Begonia Fuchsioides belongs to the Begoniaceae family, a gorgeous perennial plant that everyone favors because of its red-colored flowers.
The flowers may vary in colors from light pink to whitish-pink, and their foliage is small, shiny, and mid-green. Begonia Fuchsioides make fascinating houseplants; their flowers are enduring and drooping.
Begonia Fuchsioides can be grown indoors as well as in the garden. Begonia Fuchsioides requires well-moist and light soil, but it must be well-drained. While it loves filtered sunlight in the summer, it loves some direct sunlight in winter. Begonia Fuchsioides prefers humidity and moisture, which is why consistent watering is a must for them.
Begonia Fuchsioides are not touchy plants when it comes to growing them. These are grown as houseplants because of their attractiveness. The variation in places ranges from landscape gardens, pots, containers, or in a shade house.
Begonia Fuchsioides are native to Mexico; its living conditions are quite harsh, so extreme attention should be given to the plant. If Begonia Fuchsioides needs to be long-lasting, it is better to keep it indoors in winters to keep it safe from frost. Otherwise, a sudden drop in the temperature would cost Begonia Fuchsioides its flowers and leaves.
Table of Contents
Begonia Fuchsioides Care
Begonia Fuchsioides Plant Care
Soil
Begonia Fuchsioides grows in two compositions of soil:
- Peat-composed soil consists of peat mixed with fertilizers, soil, silt, perlite, wetting agent, and lime.
- Loam-composed soil is made of three equal parts of different types of soil, which would be sand, silt, and clay soil. This mixture provides good soil for the growth of the flowers.
Begonia Fuchsioides soil should be well-drained and ideally moist but not soggy. The soil pH variates from being slightly acidic, neutral to somewhat alkaline (6-7).
Water
Begonia Fuchsioides soil should be moist, so providing water is a must. Young Begonia Fuchsioides needs to be watered one time each week as they are prone to wither. Water Begonia Fuchsioides until the soil feels completely moist but do not over-water it.
It is better to water it regularly and, at the same time, make sure you add plenty of water, especially in summer.
Light
Begonia Fuchsioides loves to be in partial shade or filtered light conditions. Begonia Fuchsioides as a houseplant is to be placed at south-facing, east-facing, or west-facing windows. I prefer to put Begonia Fuchsioides in indirect light that remains constant throughout the day.
Begonia Fuchsioides cannot withstand direct sunlight outdoors and should be grown only in areas that have no danger of frost. Otherwise, there are chances of having the plant to wilt.
Temperature
Begonia Fuchsioides grow wonderfully during early spring when the temperature remains above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degree Celsius); ranging from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit ( 15 degrees Celsius -23 degree Celsius).
Begonia Fuchsioides grow better in warmer temperatures, but we should be cautious not to keep it in a scorching environment. Likewise, Begonia Fuchsioides cannot blossom under 32 Degrees Fahrenheit (0 Degrees Celsius); therefore, it requires protection from cold weather.
Humidity
Begonia Fuchsioides are humidity loving plants. Begonia Fuchsioides needs to be watered regularly so that the moisture and humidity are maintained well. The ideal humidity level should be 60%-80% for the perfect growth of Begonia Fuchsioides without any complications.
Outdoor Begonia Fuchsioides is easily manageable as the humidity level is high in summers. It’s best to bring it inside the house in winters where the humidity can be controlled using a humidifier.
Fertilizer
Begonia Fuchsioides can be fertilized with the help of:
- Water-soluble, quick release fertilizers
- Temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers
- Organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion
Fertilizers should have balanced nutrients with a ratio of 10:10:10. The major nutrients, phosphorous, and potassium, and sometimes additional micro-nutrients are essential. Moreover, dilute 1 part of the fertilizer with 3 parts of water for the young Begonia to grow healthy and lavish green. Providing fertilizer in the right amount is critical.
I prefer to stop feeding the fertilizers in October as it is the start of winters and then resume in spring so that Begonia Fuchsioides do not have to face the consequences of overfertilization. That is because Begonia doesn’t grow under the temperature of 58 Degrees Fahrenheit (14 Degrees Celsius).
Repotting
There is no hurry to repot Begonia Fuchsioides, considering it does not pose any problems. Begonia Fuchsioides would only be repotted when it becomes root-bound. But before doing it, make sure the container you are shifting should be no more than 1 inch greater in diameter.
