(Image credit @stinasplants IG)
Begonia Venosa is from the Begoniaceae family and is a thick shrub that was first discovered in Brazil according to the University of Florida. The leaves of Begonia Venosa are evergreen and succulent.
This stunning plant is meant to be kept as an indoor plant because of its gorgeous foliage and adorable flowers.
Begonia Venosa loves living under partial sunlight, but it can also survive under full sunlight. The soil must be kept moist to dry, depending on the atmosphere. If the temperature is high, then moist soil is the best option; if the temperature is low, then dry soil works well.
This plant does not live long in extremely cold areas. Thus places where winters are harsh, they should never be grown outdoor. For soil mix, try using an indoor potting mix, or you can use peat mix soil as well.
Begonia Venosa loves humidity, so do not shy away from misting it often. The leaves of these plants may drop if there is a sudden change in temperature, so do not worry about this; just make sure that it is not kept under extremely hot or cold temperatures.
This plant is very tolerant of dryness and does not require a lot of attention, so you could call this as one of the most indestructible Begonias around the world.
Table of Contents
Begonia Venosa Plant Care
Soil
The type of soil you use for your plant’s growth is extremely important. Most Begonias require moist soil, but Begonia Venosa will thrive even in dry soil.
However, always make sure your soil is well-drained, and no matter what, you do not overwater your plant.
The soil pH should be ranging from mildly acidic (6.1 to 6.5) to neutral (6.6 to 7.5). If you are growing this plant in a garden, then remember to use free-draining soil because if you use heavy clay soil, it can cause waterlogging and make the roots and stems rot.
If you plant these plants in a pot, then make sure that the soil is free-draining or use a general indoor potting mix.
Water
Begonia Venosa does not require a lot of water as their water needs are extremely low. This plant has fleshy stems and succulent leaves that are capable of holding in water for a long period of time so watering them consistently is not important.
Overwatering these plants can cause the leaves to turn brown and rot; thus, it is best to allow the soil to completely dry out before the next watering. Unlike other Begonias, it like more sunlight and less moisture.
Begonia Venosa also likes being watered from above, so do not shy away from watering the plant from above as it won’t cause any harm.
Light
Begonia Venosa enjoys being under the full sun during winter. While on a regular basis, the plant enjoys being in the full sunlight or partial shade.
The plant needs to be provided with good ventilation facilities in order to prevent it from getting fungal diseases and so that it can thrive under the shade of a tree as well.
Temperature
Begonia Venosa survives under several different temperatures as it can bloom throughout the year. When kept indoors, remember to keep the temperature above 60°F (15 degrees Celius). If the temperature is lower than 60°F (15 degrees Celcius), then the plant won’t survive and might die.
The maximum temperature Begonia Venosa can survive 90°F (32 degrees Celcius). If the temperature goes above that, then the leaves can start to drop, and the plant will end up losing a lot of moisture.
Humidity
Begonia Venosa loves humidity. As the leaves of this plant are succulent higher humidity levels, allow the leaves to stay filled with water.
When kept indoors, remember to check whether the humidity levels are between 60 to 80 percent in the morning as well as night.
If you want to keep the humidity levels high for this plant indoors, then try misting it often.
Fertilizer
The fertilization of Begonia Venosa varies when it comes to young plants and adult plants.
To fertilize young plants, you need to use a fertilizer that has extra phosphorus in it. Phosphorus encourages good growth of the roots. Whenever you purchase a fertilizer, check to see its phosphorus content, and fertilize the plant at least once during the first growing season.
To fertilize adult plants, you should find a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen as this promotes green leaves. As Begonia Venosa are grown mostly due to their stunning foliage, extra nitrogen will allow for the development of even more beautiful leaves.
Avoid using fertilizers on adult plants once they are into their late growing season.
Repotting
Begonia Venosa does not require to be repotted often. In fact, repotting the plant after two years is also fine.
