Plant Care
- Light Place a Strawberry Begonia in bright indirect light. ...
- Water If the top 2”- 3” of soil in the Strawberry Begonia Plant are still moist, do not water. ...
- Fertilizer Fertilize a Strawberry begonia Plant monthly during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing with a balanced indoor plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. ...
- Temperature ...
- Humidity ...
- Flowering ...
- Pests ...
- Diseases ...
How to propagate strawberry begonia?
- Pick out the healthiest runners to propagate.
- While leaving them attached to the mother plant, place the plantlets into small containers with moist soil. ...
- After about 3 to 4 weeks, the plantlets will begin to root.
- Once this happens, you can cut the runners connecting the plantlets to the mother plant. ...
How to care Begonias in a pot outdoors easily?
- Place begonias where they get early morning or late afternoon sun to ensure that you get the best bloom. ...
- Avoid sitting begonias in containers on hot surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
- Start tuberous begonias inside 3 months before your last frost in the spring for best blooming results. See notes on how to start them.
How to grow strawberry begonia?
- Keep the plant in the bathroom. Bathrooms are the most humid areas in the home The challenge here is that if there’s enough light to keep your strawberry begonia happy.
- Group it with other plants. This works because plants transpire like you and I perspire. ...
- Water tray. ...
- This is the best way if you need to increase humidity by a bigger amount. ...
How to take care of a Rieger Begonia?
Rieger Begonia Plant Care and Growth
- Growing Rieger Begonias from Seed. To start growing Begonia, sow the seeds in the potting mix on a shallow seed tray. ...
- Rieger Begonias during Blooming Season. Rieger begonias prefer dark and cold spaces that will have shorter days and longer nights. ...
- After-care and Propagation when Rieger Begonias Stop Blooming. ...
How much light does a strawberry begonia need?
indirect lightStrawberry begonia prefers bright, indirect light. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. Just make sure there's a sheer curtain to block any direct rays from the sun. This charming plant does not do well in the sunshine.
Are strawberry begonias hard to take care of?
Strawberry begonia plants are very easy to grow and care for, making them rewarding for amateur houseplant parents. They dislike too much humidity and warmth, which can encourage fungal problems, and are susceptible to root rot if they are watered too heavily.
How long does a strawberry begonia live?
three yearsGrowing strawberry begonias usually complete their lifespan in three years, but are easily replaced from the numerous runners sent out by the plant.
Why is my strawberry begonia dying?
The strawberry begonia is very susceptible to root rot and fungal problems. It is pertinent not to overwater or allow this plant to sit in too hot of temperatures or too high of humidity. Ensure that your plant has adequate drainage and is not sitting in standing water in the plant's drainage tray.
Should I mist my strawberry begonia?
The hairy leaves of the strawberry begonia should not get wet, for moisture encourages the growth of fungi. They may also be subject to aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. Spray them with insecticidal soap as soon as they are seen infesting the plant. Judicious watering will prevent root rot.
How long do potted begonias last?
2 to 3 yearsNo begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care.
How do you prune strawberry begonias?
1:013:38And follow that back to the base of the strawberry plant. And cut as close to the base of the plantMoreAnd follow that back to the base of the strawberry plant. And cut as close to the base of the plant as possible. So as you can see we have another one here as well as some weeds.
How big do strawberry begonias get?
Grows up to 6-18 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm). Best in part shade to full shade in humus-rich, well-drained soils.
Do begonias come back year after year?
This results in at least four months of blooms a year and if looked after properly, they will come back year after year so one purchase will give years of enjoyment in your garden. Begonias are extremely versatile and can be used in different ways.
Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?
Miracle-Gro is a great fertilizer to use on begonias. The brand also has several different formulas that you can use for these plants. It can be applied to both young and older plants.
Should I cut dying leaves off my begonia?
Cut or pinch off any dead leaves or stems as they occur to maintain the appearance of the begonias. Cut back to just above a healthy leaf set to conceal the cut or cut the stem back to the parent stem if an entire branch is dead.
Should I cut off dead begonia leaves?
Begonias that grow from rhizomes retain their foliage all year long and can be moved indoors as houseplants during the colder months. Deadhead regularly to keep your plant looking neat and to prevent the chance of rotting flowers from attracting disease.
Why are begonias so difficult?
Let's cut to the chase, begonias can be difficult plants to grow as houseplants, too often the leaves start crisping and no matter what you do, you can't stop it until the plant dies. Sometimes you end up overwatering exacerbating the problem by causing root rot leading to less water uptake.
