Begonia hiemalis - Rieger Begonia
Begonia hiemalis - Rieger Begonia
Rieger begonia blooms for a long period of time. The plant is best grown in an east window. Copper colored foliage indicates the plant is receiving too much light. Allow the soil to dry only slightly between waterings and prevent foliage diseases by keeping water off the foliage. Various fertilizers may be used at recommended rates. Ideal temperatures are 65 to 70 degrees during the day and 60 to 65 degrees at night. Keep the temperature above 40 degrees. After flowering for several months the plant may perform poorly. If so, restart it by cutting back to within 3 inches of the crown. Flowering occurs 3 weeks after exposure to short days. Over fertilization gives blue green foliage curled at the ends. If the soil mix has adequate drainage, flushing may wash out excess fertilizer.
Propagation is by seed or cuttings.
