Wax Begonia Begonia (Superba Group) 'Irene Nuss' (C)

Water

Wax begonia should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid watering directly on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases, as the plant prefers to stay moist but not soggy. Generally, during the active growing season in spring and summer, you might water it once every week with about 8 to 16 ounces, depending on the pot size and environmental conditions. In the cooler months of fall and winter, reduce the frequency to every other week, ensuring the soil doesn't completely dry out.

Light

Wax begonias perform best in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some direct morning light, but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. A spot near an east or west-facing window would be ideal, providing the perfect balance of light without the intensity of midday exposure.

Temperature

Wax begonias are comfortable in a typical indoor environment, thriving at temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from temperatures below this as they are not frost-hardy. Keeping them in a room that doesn't fluctuate drastically and remains within this temperature range is ideal for their growth.

Pruning

Prune wax begonias to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed to keep the plant looking its best. The ideal time for pruning is in the spring before the new growth starts. Pinching back the tips of the stems can also promote a more compact and full plant. Regularly deadheading spent blooms will stimulate further flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for Begonia 'Irene Nuss' should be lightweight, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mixture consisting of peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and compost can provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Begonia 'Irene Nuss' should generally be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Inspect the plant annually and repot if roots have filled the current container or if the soil appears to be depleted.

Humidity & Misting

Begonia 'Irene Nuss' thrives in high humidity environments, ideally at a humidity level between 50% to 70%. To maintain healthy growth, ensure the plant is in an environment with consistent humidity within this range, avoiding dry air conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light, and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade with shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Begonia 'Irene Nuss' begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in spring or early summer. Following germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants, with characteristic asymmetrical leaves and a compact growth habit. As the plants mature, they form a bushy foliage, with the leaves taking on a rich green color and a waxy texture, while the plant starts to produce clusters of showy, pink flowers, typically blooming from late spring through fall. After the flowering period, the Begonia 'Irene Nuss' may produce small winged capsules containing seeds, enabling the cycle to continue. During the winter or in unfavorable conditions, this perennial may enter a dormant phase, during which above-ground growth dies back, and the plant survives via its underground tuberous structures. With the return of favorable conditions, the plant resumes growth, completing the cycle with new foliage and flowers.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Begonia 'Irene Nuss', a member of the Superba Group, can be propagated through leaf cuttings, which is a common and effective method for many Begonias. Cut a healthy leaf from the mother plant using a sterilized pair of scissors or a knife, leaving about an inch (2.54 cm) of the petiole intact. Next, make small incisions or wedges on the major veins on the underside of the leaf, which can encourage rooting. Lay the leaf, bottom-side down, onto a moist potting mix in a shallow tray or pot. You can use a clear plastic cover or bag to create a mini greenhouse effect, which maintains humidity. The leaf should be kept at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and in bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, small plantlets should form at the sites of the incisions or along the petiole, which can then be separated and potted individually once they have developed their own roots.