Are strawberry begonias Hardy?
The plants are hardy in zones 6 to 9 (as I found out to my delight in my zone 7b garden this year!) Light – bright light to filtered light but do not like direct sunlight for many hours. Watering – evenly moist in well drained soil, which has been amended with organic matter.
Are begonias high maintenance?
Although not difficult to grow, begonias are considered high maintenance by some gardeners, especially when it comes to their water needs.
Are begonias low maintenance?
Begonias are also popular because they're so low maintenance. In warm climates, they may bloom year-round. Pruning is done in the spring in this climate. In cooler climates, they can be brought indoors and treated like houseplants during the winter.
What Does Your Strawberry Begonia Require?
Strawberry Begonia plants tend to thrive in bright indirect sun light. These plants need to be kept out of direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves and cause holes.
What is a begonia plant?
The Strawberry Begonia belongs to the Saxifrage family and are well known for their decorative leaves. These plants have fuzzy green-blue leaves. During the spring months and early summer, Strawberry Begonia will develop small flowers that are white in color. Strawberry Begonia plant does not require much space, ...
How to propagate strawberry begonia?
Strawberry begonia plants are best propagated through plant division. The easiest method of propagation for these plants is to plant the tiny baby plantlets that grow at the end of the runners.
How to remove begonias from the garden?
When the buds and flowers of the strawberry begonias turn brown and die off, then remove them. This removal can be done using fingers, scissors or pruning shears. This process will help the plant to reserve energy and focus on developing flowers and fresh growth.
How to get rid of yellow leaves on strawberry begonia?
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellow plants that develop on your strawberry begonia as soon as they appear. Dead leaves left on the plant can weaken the plant. A couple of weeks after planting, pinch off the new growth using thumb and finger. Remove the ends from the small stems which branch onto the main stem.
Why do strawberries have bacterial diseases?
The main cause of these problems is water collecting on the leaves of the plant, therefore always water the pant from the bottom.
When do begonias bloom?
To encourage your Strawberry Begonia to bloom during the spring months, water the plant during the winter months whilst ensuring that the leaves do not get wet. When Strawberry Begonia plants bloom, they will produce white flowers, which usually happens during the spring months.
How to get strawberry begonias to bloom in spring?
Promote spring flowering by letting strawberry begonia plants rest for a few weeks in winter in a cool place. Withhold fertilizer and limit watering during this time to be rewarded with sprays of small white flowers in spring when regular care is started again.
What is the name of the plant that has a heart shape?
Strawberry Begonia Houseplant. Little room is necessary for growing strawberry begonias. This tough little plant sends out runners similar to a strawberry plant, hence the common name. Strawberry begonia plants may have solid green foliage or variegated leaves edged with cream colors. The leaves have a heart shape.
How hot does a strawberry begonia grow?
This plant likes cool temperatures: 50 to 75 F. (10-24 C.). Often you’ll find strawberry begonia plants growing as an outdoor ground cover, where it is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10.
Is strawberry begonia the same as strawberry geranium?
You may have heard of the strawberry begonia houseplant and wonder, are strawberry begonia and strawberry geranium the same? Info about the strawberry begonia plant indicates they are. As with most plants, several common names are given to this member of the Saxifrage family. Though commonly called a strawberry begonia or geranium, this plant is not a geranium nor is it a begonia, although it resembles them both.
Is a strawberry begonia a good indoor plant?
Image by gyro. Strawberry begonia plants are a good choice for the indoor gardener who wants a compact and rapidly growing houseplant. Saxifraga stolonifera, also called roving sailor or strawberry geranium, grows and changes quickly in an indoor atmosphere. Strawberry begonia care isn’t complicated and growing them is just as easy.
What is the botanical name for strawberry begonia?
The botanical name of the strawberry begonia is Saxifraga stolonifera. The most common appearance of the Saxifraga stolonifera is light green leaves with silver veins. The Tricolor variety of the Saxifraga stolonifera is smaller and harder to cultivate. Mature strawberry begonia plants form long runners with leaf clusters on the end.
How to propagate strawberry begonia?
You can also use strawberry begonia offsets. All you need to do is take an offset or a cutting and gently push them into a pot of fresh soil. If the mother plant pot is large enough, you can also keep the plant in the same pot until the roots develop.
How to grow strawberry begonias in a pot?
All you need to do is take an offset or a cutting and gently push them into a pot of fresh soil. If the mother plant pot is large enough, you can also keep the plant in the same pot until the roots develop. After a few weeks, the root system of the new strawberry begonia plant will begin to develop.
