Bonfire Begonia Begonia Bonfire = 'Nzcone' (PBR)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Begonia Bonfire, known by its cultivar name 'Nzcone' (PBR), stands out for its striking visual appearance. This plant showcases lush, green foliage that creates a vibrant backdrop for its showpiece feature: the flamboyant flowers. The flowers are a fiery shade of orange-red, reminiscent of the flickering flames they are named after, which provides a bold contrast to the foliage's green. The leaves of the Begonia Bonfire possess a glossy sheen and may have a slight wavy edge, contributing to the plant's overall texture. They are attached to the stems in an alternating pattern, which allows for a full and luxuriant growth habit. The bright flowers are typically small to medium in size, clustered together on stems that rise above the foliage, giving the plant an appearance of being alight with glowing embers. The Begonia Bonfire's aesthetic appeal lies in its colorful display, which can be quite dramatic and makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a splash of color to their landscape or container gardens.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Bonfire Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia Bonfire = 'Nzcone' (PBR)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including the Begonia Bonfire, are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, they can be mildly irritating to sensitive individuals if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Ingesting parts of the plant may cause minor symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing, burning or irritation in the mouth, throat, and lips. These symptoms are usually self-limiting and treatment is rarely necessary. It's important to keep in mind that eating large quantities of any non-food plant can cause stomach upset or discomfort.
- To pets
  Begonias, including the Begonia Bonfire, are considered mildly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of the plant, it may experience symptoms such as vomiting, salivation, and difficulty swallowing due to the irritating oxalate crystals present in the plant's tissues. In most cases, symptoms are mild and self-limiting, but if a pet consumes a significant amount of the plant, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian. Keeping the plant out of reach of pets is the best practice to prevent any potential issues.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Orange
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Striking Foliage: Begonia Bonfire has attractive foliage that adds a lush, green backdrop to any garden setting.
- Vibrant Flowers: Offers bright, fiery red-orange flowers that can add a splash of color to gardens or patios.
- Extended Blooming Period: This begonia variety has a long flowering season, often from spring through fall.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Compact Growth Habit: With its mounding habit, it's ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and small garden spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Edible Flowers: The colorful blooms of Begonia Bonfire can be used as edible garnishes in salads and desserts, adding a citrus-like flavor and a splash of color.
- Photography Prop: This vibrant plant can serve as an excellent subject or backdrop for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature in their work.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The intense hues of Begonia Bonfire flowers can potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding unique and eco-friendly textile colors.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the lively appearance of the Begonia Bonfire as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or fabric designs, mimicking its fiery color palette.
- Therapeutic Horticulture: Due to its striking appearance, Begonia Bonfire can be used in therapeutic horticulture settings to help improve mental well-being through gardening and plant care.
- Crafting Decoration: Dried Begonia Bonfire blooms can be used in various crafts, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decorating picture frames.
- Educational Tool: This plant can serve as a learning tool for botany students or hobbyists interested in studying begonia varieties and their growth habits.
- Container Gardening Demonstrations: Begonia Bonfire, with its mounding and trailing habit, can be used in container gardening workshops to teach effective planting techniques for ornamental plants.
- Landscape Photography: The striking Begonia Bonfire can add a burst of color to landscape photography, especially in garden settings or urban green spaces.
- Special Events Decoration: Fresh Begonia Bonfire plants can be used in event decorations such as table centerpieces or venue adornments for weddings, parties, or corporate events.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Begonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Caution: Begonias, in general, are often associated with caution or warning, prompting individuals to stay vigilant or careful.
- Cordiality: Gifting begonias can be a symbol of friendly behavior and pleasant manners, reflecting a desire for a harmonious relationship.
- Uniqueness: With its fiery appearance, the Begonia 'Bonfire' could symbolize the unique and standout traits of an individual or circumstance.
- Gratitude: Begonias can signify deep appreciation and thankfulness when given as gifts.
- Individuality: The distinctiveness of the vivid Begonia 'Bonfire' offers a representation of someone embracing their own individuality.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Begonia Bonfire prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this may be once a week, but it can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. Aim to provide between 8 to 16 ounces of water per watering session, ensuring you do not overwater as Begonias are sensitive to excessive moisture. During the winter months when growth slows, reduce watering frequency allowing the soil to dry out slightly more between watering.
Light
Begonia Bonfire thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct harsh sun as it can cause leaf scorch and fading of the vibrant colors. An east-facing window where the morning light is gentle or a shaded south or west-facing window are ideal spots for this plant. If you’re growing Begonias outdoors, place them in an area that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day or provide some kind of shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature
Begonia Bonfire prefers temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it can result in damage or death to the plant. Keep the plant away from drafts, heating vents, and air conditioners to maintain a stable environment. The ideal temperature range encourages lush growth and vibrant blooms.
Pruning
Pruning Begonia Bonfire helps maintain a bushy and attractive shape while encouraging more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers and pinch back leggy growth to promote denser foliage and continuous flowering. Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer, but removing dead flowers and leaves can be done throughout the growing season as needed. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season as this can stress the plant before it goes into dormancy.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Begonias prefer well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. For Begonia 'Bonfire', a mix composed of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is ideal. This ensures aeration and moisture retention without waterlogging the roots.
Repotting
The 'Bonfire' Begonia should be repotted once it has outgrown its current pot or approximately every two years. Ensure the new pot is only one size larger to avoid excessive dampness around the roots.
Humidity & Misting
'Bonfire' Begonias thrive in moderate to high humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level of 50-70% to keep this plant happy and avoid putting it in an overly dry environment.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Outdoor
  Choose partial shade and protect from strong winds.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The Begonia Bonfire ('Nzcone') (PBR) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates or a cutting roots in the soil. It proceeds to the vegetative stage, developing leaves and stems while establishing a robust root system. As it matures, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant, fiery-hued flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, it may produce seeds which, when mature, are released to create new plants. The plant continues to grow and bloom seasonally, typically as an annual or tender perennial in colder climates, requiring replanting each year. At the end of its growing season, if not already removed, the Begonia Bonfire will die back with the first frosts, completing its life cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The Begonia Bonfire, botanically known as 'Nzcone' (PBR), is a vibrant plant often propagated during the warm seasons of spring and summer when the temperatures are conducive to growth. The most popular method for propagating the Begonia Bonfire is through stem cuttings. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm spot with indirect light. It is important to maintain high humidity around the cutting, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or using a humidity dome. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and roots should form within a few weeks, at which point the new plant can eventually be transplanted.