Begonia Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' (C)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' is a captivating plant that features a lush display of foliage and blossoms. The leaves are often heart-shaped with a distinctive spiraled pattern, showcasing various shades of green that may be speckled with spots or edged in a contrasting color. The texture of the leaves can be either smooth or puckered, adding a tactile interest to its appearance. The stunning flowers of the Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' are what often draw the most attention. They bloom in clusters, offering a profusion of color that can range from whites and pinks to vibrant reds or oranges, depending on the variety. The petals are delicate and may have a waxy or satiny finish, looking somewhat like crinkled tissue paper, which gives the flowers a very layered and textured appearance. The overall aesthetic of the Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' is one of lushness and abundant growth, with a harmony of foliage and floral display that makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to their front porch or any garden area where they wish to create an eye-catching focal point.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Hazel's Front Porch Rex Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch', contain insoluble oxalates which can be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. If parts of the plant are chewed or swallowed, it can result in irritation to the mouth, lips, throat, and tongue. In severe cases, it may cause difficulty swallowing or vomiting. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It's advisable to keep this plant out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
- To pets
  Begonias, including Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch', are toxic to pets due to insoluble oxalates found in the plant. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, drooling, and difficulty swallowing due to irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. In more severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure. It's important to prevent pets from having access to begonias and to seek veterinary attention if ingestion occurs.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Mixed
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1 foot (30.48 cm)
- Spread
  2 feet (60.96 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  Central America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Begonias are widely appreciated for their beautiful foliage and vibrant flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or indoor space.
- Variety of Uses: They can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or garden beds, making them versatile for different landscaping needs.
- Shade Tolerance: Begonias can thrive in shaded areas where many other plants struggle, providing color and life to less sunny parts of a garden.
- Low Maintenance: Begonias are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, thus suitable for busy or novice gardeners.
- Continuous Blooming: Many begonia varieties, including the Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch', often have long blooming periods providing continuous color throughout the growing season.
- Drought Resistance: While they prefer moist soil, begonias are fairly resistant to short periods of drought, making them resilient in varying weather conditions.
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
- As a natural dye: The leaves and flowers of Begonias can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics or paper, although results may vary depending on the specific species or variety.
- Edible flowers: Some Begonias feature edible flowers that can be used to add a colorful touch to salads or as garnish for dishes, adding a slight tart flavor.
- Therapeutic horticulture: Begonias, due to their diverse and vibrant appearance, are often used in horticultural therapy programs to improve mental health through interaction with plants.
- Photography subject: The unique and intricate patterns of Begonia leaves can serve as a fascinating subject for macro photography enthusiasts.
- Crafts: The sturdy leaves of certain Begonia species can be used in crafts, such as imprinting their patterns onto clay or plaster to create natural art.
- Leaf cuttings for educational purposes: Begonias can be easily propagated through leaf cuttings, making them an excellent resource for teaching about plant propagation and growth in educational settings.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried Begonia petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti for celebrations and events.
- Mood enhancer: The bright colors and lush foliage of Begonias can help improve mood and create a positive environment in living spaces or offices.
- Feng Shui: Some people believe that Begonias can bring positive energy into a home when placed according to Feng Shui principles, particularly due to their vibrant and uplifting presence.
- Bath soaks: Petals from Begonia flowers can be added to bath water for a luxurious and aromatic soak, although it is more about the aesthetic and experience rather than a therapeutic benefit.

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 are often associated with warning or caution. The 'Hazel's Front Porch' variety shares this meaning, potentially reminding one to be mindful or wary.
- Communication: Begonias can symbolize a need for clear communication, since they need proper care and attention. The 'Hazel's Front Porch' may encourage honest dialogue and expression of thoughts and feelings.
- Individuality: With its unique attributes, Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' can represent being unique or standing out from the crowd, celebrating one's individuality and personal style.
- Gratitude: Giving begonias as a gift is known to symbolize gratitude. Owning or gifting Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' may express appreciation and thankfulness towards another person.
- Harmony: The balanced growth and peaceful appearance of Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' may symbolize a desire for harmony and balance in one’s life.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

60%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the Dragon Wing Begonia, it is crucial to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again, which typically translates to watering once every week, though this can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. When watering, use room temperature water, and carefully pour it around the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Every watering session might require about 16 to 32 ounces of water for an average-sized plant, adjusted to ensure the soil reaches an even moisture level.
Light
The Dragon Wing Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light, making an east or west-facing window an ideal spot where it receives moderate light with some direct morning or late afternoon sun. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the peak hours of the day, as this can scorch the foliage, whereas too little light can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature
The Dragon Wing Begonia prefers a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should never be exposed to temperatures below this as it can cause damage to the plant. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is within the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Pruning the Dragon Wing Begonia is important for maintaining a bushy and attractive shape as well as for removing any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. Lightly prune throughout the growing season as needed to shape the plant, and perform a more thorough pruning in the spring to rejuvenate the plant and promote vigorous growth. The best time for heavier pruning is early spring before new growth begins.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Begonia should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 6.5. A blend of peat, perlite, and pine bark would be ideal to provide the right texture and aeration. Regular fertilization during the growing season will keep the Begonia thriving.
Repotting
Begonias should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their pots. It's best to repot in spring or early summer at the beginning of their active growing season. Use a fresh soil mix when repotting to replenish nutrients.
Humidity & Misting
Begonias prefer a humidity level of around 50-70%. High humidity is essential for their growth, but ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. A humidifier or pebble tray with water can help maintain these conditions indoors.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
- Outdoor
  Grow in partial shade, protect from strong winds and temps below 50°F.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA.
Life cycle
Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when provided with the right conditions of warmth and moisture, will sprout and begin to grow roots and shoots. The seedling stage involves the development of a few leaves and a basic root system, gradually progressing into a juvenile plant. As it matures, the Begonia establishes a stronger root system and fuller foliage, entering its vegetative stage where it focuses on growth. When mature and subject to adequate lighting and temperature conditions, it enters the flowering stage, developing distinctive flowers that attract pollinators, crucial for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the Begonia produces seeds or may also reproduce asexually through cuttings or division, ensuring the continuation of its life cycle. The plant eventually reaches senescence, where growth slows down, and it may die back, particularly if it is an annual, or enter a period of dormancy if it is a perennial, waiting for the next favorable growth season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch', commonly referred to simply as Begonia, is typically propagated through stem cuttings, a popular and effective method for many Begonias. To propagate Begonia 'Hazel's Front Porch' through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters) long, ensuring it has at least one node (the point where leaves attach). Cut just below the node with a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Remove lower leaves to reveal a short length of the stem, leaving one or two leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, water it well, and cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain humidity around the cutting. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and in a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be treated as a new plant.