How to identify Saxifraga stolonifera?
It is easy to identify this variety by the red runners and light green leaves that have silver veins. There is another common variety that is a bit smaller but just as stunning.
What is a strawberry begonia?
Strawberry begonia plants are well known and cherished for their variegated leaves. The majority will have green leaves with cream edges though some may be multi-colored. This sweetheart plant has heart-shaped leaves and red runners that further contribute to the fruitful name.
Is a strawberry begonia easy to grow?
The strawberry begonia is an easy plant to grow and care for. It has an attractive base of red leaves that are just a bit hairy. Although they are not really begonias, they are just beautiful. Creating new strawberry begonia plants is also very easy.
Can strawberry begonia be propagated?
The strawberry begonia can be propagated with offsets or cuttings.
Strawberry Begonia: The Basics
Despite its name, Strawberry Begonia ( Saxifraga stolonifera) isn’t a true Begonia plant or a true Strawberry plant. Strawberry Begonia is in a completely different plant family than either of its namesake plants. Instead, these flowering herbaceous plants get their name due to their appearance, including fuzzy leaves and runners.
Buying Strawberry Begonia Plants
You can purchase Strawberry Begonias at any garden or home store along with online plant stores!
Strawberry Begonia Plant Care Guide
Strawberry Begonias are extremely easy to care for, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. In addition, the care for Strawberry Begonias is very similar to Swedish Ivy .
Repotting Strawberry Begonia
Because Strawberry Begonias grow so quickly, you can repot your plant every year in the spring.
Propagating Strawberry Begonia
You can easily propagate Strawberry Begonias with offsets, also known as runners. To propagate your plant:
Common Pests Affecting Strawberry Begonia Houseplants
The most common pests affecting Strawberry Begonias are aphids and whiteflies. These pests attack the plant by sucking the sap from its leaves. In addition, these pests hide underneath the leaves, so they’re hard to see unless you look for them. Another way to tell if you have an infestation is the condition of your plant’s leaves.
Common Diseases Affecting Strawberry Begonia
The most common disease affecting Strawberry Begonias is root rot. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering your plant. In addition, you can add more perlite or sand to the soil to promote adequate drainage.
How to propagate strawberry begonia?
If the grower wants to propagate the plantlets, they can either tuck them into the soil shared by the mother plant or tuck them into soil in their own small pots. After a few weeks, the plantlets will root out. Then, the grower can cut the runner, and let them develop on their own and give them as gifts to loved ones. They are clones of the mother plant.
How to tell if a strawberry begonia needs to be repotted?
They can also slide the plant a bit out of the old pot. If there are more roots than soil, then the plant needs to be repotted. The rule of thumb is to transplant into a pot that is the next size larger than the old one, no matter how quickly the plant has grown. This is because if the plant is put in a pot that is considerably larger than its old one, it will use its energy to grow its roots instead of growing its leaves and flowers.
How does a strawberry begonia reproduce?
It does have leaves that resemble the begonia’s and like the strawberry, reproduces itself by putting out runners that grow baby plants at their ends. The strawberry begonia has hairy, 4 inch wide leaves that are dark green and silver-veined on top and red beneath. In warmer climates, the strawberry begonia is grown outside as a ground cover.
What is the botanical name for strawberry begonia?
Botanical Name. Strawberry begonia’s botanical name is Saxifraga stolonifera. The genus name is derived from saxum, the Latin word for rock and frangere, which means to break. This is because in its native lands strawberry begonia is found in the clefts of rocks. Stolonifera simply means the plant puts out stolons.
Why can't I water strawberry begonias?
Problems. The hairy leaves of the strawberry begonia should not get wet, for moisture encourages the growth of fungi. They may also be subject to aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. Spray them with insecticidal soap as soon as they are seen infesting the plant. Judicious watering will prevent root rot.
How to grow terra cotta plants in a pot?
If the pot has only one large hole, the grower should lay some bits of an old broken terra cotta pot at the bottom before adding soil.
What happens if you transplant a plant in a bigger pot than the old one?
This is because if the plant is put in a pot that is considerably larger than its old one, it will use its energy to grow its roots instead of growing its leaves and flowers.
What is the best way to grow strawberry begonia?
A good houseplant potting mix will make your strawberry begonia happy provided that it is well draining. Because the plant likes moist soil, you also want the soil to be able to retain moisture. Although, noting too heavy.
What is a strawberry begonia called?
