Little Brother Montgomery Begonia Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery'

Water

The Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery' prefers consistently moist soil but is sensitive to overwatering. It is best to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your home. Offer water slowly around the base of the plant until you see moisture begin to escape through the drainage holes—using about 8 to 16 ounces for a standard 6-inch pot. Always ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and reduce watering frequency in the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.

Light

Begonias like 'Little Brother Montgomery' thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. The best spot for this plant is near a window that receives plenty of light but is shielded from the direct rays of the sun, especially during the harsh midday hours. An east-facing window is often ideal, as it provides the gentle morning light that these plants appreciate. Avoid placing your begonia in low light conditions, which can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.

Temperature

Begonias like 'Little Brother Montgomery' grow best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold drafts and chills can damage the plant. It's important to keep the begonia away from heating and cooling vents to maintain consistent temperature conditions.

Pruning

Pruning Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery' helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back new growth occasionally throughout the growing season, which is generally from spring to fall. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves as needed to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent potential disease issues. The best time for a more substantial pruning is in the spring just as new growth begins, but light pruning can be done at any time of year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery', commonly known as Begonia, is a well-draining, porous mix with a combination of peat moss, perlite, and compost to ensure high organic content and moisture retention. A soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal for this plant.

Repotting

Begonias, like the Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery', should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and provide room for root growth. Care must be taken to not damage the delicate roots during the process.

Humidity & Misting

Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery' thrives in high humidity conditions, preferably between 50% and 70%. It is important to maintain consistent humidity to promote healthy growth and bloom.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, protect from harsh sun and heavy rain.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery' starts its life as a seed, germinating in warm, moist soil where it will develop its first set of leaves. After the seedling stage, it grows into a young plant with a stronger root system and more leaves, which are asymmetrical and can have a variety of colors and patterns. As it matures into an adult plant, it produces clusters of flowers that can be white, pink, or red, depending on the variety, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into winged seed capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. After the blooming period, in colder climates or seasonal changes, the plant may enter dormancy, with reduced growth and a focus on energy conservation. With proper care, Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery' will continue its growth cycle year after year, eventually reaching its full size and repeating its flowering stage in subsequent seasons.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Begonia 'Little Brother Montgomery' is commonly propagated through leaf cuttings, a method that can be done virtually any time of the year, but is especially successful during the plant's active growing season, which is spring and summer. This process involves taking a healthy leaf from the plant, cutting it into sections, each with a main vein. These sections are then laid flat on a moist potting mix, with the cut vein touching the soil. To maintain humidity, you can cover the setup with a clear plastic bag or place it in a propagator. In a few weeks, you should see tiny new plants beginning to form at the vein cuts, and once they have developed a good root system, they can be carefully potted up into individual containers.