Carol Flame Begonia Begonia 'Carol Flame'

Water

Begonias like the 'Carol Flame' should be watered once the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid watering too frequently, as Begonias are susceptible to root rot. Generally, this means watering every 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on environmental factors like humidity and temperature. When watering, use room temperature water and gently pour it around the base of the plant until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot, which might be around 16 to 24 ounces for a medium-sized pot. Always empty the saucer to ensure the plant is not sitting in standing water.

Light

The 'Carol Flame' Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s best suited to spots where it receives this kind of light for most of the day, such as near east- or west-facing windows. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's important to avoid placing this plant in direct sun, especially during peak hours. A sheer curtain can help to diffuse strong sunlight if needed.

Temperature

'Carol Flame' Begonias prefer a warm environment, with ideal temperatures ranging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to temperatures below that, as cold can be damaging. Likewise, temperatures exceeding 85 degrees Fahrenheit can cause stress to the plant, so it is best to avoid excessively hot conditions.

Pruning

Pruning 'Carol Flame' Begonias is important for maintaining a bushy and attractive shape and to remove any dead or dying leaves and stems. This can be done as needed throughout the year, but the best time for heavier pruning is in the spring before new growth starts. Light pruning involves simply pinching off the tips of the stems to encourage bushiness. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Begonia 'Carol Flame' thrives in a well-draining soil mix that can retain some moisture but does not stay soggy. A mixture of peat, perlite, and pine bark in equal parts is ideal. The recommended soil pH range for Begonia 'Carol Flame' is slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 5.5 and 7.0.

Repotting

Begonia 'Carol Flame' should typically be repotted every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is in the spring or summer during the plant's active growth period.

Humidity & Misting

Begonia 'Carol Flame' prefers a relatively high humidity level, ideally between 50% to 70%. This tropical plant thrives in moist air, so maintaining adequate humidity is crucial for its health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Needs shade, warm temps, and shelter from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Begonia 'Carol Flame', generally known as a type of Begonia cultivar, begins its life cycle from seed or more commonly from leaf cuttings or division, where it quickly takes root in moist, well-draining soil. Upon rooting, the plant enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase, sprouting broad, wing-shaped leaves that can display vibrant colors and patterns, and begins to form a bushy structure. As it matures, the plant produces clusters of flowers that can vary in color from pinks to reds, typically blooming in the warmer months given sufficient indirect light and humidity. After pollination, the flowers will produce seed capsules that, when ripened, will burst open to spread the seeds for propagation. In perennial growing zones, the Begonia 'Carol Flame' will enter a dormancy period during cooler seasons, where growth slows and the plant may lose some leaves, only to rejuvenate in the spring. With proper care, the cycle continues year after year, with regular pruning and feeding to encourage fresh growth and maintain plant health.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Begonia 'Carol Flame', commonly referred to as simply Carol Flame Begonia, can be effectively propagated using leaf cuttings, which is the most popular method for this particular plant. To propagate by leaf cuttings, select a healthy, mature leaf and cut it into pieces, each with at least one vein. After the pieces are cut, they can be placed vein-side down on a moistened mix of peat and perlite, ensuring the cut edge is slightly buried. The container should then be covered with plastic to maintain humidity and placed in indirect light. Roots will typically develop where the leaf touches the growing medium, and once a substantial root system is formed, the new plantlets can be potted up individually.