Leave a Comment / Flowers / By Phil. Strawberry begonia ( Saxifraga stolonifera) is called by a few names including strawberry geranium and roving sailor. Interestingly, while it take both the begonia and geranium names, it is neither of these two plants. But, it bears a close resemblance to them. This is something you’ll notice with many common ...
How long do strawberry begonias live?
Strawberry begonia only live for 3 years. Fortunately, they are very easy to propagate because the plant does most of the work for you. As such, you’ll always have a new strawberry begonia before the current one reaches the end of its lifespan.
What temperature do begonias like?
Strawberry Begonia Temperature & Humidity. Strawberry begonia like cool to moderate temperatures. The do best when it stays between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them perfect for USDA zones 7 to 10 if you want to keep them outdoors all year round.
Why do strawberries lose out on water?
That’s because trees have deep, extensive root systems. This means smaller plants near them will need to compete with larger, more efficient water and nutrient absorbers. This will make them lose out on both counts. Additionally, your strawberry begonia likes humidity.
Why is peat used in soil amendments?
Peat is a very useful soil amendment because it has dual properties. That is for heavier soils, it helps make them looser and improves drainage. For light soils like sand, it increases moisture retention.
How to increase humidity in a potted plant?
Placing a water tray with pebbles under the plant also works. Make sure to keep the pot and plant above and out of the reach of the water. As the water evaporates, it increases moisture in the air. This is the best way if you need to increase humidity by a bigger amount.
How to keep a stolon alive?
Maintain evenly moist soil, allowing the top third to dry out in between waters. During the spring and summer, be sure to avoid under-watering too often, due to the risk of crisping foliage and stunted growth. Other under-watering symptoms include stolon death (baby plantlets) & browned areas forming on the leaf edges. These issues are usually caused by too much light/heat or just forgetfulness - remember, the brighter the location, the more watering you'll need to do. Over-watering symptoms include the central foliage beginning to yellow rot, little to no new growth, yellowing lower leaves and eventual plant death. If you feel that over-watering is to blame for its demise, click here to learn more about root rot and how to address it!
How to divide a rhizome?
Basal Offset Division (Easy to Moderate) - The best time to divide is during the repotting period in the spring or summer. To prevent transplant shock (common with heavy-handed transplants), water the plant 24hrs before the main event. Gently tease away some of the soil, and split the horizontal rhizome along with its healthy root systems. Do not touch, or over-finger the roots as the small hairs are sensitive and may cause death in some instances. Place the rhizome's base slightly submerged into moist 'Houseplant' compost, while avoiding submerging the leaves due to the risk of rot. Avoid direct sunlight or periods of droughts for best results.
How to propagate a plantlet?
To propagate, prune off the stem around 2cm (1 inch) from the base of the plantlet. Place its base into room temperature water, keeping the foliage mostly above the water to avoid them rotting. Thin white roots will develop quickly from its base (similar to Pilea cuttings), readying itself for soil transplantation in a matter of weeks. Once the plantlet has 5cm of root growth, place its bottom half in a 'Houseplant' labelled potting mix, making sure the leaves are entirely above the soil line. Provide a bright, indirect setting with continuous moist soil for best results. Treat it like a mature specimen, following the care tips provided at the start of this article. If you're experiencing issues with your cuttings, scroll up to the final paragraph in 'Common Issues' for more information!
How to prevent transplant shock?
Hydrate the plant 24hrs before tinkering with the roots to prevent the risk of transplant shock. For those situated in a darker location, introduce extra amounts of perlite and grit into the lower portion of the new soil to downplay over-watering risks. Click here for a detailed step-by-step guide on transplantation, or via this link to learn about repotting with root rot.
Why are my potting mix leaves yellow?
Yellowing lower leaves could be a sign of irrigation abuse , but equally is a byproduct of maturity. If the older leaves rapidly become yellow in quick succession, both under, or over-watering could be to blame. People don't realise that a plant's root system needs access to oxygen too; when soil is watered, the air will travel upwards and out of the potting mix. A lack of accessible oxygen for the roots will cause them to subsequently breakdown over the oncoming days. If yours is a victim of neglect, create a watering schedule to avoid forgetfulness in the future.
Why are my strawberry begonias turning brown?
Crisped foliage with brown leaf-edges is the result of too little water and potential over-exposure to the sun. Strawberry Begonia are best located in bright settings, with those that haven't acclimatised to the harsh rays may show signs of sun-scorch and environmental shock. A splash of morning sunlight is acceptable as long as the soil moisture is regularly observed, once the introductory period has elapsed.
How long is a pot?
In a domestic setting, the overall length will up to 0.25m (0.8ft) in length, and the width of the pot.
