Care of the tuberous plant Begonia elatior or Reiger Begonia |
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The genus Begonia, family Begoniaceae, comprises 1,500 species and 10,000 cultivars of plants native to subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, America and Africa. Some species are: Begonia elatior, Begonia corallina, Begonia boliviensis, Begonia semperflorens, Begonia rex, Begonia x tuberhybrida, Begonia nelumbiifolia, Begonia grandis, Begonia heracleifolia. Common names: Reiger Begonia, Elatior Begonia. This species is native to Tropical Mexico. Scientific synonym: Begonia X hiemalis (hybrid from Germany). They are tuberous plants with green leaves and fleshy, hairy stems. The attractive flowers can be of different colors: yellow, red, pink, white, orange. They bloom from spring to late fall. They are used to form flower beds in gardens or grown in pots on terraces, balconies and patios. Begonia elatior can be grown in full sun or semi-shade exposure. The soil can be a commercial substrate for indoor plants. Transplant in early summer if necessary. Water abundantly during flowering (never overwater); reduce watering when flowers wilt. It's convenient to prune the tips of the branches 2 weeks after planting. Fertilize during flowering every 15 days with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants. They are delicate plants very prone to all kinds of diseases: powdery mildew (fungi), thrips, aphids and mites. They propagate easily by cuttings of tubers that have a bud. |
Images of the tuberous plant Begonia elatior or Reiger Begonia |
 Begonia elatior  Begonia elatior  Begonia elatior  Begonia elatior |