How to Grow Begonia Coccinea | Scarlet Begonia Care

Begonia coccinea is a rewarding plant to grow, adding charm and color to various settings while demanding moderate care. Here’s how to grow it.

Begonia coccinea, commonly known as the Scarlet Begonia or Wax Begonia, is a popular flowering plant appreciated for its vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Here’s detailed information about its characteristics, appearance, size, and presence in India.

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Begonia Coccinea Information

Begonia coccinea is known for its glossy, waxy leaves and striking clusters of flowers. The leaves are usually green, sometimes with a bronze or reddish tinge, and they have a waxy texture that adds to their ornamental value.

The flowers of Scarlet Begonia can be red, pink, or white, depending on the variety. The blooms are typically small but are produced abundantly, creating a beautiful display.

The size of Begonia coccinea can vary based on the growing conditions and care. Generally, it is a compact plant that grows to a height of about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) and has a similar spread.

Begonia coccinea is not native to India but is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and indoor spaces throughout the country. It is suitable for cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions, which makes it well-suited to India’s climate. Scarlet Begonia can be found in outdoor gardens and as a potted plant indoors, adding a splash of color to living spaces.

Note: While Begonia coccinea is a beautiful addition to gardens and indoor spaces, it’s essential to be cautious if you have pets, as some begonias can be toxic to animals when ingested.

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Common Name in Different Languages

1. Hindi: लाल बेगोनिया (Laal Begonia) or वैक्स बेगोनिया (Wax Begonia)
2. English: Scarlet Begonia or Wax Begonia
3. Bengali: লাল বেগোনিয়া (Laal Begonia)
4. Tamil: செம்மஞ்சள் பெகோனியா (Semmanjaḷ Pekōniyā)
5. Telugu: రక్త బెగోనియా (Rakta Begonia)
6. Kannada: ಕೆಂಪು ಬೆಗೋನಿಯ (Kempu Begonia)
7. Malayalam: ചെമ്മഞ്ഞില ബെഗോനിയ (Chemmanjila Begonia)

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How to Grow Begonia Coccinea?

 

Begonia coccinea can be propagated through various methods, including stem cuttings and division. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate them:

1. Stem Cuttings

• Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent Begonia coccinea plant. The stem should have a few leaves about 3 to 4 inches long.
• Make a clean cut just below a leaf node (where leaves attach to the stem) using clean scissors or pruning shears.
• Trim off the lower leaves, leaving some leaves intact at the top.
• If desired, you can dip the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone, which can encourage faster root development.
• Plant the cut end of the Begonia coccinea stem into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil lightly to settle it around the stem.
• Cover the pot with a plastic bag or wrap to maintain high humidity around the cutting. This helps prevent moisture loss and promotes rooting.
• Keep an eye on the cutting and ensure the soil remains lightly moist. Mist the cutting with water if necessary.
• After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the new plant into a slightly larger container or your garden.

2. Division

• Select a mature Begonia coccinea plant that has multiple stems and leaves.
• Carefully remove the plant from its pot, not damaging the roots.
• Gently divide the Begonia coccinea plant into smaller sections, ensuring each has roots and leaves.
• Plant each section in a separate pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil lightly.
• Place the pots in a location with bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture.

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Requirements to Grow Begonia Coccinea

Sunlight

Begonia Coccinea Care prefers bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some morning sunlight but should be protected from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves.

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can work well. Begonias prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.

Temperature

Begonia Coccinea thrives in warm temperatures. Maintain temperatures between 18-24°C during the day and avoid exposing them to temperatures below 10°C.

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Begonia Coccinea Care

Fertilizer

Feed your Begonia coccinea every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant period in fall and winter.

Pruning

Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages bushier growth. Remove spent flowers and any leggy growth. You can also pinch off the tips of stems to promote branching.

Pests and Diseases

Begonia Coccinea can be susceptible to indoor plant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Regularly inspect the leaves for any signs of pests and take appropriate action if detected.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, a fungal disease affecting roots. To prevent this, ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogged soil. Good air circulation also helps prevent fungal issues.