Wax Begonia Begonia 'Martin Johnson' (R)

Water

The Begonia 'Martin Johnson,' also known as Martin Johnson Begonia, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once every 7 to 10 days, but the frequency may need to be adjusted based on the humidity and temperature of your home. When watering, it is important to gently pour water until it begins to run out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring the root system is adequately saturated. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. Typically, using about 8 to 16 ounces of water per plant should be sufficient, but always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Light

The Martin Johnson Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light. It is best situated in a spot where it will receive plenty of light without being exposed to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing window with sheer curtains to diffuse the light is ideal for this plant.

Temperature

The Martin Johnson Begonia prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and a maximum of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range creates a comfortable environment for the plant to thrive in typical indoor conditions.

Pruning

Prune the Martin Johnson Begonia to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. This should be done as needed when you notice any dead or yellowing leaves. Light pruning can be done at any time, but more extensive pruning is best done in the spring before new growth begins. Pinch off the tips of the stems to promote fuller growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Begonia 'Martin Johnson' prefers a well-draining soil mix with equal parts peat, pine bark, and perlite or sand to promote aeration and prevent waterlogging. The ideal soil pH for this Begonia should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from about 5.5 to 6.5.

Repotting

Begonia 'Martin Johnson' typically requires repotting every 1-2 years or whenever it outgrows its current pot. It's best to repot in spring or early summer to allow the plant to recover during its active growing period.

Humidity & Misting

Begonia 'Martin Johnson' thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% to 70%. It is important to maintain consistent humidity without fluctuation to ensure the health and growth of the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Shelter from direct sun, protect from frost, high humidity.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Begonia 'Martin Johnson' starts its life cycle with seed germination, where the seeds require warmth and moisture to sprout. Once established, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing characteristic asymmetrical leaves and branching stems in a vegetative stage. As the plants mature, they enter a phase of flowering where they produce distinctive flowers, often attracting pollinators if outdoors. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which upon drying, release seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. In optimal conditions, Begonia 'Martin Johnson' may also propagate asexually through leaf or stem cuttings, which root to form new plants. The mature plants then enter a period of senescence and die back, especially if exposed to temperatures below their tolerance, yet they can regrow if the tuberous rootstock is protected or brought indoors.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Begonia 'Martin Johnson', commonly known as Begonia, can be propagated effectively through leaf cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant. To propagate by leaf cuttings, select a healthy, mature leaf and cut it into pieces, each with at least one vein. Lay the leaf pieces vein-side down on moistened potting mix in a tray. Cover the tray with plastic to create a greenhouse effect, keeping the humidity high, which is essential for rooting. Place the tray in bright, indirect light and maintain the soil moisture without soaking it. Roots and new shoots will typically begin to form in a few weeks, at which point the new plantlets can be potted separately. This propagation is usually done during the spring or early summer months when the plant is actively growing and can recover quickly from the loss of leaf material.