The best way to know when to repot your plant into a larger or smaller pot is by observing the plant.
See whether it is has begun to wither or fall over and whether the roots are beginning to decay. If your plant shows these signs, it means that there is too much nutrient soil for the plant.
A large amount of nutrient soil can be damaging for the plant; thus, a smaller pot would be suitable for the plant.
If your plant starts to slow down in the growth or does not produce as many blossoms, then it indicates that the pot being used is too small for your plant.
If you notice that there is fertilizer being accumulated on top of the soil, then this shows that the plant should be repotted into the new soil. Repotting the plant into new soil will also help further rejuvenate the plant.
Pruning
Pruning requires a lot of attention. Your Venosa plant may not need your attention most days since it is tolerant of several things, but when it comes to pruning, the health of your plant is literally in your hands.
Practice pruning on plants that are already much older before you start pruning new plants because if you mess up, it can affect the health of your plant. When pruning, make use of the following tips:
- First, you will have to cut off the access stems.
- Use gardening scissors or shears.
- Cut these stems just below the nodes. Make sure that the cut is at least four inches long.
- Cut off any flowers that are dying.
- Cut off any leaves that are damaged.
Pruned stems can also be used during propagation, so you should try pruning your plant the same day as when you decide to propagate them.
Propagation
Propagation is important for plants and should be done when they are about to start their growing period again. To propagate your plant through stem cutting, follow these steps:
- Cut a piece of your plant. Make sure it is at least six inches long and not anywhere above twelve inches long. Try to pick a piece that has a lot of leaves on it.
- Remove all the flowers that are present on the stem.
- Cut the stem from the bottom just below where the leave meets the stem.
- Dip that end of the stem into a rooting hormone
- Now plant this stem into a pot that is filled with proper potting mix or even peat mix soil. Do not keep the soil too wet; keep it moist, as it can cause the incoming roots to rot.
- For this step, you will need a plastic bag. Wrap the whole pot with a plastic bag and tie it up. Make sure that the plastic bag is not touching the stem cutting.
- Keep the pot in a warm area where there is no direct sunlight and only indirect sunlight available.
- Check up on the plant every week or two and see whether the roots have developed or not.
- When you see the roots have developed, remove the plastic bag, and repot your plant or plant it into your garden.
The purpose behind the plastic bag was to create a greenhouse for the stem cutting. This way, your plant would grow in optimum conditions.
Blooms
Begonia Venosa has beautiful blooms that grow all year round. Seasons do not matter when it comes to Begonia Venosa because if this plant is provided with proper temperature and other living conditions, it will thrive in any season.
The flowers of Begonia Venosa are white in color, and they have a sweet fragrance. Their size is not large, but still, these flowers provide enough fragrance that can make the room smell fresh.
Growth
Begonia Venosa has a normal growth pattern. This plant can reach a high of sixteen to twenty-four inches and a width of twenty-four inches.
Most Begonias have a slow growth rate, but Begonia Venosa has a fast growth rate as it grows all year round.
Common Problems for Begonia Venosa
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a disease that is despised by all gardeners. This fungus appears at the top and bottom sides of leaves. Powdery mildew has a grey/white appearance.
Due to this fungus, your plant will eventually wither and die. Although Begonia Venosa loves being watered from above, excess of this can cause problems such as powdery mildew.
To avoid this fungus, try not to water your plant too often from above and water it from the sides. Watering your plant in the morning is the best choice as it will allow the water to evaporate off of the leaves.
If your plant gets affected by this fungus, cut off any leaves that have been affected with sharp gardening scissors or shears. Sprays can also be used to treat this disease.
Burn Marks
Low humidity is not something that is appreciated by Begonia Venosa. This is because Begonia Venosa ends up suffering from burn marks due to low humidity.
The edges of your leaf will start to turn dark brown and have crisp looking marks at the edge of the leaves.