When Begonia Fuchsioides is to be repotted, make sure the soil is moist. The room temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). Make sure you do not pack the soil tightly. The roots should get some air and get used to the surroundings.
Pruning
Begonia Fuchsioides are great plants that don’t need pruning because they are already beautiful. But if pruning needs to be done, tweak the tips of Begonia Fuchsioides and neaten the outer stems during the growth stage to help the plant grow bushier.
Sometimes, pruning would also be done if there are signs of disease or infection; it’s better to cut off those parts to prevent the spread to other leaves or flowers of Begonia Fuchsioides.
Propagation
Begonia Fuchsioides can be propagated in several ways, including the propagation of seeds, stem, leaf, and stem tip cuttings. But the most highlighted propagation method is:
Soft-wood Cutting
- I would cut a branch, which would be 1 inch below the second leaf node. The cutting should be 4-6 inches(5-10 cm) long.
- The cuttings should remain cool and moist as they all are collected. I would keep them in a plastic basin and cover them with damp paper towels to keep them fresh.
- I would remove the leaf to expose the wound so that the rooting hormone can quickly enter into the wound.
- Then I would cover the wounds with the rooting hormone to boost the root-producing ability and prevent the Begonia Fuchsioides from rot.
- I would make a hole for the cutting in a container, which would consist of cutting compost using a dibber, then insert the base of the cutting with the pair of leaves above the compost.
- Water the Begonia Fuchsioides from the above so that the compost is settled.
- I would cover the pots with a plastic bag or sheet to remain moist for the roots to develop and remove the plastic sheet for a maximum of 10 minutes twice a week for air ventilation.
- Make sure the compost is moist so that the cutting is deeply embedded in the soil, and it starts rooting, which would take 2-3 weeks.
- Once it has been rooted, harden the cutting for two weeks, separate them, and pot them in individual pots.
- I would cover them with fleece to get enough bright light and allow the soft leaves to be robust—water-proof cuticles to survive in a low-temperature environment.
Seeds
Considering Begonia Fuchsioides, seeds are quite difficult to germinate and grow. I prefer to use seedling trays or flats to develop them; Begonia Fuchsioides are prone to fungal diseases.
- Fill the tray with a sterile potting mixture.
- Then spread the seeds onto the mixture and press them into the soil with the fingertip.
- Try to prevent from covering them and distribute them evenly. Water them with the help of a mister rather than a hose nozzle.
- I would cover the tray with a plastic sheet and put them under the grow lights for about 14-18 hours per day and 2-3 inches above the tray.
- Place heat mats under the tray for germination of the seeds. It may take weeks or even months until the results are shown.
- Don’t let the seeds dry; keep on misting them or spraying them with water bottles.
- When the seeds start to germinate, remove the plastic bags, and increase the space between the lights and the trays.
Leaf-cutting
- I would first cut a young, healthy leaf from the base and would cut off the stalk.
- I would make slashes on the leaf’s underside and press it against the firm, moist compost.
- Then I would cover it with a plastic bag to provide humidity and moisture to encourage the vein’s damaged part.
- Ensure to provide water daily if needed and indirect sunlight to Begonia Fuchsioides
- The result would be seen in the form of the growth of several plants on one leaf.
Blooms
Begonia Fuchsioides are famous for their blooms throughout the year; they are not restricted to one season. The blossoms vary from cherry-red to rose pink and even red-purple. The flowers open their curtain to show their magnificence in winters.
The blooms are about 1.2 inches (3cm) across while their foliage has a thin stem that grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. The leaves are oval-shaped to sickle-shaped and measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The blooms are also famous for attracting butterflies, bees as well as hummingbirds.
Growth
With the proper fertilizers, temperature, and sunlight, they would grow till the height of 3 feet (91cm) in size, while it reaches 2 feet in width (61cm).
Begonia Fuchsioides can’t tolerate standing water as they are prone to infections. Begonia Fuchsioides tend to show their full, healthy growth in summers right after the spring frost.
Common Problems for Begonia Fuchsioides
Thrips
Thrips are small black insects about less than 1/25 inch in size and have two pairs of wings. Thrips cause damage in groups, and their target mostly is plant juices, flowers, fruits, and stems.
