Wax Begonia Begonia 'Cosie' (C)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Begonia 'Cosie' is a variety of begonia that is well-loved for its attractive foliage and blossoms. The leaves of this begonia are a standout feature, with a lush appearance that may display a rich green color, sometimes with a reddish or brownish tinge, depending on the variety. The edges of the leaves are often intricately serrated or scalloped, adding texture and interest to the plant's silhouette. The flowers of Begonia 'Cosie' are equally eye-catching. They usually present in clusters that can range in color from soft pinks to bold reds, sometimes with shades of white, peach, or yellow mixed in. The petals are delicate and may exhibit a range of shapes from round to elongated, with some varieties sporting ruffled edges that contribute to a fuller look when in bloom. The overall growth habit of Begonia 'Cosie' is typically lush and compact, presenting a mounded or slightly spreading form. Its stems may have a fleshy texture, often with hints of green or red, and can contribute to the plant's ornamental appeal even when it's not flowering. Begonia 'Cosie' is commonly planted for its decorative qualities in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets, where its vibrant colors and varied textures can be appreciated up close.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae.
- Synonyms
  No common names available.
- Common names
  Begonia 'Cosie'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including Begonia 'Cosie', are considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. They contain compounds such as oxalate crystals that can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of ingestion may include a burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most cases, symptoms are self-limiting and resolve on their own, but severe reactions should be treated by medical professionals.
- To pets
  Begonias, like Begonia 'Cosie', are toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. They contain insoluble oxalates which, when ingested, can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to kidney failure or other serious complications. If you suspect your pet has consumed any part of a Begonia, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian immediately.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Varies
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Spread
  1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  Tropical and subtropical regions

Benefits

General Benefits
- Easy to Care For: Begonias are known for their ease of care, not requiring any special techniques or conditions to thrive.
- Attractive Foliage: The Begonia 'Cosie' features attractive foliage that adds a decorative touch to any space it occupies.
- Bright Blooms: This plant produces vibrant blooms that can enhance the aesthetics of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Variety of Colors: Begonias come in a wide range of colors, providing options to suit different color palettes and design preferences.
- Compact Growth: Begonias typically grow in a compact form, making them suitable for small spaces or as part of a larger arrangement.
- Long Blooming Season: Many Begonia varieties, including 'Cosie', have a long blooming season, providing color and interest for an extended period.
- Versatility: Begonias can be grown indoors as houseplants or outdoors in containers and flower beds, offering versatility in their use.
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
- Crafting: Begonia leaves and flowers can be used in crafting projects such as making resin jewelry or botanical paperweights.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use Begonias to teach children about plant biology, photosynthesis, and the life cycle of plants.
- Fabric Dye: The pigments in Begonia flowers may be used to naturally dye fabrics or for creating botanical prints.
- Photography: With its vibrant colors and intriguing textures, Begonias make great subjects for botanical photography.
- Garden Design: Begonias can be used in garden design to create patterns and color themes due to their varied leaf shapes and colors.
- Art Inspiration: Artists can draw inspiration from the unique forms and colors of Begonias for paintings, drawings, and digital art.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of Begonias can be used to add a splash of color as an ornamental garnish on dishes.
- Seasonal Decorations: Their bright flowers make Begonias suitable for creating festive wreaths and centerpieces for holidays and celebrations.
- Feng Shui: Begonias can be placed in certain areas of a home to create harmony and attract positive energy, according to the principles of Feng Shui.
- Cosmetic Colorant: In some cultures, the petals of certain Begonia varieties are used as natural colorants in cosmetics.

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 often symbolize a message of caution or warning. They may imply that there is something you need to be wary of.
- Uniqueness: With their unique and varied foliage, begonias can represent individuality and the celebration of one's unique qualities.
- Harmony: The balanced growth and symmetry of the begonia plant can evoke feelings of harmony and peacefulness, suggesting a need for balance in one’s life.
- Gratitude: Gifting begonias may also express gratitude or appreciation for another person, recognizing their kindness or efforts.

💧

Every 10-14 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Begonia, commonly known as wax begonia, should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. On average, this might mean watering once every week, but the frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant's roots, and provide enough water each time so that it runs through the drainage holes—this might be approximately 16 ounces for a small pot. Do not let the plant sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot.
Light
Wax begonias prefer bright, indirect sunlight and can thrive in an east-facing or north-facing window. Direct afternoon sun can scorch their leaves, so it's best to avoid placing them in a south-facing window without shade. Adequate light is crucial for the plant to bloom and maintain its vibrant foliage color.
Temperature
Wax begonias enjoy a comfortable room temperature, ideally between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate brief periods down to 50 degrees but shouldn't be exposed to temperatures below this as it can cause damage. Consistently warm temperatures are ideal for their growth and flowering.
Pruning
Pruning wax begonias is important to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or dying foliage, which helps prevent disease. Pinch off the tips of the stems periodically, especially in the spring or early summer, to promote branching. Remove any spent blossoms to encourage new flowers to form.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for growing Begonia 'Cosie' is a well-draining mixture such as one part peat, one part pine bark, and one part coarse sand or perlite. Begonias prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, with an ideal pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
Repotting
Begonia 'Cosie' should generally be repotted every 2 years to ensure fresh soil and room for growth; however, if it's growing vigorously, it may need repotting annually.
Humidity & Misting
Begonia 'Cosie' thrives in high humidity conditions, preferring humidity levels of around 60% or higher.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
- Outdoor
  Place in filtered sunlight; shelter from harsh weather.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of Begonia 'Cosie' begins when a seed germinates, typically in warm, moist soil. Seedlings emerge and gradually develop into young plants with recognizable begonia foliage. As it matures, the plant undergoes vegetative growth, producing a robust root system, stems, and heart-shaped leaves with distinctive asymmetry. During the flowering stage, Begonia 'Cosie' produces clusters of delicate flowers that can be pink, white, or red, depending on the variety, usually in the warmer months of spring or summer. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, it sets seeds that can be collected for propagation before the onset of colder weather. Finally, as an annual or perennial depending on the climate, Begonia 'Cosie' will either die after the growing season or persist and go through a dormancy phase during the colder months, resuming growth in the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagating a Begonia 'Cosie', also known simply as Begonia, is through leaf cuttings. This involves taking a healthy leaf from a mature plant and making a clean cut across the main veins on the underside of the leaf. The cut leaf is then placed on moistened potting soil, with the cut veins in contact with the soil, and it's generally advantageous to do this during the growing season, which is spring or early summer, to ensure a better chance of success. The pot or tray is then covered with a plastic cover or placed in a mini greenhouse to maintain high humidity and the soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. After a few weeks, tiny new Begonia plants should begin to emerge at the cut points, and once they have developed a few sets of leaves, they can be gently separated and potted into individual containers to grow into full plants. This method is appreciated by enthusiasts for its simplicity and the potential to create multiple plants from a single leaf.