some tips for keeping your wax begonia healthy and happy:

🌺 Give them bright, indirect light. Wax begonias will tolerate some direct sun, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
🌺- Keep the soil evenly moist. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between watering.
🌺 Feed them regularly. Every two weeks, fertilize with a half-strength fertilizer solution.
🌺 Pinch back the stems to encourage full growth. This will also help to prevent the plant from getting leggy.

Companion plants for Wax Begonia

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different types of plants next to each other in order to improve their growth.

Companion plants can provide nutrients, shade, support, or even pest control for each other. When choosing companion plants for begonias, it is important to consider the needs of the begonia.

For example, begonias prefer soil that is high in organic matter and well-drained. They also need partial shade and protection from strong winds. With this in mind, some good companion plants for begonias include impatiens, ferns, and Hostas.

Impatiens provide shade and help to retain moisture in the soil. Ferns also like shady conditions and help to keep the soil moist. Hostas are a good ground cover plant and can help protect begonias from wind damage.

By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a garden that is beautiful and thriving.

Planting and spacing of Wax Begonia plants

Planting and spacing for Wax Begonia:
🌺 Plant in partial to full shade.
🌺 Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
🌺 Plant in moist, well-drained soil.
🌺 Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and twice per season after that.
🌺 Pinch stems back regularly to encourage bushiness.

Best planting time for Wax Begonia

The best planting time for Wax Begonia is in the springtime. This is because the plant grows best in cooler temperatures and needs a period of dormancy in order to bloom.

The plant can be started from seed, but it is easier to purchase starter plants from a nursery. Once the plants are brought home, they should be transplanted into pots or raised beds filled with loose, well-draining soil.

The plants should be spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth. When watering, it is important to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause them to rot. Instead, water the soil around the base of the plant.

Benefits of Wax Begonia

Wax begonias are popular summer-flowering plants that are commonly used in containers, hanging baskets, and shade gardens.

These plants are relatively easy to care for and will provide your garden with beautiful blooms from early summer through fall.

Here are some of the benefits of Wax Begonia:

🌺Wax begonias are heat tolerant and can withstand temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
🌺They thrive in shady areas and will still produce vibrant blooms even if they do not receive direct sunlight.
🌺Wax begonias are low-maintenance plants that do not require a lot of attention or care.
🌺These plants are also relatively drought tolerant and can go without water for long periods of time without suffering any damage.

If you are looking for a plant that is easy to care for and will add color to your garden, then Wax Begonia is the perfect choice for you.

How long does Wax Begonia take to grow?

Wax begonias are annuals and will not overwinter in most climates. They typically grow to about 12 inches in height and width. They can be started from seed, but it is easier to purchase a young plant.

They prefer partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage compact growth. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. However, they can be brought indoors as houseplants and will bloom throughout the winter.

How to care for Wax Begonia indoors?

🌺Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between watering.
🌺Fertilize begonias every other week with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer.
🌺Place begonias in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. If leaves begin to turn yellow, this is a sign that the plant is getting too much light.
🌺Begonias do not like sudden changes in temperature, so try to keep the room they are in as close to 70 degrees Fahrenheit as possible.
🌺Humidity is important for begonias, so regular misting or setting the plant on a pebble tray will help to keep it happy.
🌺Wax begonias are susceptible to fungal diseases, particularly if they are overwatered.

If you see any signs of disease, such as spots or mildew on the leaves, immediately remove affected leaves and increase air circulation around the plant.

How tall does Wax Begonia grow?

Wax begonia grows to a height of 8-10 inches and a width of 12-14 inches. The plant has a dense, compact growth habit and produces small, white flowers. Wax begonia is a popular houseplant and is relatively easy to care for.

It does best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers filtered sunlight. Wax begonia is susceptible to root rot, so it is important to not over-water the plant.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that will add interest to your home, the wax begonia is a good choice.

Are Wax Begonias perennial?

The answer is yes. Wax begonias are usually grown as an annual, but in warm climates, they can overwinter and become perennial plants.

Perennial begonias typically bloom from late spring to early summer and then again in late summer or fall. If you live in a climate with cool winters, you can grow wax begonias as houseplants. With proper care, they will bloom throughout the year.

Can you grow Wax Begonia from leaves?

Growing Wax Begonia from leaves is possible and is done by a process called vegetative propagation. This can be done by taking a leaf with a petiole attached and placing it in moist soil or water.

The roots will form where the leaf was cut from the stem. Choose a healthy leaf from a non-flowering plant to increase the chances of success. Cut the leaf into sections if necessary, and make sure that each section has at least one petiole.

Place the leaves in a pot or tray filled with moistened potting mix, and keep them out of direct sunlight. The leaves should begin to sprout roots within a few weeks.

Once they have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Wax Begonia
Water	Well drained to moist soil throughout growth and bloom season.
Soil ph	5.5-6.5
Sunlight hours	Full sun so long as the plants stay moist and healthy in hot conditions.
Pests and Diseases	Nematodes, mealy bug, root knot nematodes, soft rot, leaf spot and baterial wilt.
Temperature	25-30 deg C (68 deg F and 95 deg F)
Soil composition	Requires air-permeable, fertile, well-drained, a small amount of sandy loam soil.