Thrips can be controlled by removing the weeds from the infected area and screen windows to keep them away. Use the help of yellow sticky cards to keep them in check. The use of predators like mites is effective or provide a good shower of water to remove them.
Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and fats are also effective against their population. If the plant is to be imported into the garden, cut the infected parts, and discard them to spread to the whole plant.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are also soft-bodied insects that are closely related to aphids and mealybugs. Whiteflies are about the size of 1/12 inch small, and they are found in clusters under the leaf. They can be easily seen with the naked eye.
Like aphids, they have piercing mouthparts to suck the plant juices and produce a sticky substance called honeydew, resulting in sooty mold. The sooty mold would accumulate and invade the leaves, preventing them from carrying out photosynthesis. Leaves would wither and rot away.
To control whiteflies, start by spraying with a water spray or a shower to prevent them from laying eggs. Use the help of reflective mulch (aluminum foil) under the leaf to trap them and use the yellow sticky cards. Apply pesticides and encourage the use of predatory enemies such as parasite wasps.
Rhizactonia and Stem Rot
Rhizactonia is referred to as fungus, which enters the plant through their roots or their stems in the soil. To control it, don’t over-water it, and if the fungus increases, then stop watering it for a while.
If it’s too late and the leaves have already wilted, cut the leaves or the infected parts. If Begonia Fuchsioides is present in the containers, remove the soil and then wash the pot with 1 part of bleach with 9 part water solutions.
Fungicide could be used as well. Use the fungicide according to the instructions labeled on them.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease caused by many fungal species. Their favorable conditions are humid environments, which helps them spread on the whole plant. There is the white or grey growth on the leaves’ inner side, which would make them curl up and even make the flower buds useless.
They are quite fond of young plants as they are easy targets but do not take over adult plants. To prevent it, place the plants in direct sunlight, remove the infected leaves and stems from the plant. Use organic compost to cover the soil to prevent the powdery mildew from reaching their roots.
Another home remedy is to use milk sprays, which would be very useful. Wash the plant with a minimum amount of water to remove the powdery mildew. Neem oil and slow fertilizers are some other options.
Leaf Spots
Bacteria and fungus usually cause leaf spots. The infected plant has brown spotting on the surfaces. They are in the shape of a circular or oval. The spots are increased under wet conditions, and they cause havoc.
They can be controlled by the use of organic compost covering the soil before planting the plant. Prune out the infected plants again to be safe from diseases.
Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs are known as mollusks, which have soft bodies and thrive in a cool and humid environment. They feed on the decayed matter that ranges from stem to roots and flowers.
Their presence could be seen by the mucus secreted by their bodies on the leaves’ surface, and they feed and leave holes on the foliage and stems. Since the plant needs support to be grown, try to keep them away from any object they can use to climb onto the leaves.
Tips for Growing Begonia Fuchsioides
- Begonia Fuchsioides must be fed with liquid fertilizers every two weeks for their continuous blooms.
- Begonia Fuchsioides love moist soil, so providing them water is essential.
- This plant is happy in indirect sunlight and enjoys a lot of humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Begonia Fuchsioides
Does Begonia Fuchsioides come back every year?
Begonia Fuchsioides are fragile perennials, so they are treated as annuals.
Do Begonia Fuchsioides like the full sun or the shade?
Begonia Fuchsioides will grow best in the dabbled sun. It will survive in shady areas, but it’s better to provide a few sunlight hours, especially in winter. In summer, filtered light should be given.
Should I mist Begonia Fuchsioides?
Begonia Fuchsioides love humidity, but misting would cause problems. Begonia Fuchsioides are vulnerable to powdery mildew, so it is best not to mist them every day.
What month does Begonia Fuchsioides flower?
Begonia Fuchsioides flowers annually; there is no specific season to when it blooms. The flower color contrasts from white, pink to red.
How long does Begonia Fuchsioides live?
The maximum time for Begonia Fuchsioides is 2-3 years. They don’t have a long life span, even when provided with reasonable care.
Conclusion
Begonias are exotic plants that show off their charm when their blooms open up. Begonia Fuchsioides, just like its family, has no limitation to its flowers and would annually welcome us with its magnificent velvet blooms.
Begonia Fuchsioides, as a house plant, would make our homes filled with wonders and freshen up the atmosphere with its graceful leaves and flowers. Even when kept in the garden, it would stand out the most compared to other plants making it worthy of giving the best care and attention.