If you wish to avoid this, then place your plant pot into a tray that has water and pebbles in it. Try to keep the level of the pot a little high up from the tray so that you do not end up causing the roots to rot.
Begonia Venosa also tends to get sunburnt. You can tell this by observing the plant as it will have yellow or brown marks on its leaves or part of its leaves once it gets sunburnt.
To fix this issue, you need to cut off the burnt leaves and throw them away. Then move the pot into a spot where they are not under direct sunlight to avoid any further burning of the plant.
Scale
Scales are another one of every gardener’s nightmare. These tend to be extremely hard to spot and irritating to get rid of.
The reason behind why it is hard to take care of these pests is because of their scale armor, which makes it very difficult to kill them as pesticide spray can’t go through this armor that well.
The easiest way to get rid of scales is by removing them by hand. This may be a bit difficult if you find pesticides hard to handle, but once you have gotten rid of them, be sure to spray pesticides on your plant.
You will need to continue observing your plant for a few weeks in order to see whether or not you have removed all the scales from it.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are a common problem with almost any plant. These insects tend to be irritating due to their constant appearance on any and every plant.
If you wish to check whether or not your plant has been infested with whiteflies, then just simply give you plant a good shake, and these insects will start swarming in the air.
They tend to be on the bottom area of the leaves, so it is hard to spot them at first, which is why by the time you usually notice something is wrong, they have already done the damage and filled their stomach with your plant nutrients.
This is why whiteflies cause your plant to become weak and more susceptible to other diseases. They also leave behind a sticky substance that attracts insects, and this sticky substance is similar to what aphids also leave behind once they have done their job.
Pythium Fungus Spores
Begonia Venosa is highly susceptible to Pythium fungus spores. This fungus will cause the stems of your plant to rot.
To avoid this fungus from invading your plant, make sure that you do not overwater your Begonia Venosa, as this fungus thrives in wet soil since they love being in the water. You should also avoid watering your plant from above unless you do this during the morning time.
Watering your plant in the morning will allow the excess water to dry up and reduce the chances of this fungus infecting your plant.
Tips for Growing Begonia Venosa
If you want to grow a successful plant, then try these tips:
- Keep your plant under indirect sunlight or partial shade.
- Do not overwater your plant. Begonia Venosa does not need a lot of water, so avoid watering them too often.
- Try peat mix soil.
- When pruning, make sure to never cut the leaves too close or too far from the node.
- Do not over-fertilize your plant.
- Repot your plant only when necessary.
- If you are growing your Begonia Venosa outdoors, then make sure to bring it indoors during winters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Begonia Venosa
Can I plant my Begonia Venosa in the ground?
Tuberous Begonias do better when planted on the ground. However, Begonia Venosa is shrubs and grow well indoors.
Is Begonia Venosa toxic?
Begonia Venosa can be extremely toxic to animals. It should also be kept away from babies and should not be ingested by anyone.
Is Begonia Venosa easy to care for?
Begonia Venosa is one of the easiest plants to take care of as they do not need a lot of water and fertilizer.
How often does Begonia Venosa bloom?
They bloom all year round.
How long will my Begonia Venosa live for?
Begonia Venosa only survives for a few years as the majority begonias only live up to 3 years.
Do Begonia Venosa like acidic soil?
Begonia Venosa likes mildly acidic soil so avoid using acidic soil as it is not good for them.
Can I plant my Begonia Venosa under the full sun?
Begonia Venosa thrives in partial shade; thus, avoid planting them under the full sun as it is not good for them.
Conclusion
Begonia Venosa is one of the easiest plants to take care of. However, this does not mean you should neglect them, as every plant needs at least some attention to survive.
These plants do not ask for much, which is why they can be extremely cheap to take care of as well. Their flowers provide a sweet fragrance, and the stunning leaves will brighten up any room.
If you are interested in Begonia, other Begonia to have a look at are Begonia Rex, Begonia Darthvaderiana, Begonia Listada.