Scarlet Begonia Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' (Expresso Series) (S)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet', part of the Expresso Series, is a stunning ornamental plant known for its showy and vibrant appearance. The plant features bold scarlet-hued flowers that are prominently displayed above its foliage. The blooms offer a lush, deep red color that creates a striking contrast with the leaves below. The foliage of Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' is equally impressive and contributes to the plant's ornamental appeal. The leaves are textured and have a rich, dark green color, sometimes with a bronze or reddish tint that complements the vivid scarlet flowers. The leaf shape is typically broad with a somewhat asymmetrical and slightly wavy edge, adding visual interest with their distinct form. Overall, the plant has a lush and robust appearance that makes it a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts looking to add a splash of warm color and lush foliage to their landscapes or indoor plant collections.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Scarlet Begonia, Expresso Scarlet Begonia, Scarlet Expresso Wax Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' (Expresso Series) (S).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including the Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet', are considered to be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The main toxic component is insoluble oxalates, which can cause irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, and throat. Digestive discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may also occur. If contact is made with the eyes, it can result in redness, tearing, and pain. Symptoms are typically not severe, but it is advisable to consult a medical professional if ingestion occurs, especially in the case of children or individuals with a preexisting health condition.
- To pets
  Begonias, including the Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet', are regarded as mildly toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs, due to the presence of insoluble oxalate crystals. If a pet ingests part of the plant, it might experience symptoms such as oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to kidney failure if large amounts are consumed. Contact with the eyes can result in pain and inflammation. If you suspect your pet has ingested portions of a begonia, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian immediately.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Variegated
- Flower color
  Scarlet
- 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
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Add vibrant color and unique textures to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Long Flowering Period: Provides a lengthy display of blooms from spring to autumn.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, can withstand periods of low water availability.
- Shade Tolerance: Prefers shaded areas, making it ideal for underplanting or enriching dim garden spots.
- Soil Versatility: Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to many common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers may attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
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
- Photography Prop: The vivid scarlet color and unique foliage of Begonias can be used by photographers as a natural backdrop or accent in portrait and macro photography.
- Vivarium Accent: Hobbyists who create vivariums or terrariums use Begonias for their vibrant color and texture, adding visual depth and interest to miniature landscapes.
- Education: Begonias can be used in academic settings for plant biology studies, helping students learn about plant growth patterns, reproduction, and hybridization processes.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists might draw inspiration from the stunning colors and shapes of Begonias for painting, drawing, or textile design.
- Event Decor: Begonias are sometimes used as living decorations at special events or occasions, providing a lush, organic aesthetic to table settings or venue décor.
- Culinary Garnish: Although typically not consumed, Begonias could be used as a non-toxic, decorative garnish for culinary dishes, adding a splash of color to the presentation.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, Begonias might be positioned within the home or office to introduce vibrant energy, color therapy, and balance.
- Pressed Flower Art: The flat leaves and petals of Begonias are suitable for pressed flower crafts, where they can be used to make bookmarks, greeting cards, or wall art.
- Fantasy Gardening: Begonias can be incorporated into themed gardens, such as fairy or fantasy gardens, due to their bright colors and whimsical appearance.
- Color-Matched Gardening: Gardeners may use Begonias to create a monochromatic garden or to complement a specific color scheme in landscape design.

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
- Bewilderment: Begonia often symbolizes a sense of caution or apprehension, perhaps due to its delicate and unique appearance, signaling to the observer to proceed carefully in their endeavors.
- Uniqueness: With its vibrant scarlet color and expressive form, the Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' can represent individuality and the beauty of standing out from the crowd.
- Gratitude: Begonias are sometimes given as a gesture of thanks or appreciation, with their bright blooms conveying a heartfelt sense of gratitude.
- Harmony: The Begonia can be a symbol of balance and harmony, reflecting a peaceful and ordered state of being that resonates with its environment.

💧

Every 10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Begonias need consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Water the Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, likely every few days depending on environmental conditions. Use room temperature water, and slowly water the plant until you see excess coming through the drainage holes, which could be about a few onzes or up to a quarter gallon for a medium-sized pot. During the winter, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant enters a dormant phase. Always avoid letting the Begonia sit in waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot.
Light
Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east or west-facing window that receives filtered light or a few hours of direct morning sunlight is ideal. Avoid placing your Begonia in extended direct afternoon sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with grow lights placed a few feet above the plant to simulate the necessary light conditions.
Temperature
The Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F during active growth periods. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F but should not be exposed to temperatures lower than this for extended periods. Protect your Begonia from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations to maintain its health and avoid stress.
Pruning
Prune Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' to remove dead or yellowing leaves and promote a bushier growth habit. Prune sparingly in the spring or early summer when the plant is entering its active growth phase. Cut back any leggy or overgrown stems to maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts without damaging the plant.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' should be rich, well-draining, and light. A mixture of peat, perlite, and vermiculite or a high-quality potting mix with added humus content works well. The ideal pH range for this Begonia is slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0.
Repotting
Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' should be repotted every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its current container. It is best to repot in spring or summer, allowing the plant to acclimate and begin active growth in the new soil.
Humidity & Misting
Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' thrives in high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. It's important to maintain these conditions consistently for optimum growth and health.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Bright, indirect light and high humidity for healthy growth.
- Outdoor
  Part shade, protect from strong sun and heavy rain.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil with adequate moisture. The seeds germinate, and seedlings emerge, generally requiring warm temperatures and high humidity. As these seedlings grow and develop, they form characteristic heart-shaped leaves and a robust root system. The plant transitions to the vegetative stage, where it focuses on leaf growth and expansion. Once mature, it enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant scarlet flowers, typically during the warmer months when daylight hours are longer. After the flowering period, if seeds are produced, they can be collected and sown again, continuing the cycle, or the plant focuses on energy storage and maintenance as it enters a period of dormancy or reduced growth during cooler or less favorable conditions.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet', typically propagated by stem cuttings, is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy stem with at least two nodes and cut just below a node using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. The cutting should be about 3-4 inches (approximately 7.5-10 cm) long. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a couple at the top, to reduce moisture loss and prevent rot. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and then insert it into a pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of peat and perlite. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity, and keep it in indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Begonia 'Expresso Scarlet' can be transferred to a regular growing environment.