Newbie questions on "decorative" begonia

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Hi all. I know exactly nothing about begonias, but I couldn't pass up this cute one at Easter time. The tag says it's a Rieger begonia. It was covered in flowers when I bought it. Since then, I've deadheaded the spent blooms but only a couple more have appeared at the end of the longest stems - so it just looks really leggy now. Should I pinch the stems way back too? I'd like to restore it to a bushy/mounded look with more flowers. How much sunlight should it get? (and should that be direct, or filtered?) I've had it sitting in a window where it gets indirect morning light, and afternoon sun. Lastly, I have a friend with the same variety of begonia as this one (hers is larger), but the leaves and some stems on hers are turning brown and wilting - would that be from overwatering? Any suggestions to help save it would be appreciated. Thanks!

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Comments (7)

hc mcdole
10 years ago
Typically these are bought as annuals but I know some folks can keep them going year after year. Your leggy bloom stalks indicate that it is not getting enough light and is reaching for all it can find. I would think it would want very bright light but no direct midday sun.

If your friend's plant has dry brown leaves then it would need more water. If they are brown and moist then too much water. Kind of hard to say without photos and more details.

Anyway to keep your plant alive year after year do a web search on that variety and how to keep it going (I think the proper name is Hiemalis but a synonym is Elatior or Rieger but I do like Rieger much better as this is what I usually see them sold as).
Woebegonia
10 years ago
Yes, Riegers can be saved and will bloom again all summer if the light is good and day length long. They don't mind being outdoors, either.
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GreenLarry
10 years ago
I'm not familiar with Riegers but they look good!
Woebegonia
10 years ago
I am growing both a Hiemalis and a Rieger, it is surprising how similar they look. Doing some background, both have B. socotrana (from the island of B. Socotra) in their background. What is interesting is that B. socotrana has been used so extensively in hybridizing begonias as it is a tuberous/bulbous begonia. In the late 19th century it reportedly was used in the creation of one of the original mallet canes.
hc mcdole
10 years ago
Interesting info Joan! Sign me up for some B. socotrana (if we can find it)

Socotra, a small island off Yemen (and controlled by Yemen) has some interesting plants - the Dragon's Blood Tree, huge Adenium (Desert Rose), and several other bizarre succulent plants. It is compared with the Galapagos Islands due to its harsh climate and isolation from the mainland it is closest to.
Woebegonia
10 years ago
I remember an interview published in The Begonian magazine years back ( the 80's?) with Leslie Woodriff, Calif. hybridizer and long time begonia grower. The writer reported he had a bulb of B. socotrana so large it was growing in an old-fashioned washtub.
hc mcdole
10 years ago
Would love to see a photo of that! I have seen Mike F's photos of boliviensis on line and in the Begonian that is probably over 12 inches across which is very impressive!