Lemon Fizz Begonia Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' (Fragrant Falls Improved Series)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Begonia 'Lemon Fizz', part of the Fragrant Falls Improved Series, is a visually striking plant known for its vibrant foliage and flowers. The leaves of this begonia are typically lush and glossy, with a rich green hue that sets off the contrasting bright yellow blossoms. The flowers themselves are the highlight of this plant, with their lemony-yellow color that seems to shimmer and shine like a fizzy effervescence. These blooms are notable not only for their color but also for their delicate, petal-laden appearance, which exudes a soft and ruffled texture. The flowers are often clustered together, creating a cascading effect that can give the plant a full, lush look. Additionally, this variety is admired for its pleasant fragrance, which adds an extra dimension of enjoyment beyond its visual appeal. Overall, the Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' exudes a cheerful and captivating presence through its effervescent flower color and sumptuous leafy backdrop.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Lemon Fizz Begonia, Fragrant Falls Improved Lemon Fizz
- Common names
  Begonia 'Lemon Fizz'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including Begonia 'Lemon Fizz', are typically not highly toxic to humans. However, they can have irritant qualities, primarily due to their insoluble oxalates, which can be mildly irritating to the skin or mouth. If ingested, these oxalate crystals can cause a burning sensation and swelling of tissues in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of ingestion may include oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's advisable to handle Begonias with care to avoid any skin irritation, and they should not be ingested.
- To pets
  Begonias, including Begonia 'Lemon Fizz', are mildly toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. The toxic principle is the insoluble oxalates contained within the plant's tissues. If a pet ingests a part of the plant, they may experience symptoms like oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing due to the irritation and potential swelling in the mouth and throat caused by the oxalate crystals. In most cases, the toxicity is relatively mild, but it is advisable to keep Begonias out of reach of pets and to consult with a veterinarian if any part of the plant is consumed.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  1 foot (30 centimeters)
- Spread
  2 feet (60 centimeters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: The Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' offers vibrant yellow foliage and flowers that can add a splash of color to gardens, patios, or indoor spaces.
- Compact Growth: It has a mounding growth habit which makes it suitable for small gardens, hanging baskets, and as a houseplant.
- Scented Flowers: The blossoms emit a pleasant fragrance which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden or room.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant produces flowers for an extended period, often from spring through fall, providing continuous color in the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: It performs well in shaded areas where many other flowering plants might struggle, offering a solution for darker corners of the garden.
- Easy Propagation: Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' can be easily propagated through cuttings, making it simple to create more plants for use in various locations or to share with others.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care, making it a great option for both novice gardeners and those who prefer low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, the plant has moderate drought tolerance, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Pest Resistance: It is relatively resistant to common garden pests, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
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 'Lemon Fizz' can be used in fairy gardens to create a whimsical and colorful mini landscape that captivates the imagination.
- These plants can be a part of sensory gardens due to their textured leaves and bright colors, which are pleasing to touch and see.
- When used in educational projects, Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' can help teach children about plant growth habits and flower pollination.
- Pressed begonia flowers from this variety can be used for creating botanical art pieces or in scrapbooking for their distinctive shapes and colors.
- Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' can be used in container gardens paired with aromatic herbs to create a multi-sensory display.
- This plant can be used as a living gift or party favor for special occasions, symbolizing friendship and happiness with its vibrant appearance.
- The begonia can be incorporated into summer bedding displays, providing a cascade of color and texture among other flowering annuals.
- These plants can act as natural indicators for overwatering in a mixed planter, as Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' is sensitive to excessive moisture.
- When used in photography, Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' can provide a vivid backdrop or subject matter for macro photography due to its intricate details.
- As a natural art material, the unique leaves of Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' can be used in leaf painting activities for creating patterns and prints.

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, in general, are often associated with a message of caution or warning. This can be interpreted as a reminder to be wary of new situations or to tread carefully in various aspects of one's life.
- Harmony - The Begonia 'Lemon Fizz', with its pleasant fragrance and bright lemon-like color, can represent harmony and can be seen as a symbol of peace and balance.
- Friendliness - The vibrant color and pleasing scent of this particular begonia cultivar might suggest a welcoming and friendly disposition, which is often conveyed when it is gifted to someone.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Lemon Fizz Begonia should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This may equate to watering approximately once every week, but the frequency can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Use room temperature water, avoiding cold water to prevent shock. Typically, a Lemon Fizz Begonia in a standard indoor pot (around 6-8 inches in diameter) may require between 16 to 24 ounces of water every watering session. Ensure good drainage to prevent water from sitting at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.
Light
Lemon Fizz Begonia thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It should not be exposed to direct sun, which can scorch its leaves, so placing it in a spot where it receives filtered light through a sheer curtain or slightly away from a south-facing window is ideal. This plant can also adapt to moderate lighting conditions, but growth and flowering may be reduced in lower light.
Temperature
Lemon Fizz Begonia prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the plant from temperatures below 50 degrees, as cold drafts and extreme chills can damage the plant. The ideal condition is a consistent, warmer temperature without sudden fluctuations.
Pruning
Prune Lemon Fizz Begonia to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or dying flowers or leaves to maintain its appearance and health. The best time to prune is in the spring or after the blooming cycle when the plant is starting to grow again. Light pruning can be done as needed throughout the year to shape the plant or control any leggy growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' prefers a well-draining potting mix with high organic matter content. A soil mixture containing peat, perlite, and compost is ideal. The best soil pH for Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.
Repotting
Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. This rejuvenates the soil and allows room for growth. Best repot in spring or early summer.
Humidity & Misting
Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' thrives at a humidity level of 50-70%. Consistent humidity is crucial for its vibrant foliage and abundant flowering.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright, indirect light and keep at warm temperatures.
- Outdoor
  Shelter from direct sun, keep moist, and protect from frost.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of Begonia 'Lemon Fizz' begins with seed germination, where the seeds need a warm and humid environment to sprout. The seedlings are delicate and require careful handling, gradually developing into young plants with recognizable begonia features such as asymmetrical angel-wing leaves. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage, producing a lush canopy of lemon-scented leaves and, given the right conditions, might start flowering within the same growing season. The flowering stage showcases clusters of delicate, pendulous flowers hanging from the stems, usually blooming in the warmer months. Post-bloom, the plant enters a dormant phase, especially in cooler climates, during which it would typically require less water and a reduction in feeding. This seasonal rhythm can repeat annually in perennial growing zones, where the plant, if appropriately cared for, can last several years, dying back in colder months and regrowing when the weather warms.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- Begonia 'Lemon Fizz', being a member of the Begonia genus, can be propagated successfully by stem cuttings, a method commonly employed due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The best time to propagate this plant is during its active growth period, which typically spans from spring to early autumn. To begin the process, a healthy stem cutting, about 3 to 4 inches long, is selected and snipped just below a node using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife. The lower leaves are removed, leaving only a couple of leaves at the top to ensure that the plant's energy is directed towards root development. The cutting is then inserted into a moist potting mixture, taking care to provide a warm environment with indirect light. The soil must be kept consistently moist but not overly saturated to promote root growth. In a few weeks, the cutting should start to establish roots, after which it can be treated as an individual plant.