Begonia 'Looking Glass' Begonia 'Looking Glass' (C)

Water

The Looking Glass Begonia should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 1 to 2 weeks. It is best to use room temperature water and gently water the soil directly, avoiding the leaves to prevent potential fungal growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has good drainage. Depending on the size of the pot, you may end up using about 8 to 16 ounces of water for smaller pots and up to half a gallon for larger ones each time you water.

Light

Looking Glass Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light, away from direct sunlight which can scorch its delicate leaves. The ideal spot is next to a window that receives filtered light through sheer curtains or a location that provides consistent, diffuse light throughout the day. It can also tolerate low-light conditions but will have slower growth.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Looking Glass Begonia is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it can cause damage to the plant. Keep it away from drafty windows and air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature changes are harmful.

Pruning

Pruning Looking Glass Begonia is necessary to maintain its shape, remove any dead or yellowing leaves, and encourage fuller growth. Prune in the spring or summer, cutting back any leggy stems to just above a leaf node. How often you prune will depend on the plant's growth rate; do so when it appears to be getting too large or untidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Begonia rex 'Looking Glass' thrives best in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with high organic matter content such as peat moss or coconut coir, combined with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Begonia rex 'Looking Glass' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. The best time for repotting is in the spring or early summer, during its active growing phase.

Humidity & Misting

Begonia rex 'Looking Glass' prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%. It flourishes in a consistently humid environment but can tolerate brief periods of lower humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, shelter from wind, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Begonia 'Looking Glass' seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, emerging as seedlings with their first set of true leaves. As the plant grows, it develops a bushy form with intricate silver and green foliage with red undersides, preferring indirect light and high humidity. The vegetative stage is characterized by the production of thick, fleshy stems and leaves through which the plant expands in size, reaching maturity when it starts developing flowers. Begonia 'Looking Glass' blooms periodically throughout the year when conditions are suitable, with small flowers that may be less noticeable compared to its striking foliage. Once pollinated, the flowers will produce seeds that can be dispersed to start new plants, although propagation is more commonly achieved through cuttings. The plant will continue to grow and can live for several years with proper care, eventually succumbing to old age or environmental stresses.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Begonia 'Looking Glass' is through leaf cuttings, typically performed during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing, which is spring to early summer. To propagate by leaf cuttings, a healthy and mature leaf is chosen and then cut into sections, ensuring each section has at least one vein. These sections are then placed on a moist potting mix or laid flat on the surface and slightly pressed down to ensure contact. The potting media should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged and placed in a warm, bright area without direct sunlight. Roots and eventually new shoots will emerge from the veins, developing into a new plant which can be potted up once it has grown sufficiently. It is important to maintain high humidity throughout this process, which can be achieved by covering the cutting with a transparent plastic cover or placing it in a humidity dome.