Begonia Begonia Cherry Bon Bon

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Begonia Cherry Bon Bon, distinguished by its vibrant and lush foliage, presents a striking visual with leaves that often showcase a mix of green and deep reddish hues, mimicking the luscious color of ripe cherries. The leaves themselves are edged with a serrated or saw-toothed margin, adding textural interest to the plant's overall appearance. Additionally, this begonia variety is known to produce blooms that further complement its foliage, with flowers exuding a soft yet vivid coloration that can range from pink to a more subdued white. These flowers typically emerge in clusters, creating a full and bountiful look which enhances the ornamental appeal of the Begonia Cherry Bon Bon.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Cherry Bon Bon Begonia, Bon Bon Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia Cherry Bon Bon
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonia Cherry Bon Bon, like other members of the Begonia genus, is considered to be toxic to humans if ingested. The primary toxicant is the compound calcium oxalate, which can cause irritation of the mucous membranes. If you ingest part of a Begonia Cherry Bon Bon, you may experience symptoms such as a burning sensation in the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, as well as difficulty swallowing, and nausea. In severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. The skin can develop irritation if in contact with the sap, although skin reactions are less common. It's essential to seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist.
- To pets
  Begonia Cherry Bon Bon contains soluble calcium oxalates, which can be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, if ingested. Symptoms of Begonia poisoning in pets may include vomiting, salivation, and difficulty in swallowing due to irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. In more severe cases, signs might include pawing at the mouth, lack of appetite, and general signs of discomfort. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, it's important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  Tropical and subtropical regions

Benefits

General Benefits
- Easy to care for: Begonias are generally low-maintenance and can thrive with minimal care.
- Bright blooms: Begonias feature vibrant flowers that can add a splash of color to any space.
- Long flowering season: This variety often has a lengthy blooming period, providing color for much of the year.
- Attracts pollinators: The blossoms can attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees to your garden.
- Versatile: Begonias can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in the garden.
- Compact growth: Their moderate size allows them to fit well in small gardens or spaces.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, they can withstand periods of low water, making them suitable for a variety of climates.
- Suitable for containers: They grow well in pots, allowing for portability and ease of arrangement.
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
- Begonia Cherry Bon Bon can be used as a natural dye, where the petals of the flower impart a range of pink hues to fabrics or paper.
- In small-scale water features or ponds, float the leaves for a decorative touch, as they can add aesthetic value with their patterns and colors.
- This variety of begonia, with its vivid colors, can be used in craft projects, including pressing the leaves or flowers for scrapbooking or card-making.
- They can be utilized in culinary presentations as a non-toxic garnish, adding a splash of color to plates or cocktails (always ensure edibility before consumption).
- Begonia Cherry Bon Bon can serve as teaching tools for botany or horticulture classes, demonstrating plant care, propagation, and the variety within the Begonia genus.
- The contrasting foliage can be a creative medium for photographers, providing a stunning backdrop or subject for macro photography.
- Dried leaves and petals of these begonias can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a splash of color and subtle natural fragrance.
- They could be used in terrariums, adding a layer of bright color and texture to miniature gardens inside glass containers.
- The flowers would work well in decorative wreaths and floral arrangements, adding vibrant hues to home decor or special events.
- Leaf cuttings can be used for botanical art, creating pressed flower designs, or even nature-inspired jewelry when preserved in resin.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant Cherry Bon Bon Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Cherry Bon Bon Begonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Beware - Begonias overall are known to symbolize caution or "be aware", possibly due to their delicate nature and toxicity if ingested, which can serve as an analogy for situations that require care and consideration.
- Gratitude - They are often associated with gratitude and thankfulness possibly because of their abundant and attractive flowers which can evoke feelings of appreciation.
- Individuality - With their unique and varied appearances, begonias can symbolize individuality and the importance of standing out from the crowd, celebrating uniqueness in oneself and others.
- Fanciful Nature - The Begonia Cherry Bon Bon, like other begonias, may be used to suggest a quirky or whimsical aspect because of its bright color and joyful overall appearance.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Begonias should be watered cautiously to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It's typically best to water a Begonia Cherry Bon Bon deeply once a week, but this may vary depending on climate and indoor conditions. When watering, use about 8-16 ounces of water, making sure it's distributed evenly across the soil without directly hitting the leaves or flowers.
Light
Begonia Cherry Bon Bon thrives in bright indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing window with diffuse light is ideal for this plant, ensuring it gets the perfect balance of sunlight without the harsh afternoon rays.
Temperature
Begonias prefer a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75°F. They can survive in temperatures as low as 57°F and as high as 86°F but should be protected from sudden temperature changes. The ideal condition lies comfortably in a room that maintains a consistent temperature within the preferred range.
Pruning
Pruning Begonia Cherry Bon Bon encourages bushier growth and removes any dead or yellowing leaves improving the plant's appearance and health. Prune lightly throughout the growing season as needed, focusing on shaping the plant and thinning out any dense foliage. The best time for major pruning is in the spring, just before the new growth begins.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Begonia Cherry Bon Bon thrives in a well-draining soil mix that's rich in organic matter; a blend of peat, perlite, and compost is recommended. The ideal soil pH should range from 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth and health.
Repotting
Begonia Cherry Bon Bon should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it has outgrown its current container. Repot in spring or early summer to give it time to acclimate before the growth season.
Humidity & Misting
Begonia Cherry Bon Bon prefers higher humidity levels, around 50-70%. It may benefit from a pebble tray with water or regular misting to maintain these levels, since it's crucial for their vibrant foliage.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
- Outdoor
  Partial shade, sheltered location, avoid frost.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of a Begonia 'Cherry Bon Bon', typically involves the following stages: it begins as a seed, planted in moist well-draining soil and kept in warm conditions to encourage germination. Once germinated, it enters the seedling stage where it develops its first leaves and a root system. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage where it produces a bushy foliage with its characteristic waxy, colorful leaves. The Begonia then reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms that attract pollinators, during the warmer months. After pollination, it may produce seeds if conditions are right, allowing the cycle to begin anew. In some climates, the plant goes through a dormancy period in the cooler months, where growth slows down considerably, and it conserves energy to survive until conditions become favorable again.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- Propogation: The Begonia Cherry Bon Bon can be easily propagated through leaf cuttings, which is the most popular method. To propagate from a leaf cutting, select a healthy, mature leaf from the mother plant and snip it off with a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife. Make a horizontal cut across the major veins on the underside of the leaf, then place the leaf on moist potting soil. Gently press the leaf into the soil to ensure contact with the surface, but avoid burying it completely. Enclose the pot in a plastic bag or cover it with a plastic dome to retain humidity, and place it in bright, indirect light. New plants will begin to grow from the veins where the cuts were made, and once they reach about an inch in height, they can be carefully separated and potted individually. Keep the soil consistently moist during this time, but take care not to overwater, as Begonias are prone to root rot.