Apricot Begonia Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' (Fragrant Falls Improved Series) (T)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
begonia 'Apricot Nectar'

ABOUT

The Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' from the Fragrant Falls Improved Series is a striking plant that brings together lush foliage with cascading, fragrant flowers. The leaves are a rich green color, providing a verdant backdrop for the blooms. The flowers of this begonia possess a soft apricot hue, blending seamlessly from a deeper, warm orange tone at the center to a lighter pastel shade towards the petal edges. The petals are delicate and numerous, creating full, rounded clusters that dangle gracefully, giving the plant an elegant, weeping appearance. Its fragrance is sweet and noticeable, adding an olfactory dimension to its decorative appeal. The Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' also features a succulent-like stem that supports the weight of the flowers and foliage, completing the lush aesthetic of this ornamental plant.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Begoniaceae

    • Synonyms

      Apricot Nectar Begonia, Fragrant Falls Begonia

    • Common names

      Begonia 'Apricot Nectar'

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Begonias, including the Begonia 'Apricot Nectar', contain insoluble oxalates which can cause irritation when ingested. These crystals can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, lips, throat, and tongue. Additional symptoms include swelling, difficulty swallowing, and stomach upset. In most cases, contact or ingestion leads to minor symptoms, but it's advisable to seek medical attention if significant discomfort occurs.

    • To pets

      The Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' is toxic to pets due to the presence of insoluble oxalates. If a pet ingests part of a begonia, it can experience symptoms such as oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The reaction is usually mild to moderate, but it's best to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a begonia plant.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Apricot

    • Height

      1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

    • Spread

      2 feet (60 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      10

    • Native area

      Tropical South America

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Aesthetic Appeal: The Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' adds vibrant color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and indoor spaces with its apricot-hued flowers.
    • Fragrance: This variety is known for its sweet fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience in a garden or home.
    • Versatility: It can be grown in hanging baskets, containers, or garden beds, making it versatile for different types of gardening spaces.
    • Continuous Blooming: The plant produces flowers continuously from early summer until the first frost, providing long-lasting blooms throughout the growing season.
    • Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are important for the health of the garden ecosystem.
    • Low Maintenance: Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional feeding.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardeners in areas with less frequent rainfall.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Begonias, like 'Apricot Nectar', can serve as natural indicators for environmental conditions; wilting may suggest a lack of water, while yellow leaves could indicate too much sun or poor drainage.
    • Certain types of begonias are used in traditional Chinese cuisine, but it's important to note that 'Apricot Nectar' is not known to be edible and should not be consumed.
    • The leaves of some begonias can be used for craft projects, such as pressing for decorative purposes, although it's less common with the 'Apricot Nectar' variety due to its focus on blossoms.
    • Begonia petals are sometimes used in potpourris; 'Apricot Nectar', with its fragrant blooms, can contribute a sweet aroma to these mixtures.
    • In teaching botany, begonias like 'Apricot Nectar' can exemplify plant hybridization techniques and how breeders can enhance specific traits such as fragrance and flower color.
    • The flowers of the 'Apricot Nectar' begonia can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, although this is not a common practice for this particular variety.
    • Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' can be a subject for botanical illustration and art, due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
    • This plant could potentially be used in sensory gardens, as its fragrant blooms engage the sense of smell.
    • 'Apricot Nectar' variety might be used in educational settings for children to learn about plant care and the lifecycle of flowering plants, due to its relatively easy maintenance.
    • The blossoms of 'Apricot Nectar' begonias can be used to add a decorative touch to gift wrapping or natural table settings, as a sustainable alternative to artificial ornaments.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Begonia is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Caution or Warning: Begonias often represent a heed of caution or to be wary. In the language of flowers, it could suggest thinking twice before you act.
    • Foresight: Additionally, begonias can symbolize deep thinking and foresight, potentially due to the plant's own need for certain conditions to flourish.
    • Happiness: The bright colors and sweet scent of 'Apricot Nectar' Begonia can signify joy and happiness, invoking positive emotions in those who view or smell it.
    • Harmony: As an ornamental plant, begonias can suggest harmony and balance in the environment where they are grown.
    • Gratitude: In some contexts, giving begonias can be an expression of gratitude or appreciation for another person.
    • Individuality: Begonia 'Apricot Nectar', with its unique fragrance, may represent individuality, showing off one’s personal uniqueness and strength.

💧
Every 3-5 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
50%
Humidity
🪴
Every year
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    The trailing begonia, scientifically known as Begonia 'Apricot Nectar', should be watered deeply enough so that water runs through the drainage holes in the pot, indicating that the soil has been thoroughly saturated. This method ensures you're not leaving any dry pockets in the soil. Typically, this plant prefers to dry out slightly between watering, so check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Depending on the environmental conditions, this could mean watering approximately once every 5 to 7 days. Adjustments may be needed based on seasonal changes; less frequent watering might be necessary in winter months, and more frequent in the growing season. Always avoid letting the plant sit in standing water as this could lead to root rot.

  • sunLight

    The trailing begonia requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It's best to place it near a window that offers plenty of light but is shielded from the harsh rays of direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. An east or west-facing window is often ideal, providing the plant with the morning or late afternoon sunlight.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Trailing begonias are tropical plants and prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They should be protected from drafts and not subjected to temperatures below 50°F as this can cause harm to the plant. The ideal temperature range is a crucial factor in maintaining the plant's health and encouraging its growth.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning the trailing begonia helps to encourage bushier growth and maintain a desirable shape. The best time to prune is in the spring, but light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. It's important to remove any dead or yellowing leaves and trim back any leggy stems to promote a fuller plant. Typically, regular pruning is not required more than once every few weeks to keep the plant tidy.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Begonias like 'Apricot Nectar' thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix incorporating peat, perlite, and compost is ideal, ensuring moisture retention and good aeration. Regular fertilization during the growing season will help maintain vigor.

  • plantRepotting

    'Apricot Nectar' Begonias should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting, allowing the plant to recover during the active growing season.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    'Apricot Nectar' Begonias prefer high humidity levels, around 50-70%. They thrive with increased air moisture, so maintaining these conditions is crucial for lush growth and flower production, especially if grown indoors.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist.

    • Outdoor

      Provide partial shade; protect from strong winds.

    • Hardiness zone

      10-11 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' begins its life as a seed, which when sown in warm, moist soil germinates to develop roots and shoots. This stage is followed by the seedling phase, where the first set of true leaves develop, allowing it to photosynthesize and grow taller. Gradually, it enters the vegetative stage, growing more leaves and stems and becoming a mature plant. During the flowering stage, Begonia 'Apricot Nectar' produces fragrant flowers, typically from spring to frost, attracting pollinators and potentially enabling cross-pollination. After pollination, the plant may produce fruits containing seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. Finally, as a tender perennial, it enters a dormancy phase in colder climates if not protected, otherwise it may continue to grow throughout the year in warmer conditions.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • Begonia 'Apricot Nectar', a member of the Fragrant Falls Improved Series, is best propagated by stem cuttings, which can be taken in spring as new growth begins. To propagate, select a healthy stem with a few leaves and cut it just below a node using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. The cutting should be about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) long. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes where the roots will develop. The stem cutting can then be inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a soilless potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm, humid environment but out of direct sunlight to encourage rooting. Rooting typically takes a few weeks, at which point the new Begonia can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.

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