Red Robin Begonia Begonia 'Red Robin' (R)
ABOUT
Begonia 'Red Robin' is a vibrant and eye-catching plant that is cherished for its ornamental qualities. This plant boasts a lush foliage characterized by rich green leaves that create a stunning backdrop for the plant's standout feature – its flowers. The flowers of the Begonia 'Red Robin' are what truly capture attention, with their radiant red hue that can add a splash of color to any space. These blooms are delicate and have a tantalizing appearance, with petals that are slightly wavy at the edges, giving them a ruffled look. The plant's overall visual appeal is enhanced by the contrast between the deep green leaves and the striking red flowers, making it a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts looking to add a pop of color to their indoor or outdoor plant collections.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Begoniaceae.
Synonyms
Red Robin Begonia, Begonia 'Red Robin'.
Common names
Begonia 'Red Robin'
ToxicityTo humans
Begonias, including the Begonia 'Red Robin', contain insoluble oxalates which can be mildly toxic when ingested. If someone eats a part of a Begonia 'Red Robin', they may experience symptoms like irritation of the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, and a burning sensation. In severe cases, it could cause vomiting and diarrhea. The sap can also be irritating to the skin and eyes.
To pets
Begonias, including the Begonia 'Red Robin', are toxic to pets because they contain insoluble oxalate crystals. If a pet ingests any part of the Begonia 'Red Robin', they may experience symptoms such as oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms such as pawing at the mouth or face, a decrease in appetite, and potentially changes in kidney function or an increase in salivation if a large amount is consumed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Spread
18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces with its striking red foliage.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors.
- Compact Size: Ideal for small spaces or as a tabletop plant due to its manageable size and growth habit.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it suitable for gardeners with less time for frequent watering.
- Versatile: Can be used in mixed borders, containers, hanging baskets, and as a bedding plant, offering numerous landscaping possibilities.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flowers: Begonia 'Red Robin' blooms are edible and have a light, lemony taste, perfect for adding a colorful garnish to salads or desserts.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The flowers of the 'Red Robin' begonia can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics, giving a unique and organic color.
- Photography Subject: With their vibrant red foliage, these plants can be used by photographers as a beautiful, natural backdrop for macro photography.
- Arts and Crafts: Dried begonia petals can be incorporated into pressed flower art or used for making handmade paper or potpourri.
- Educational Tools: 'Red Robin' begonias can be used in educational settings to demonstrate plant biology, and propagation techniques to students.
- Bonsai Specimens: Although not a traditional bonsai plant, creative gardeners can train 'Red Robin' begonias as bonsai for a unique take on the art form.
- Ice Cubes Decoration: Freeze the small flowers of the 'Red Robin' begonia in ice cubes to create a decorative and edible element for summer drinks.
- Living Jewelry: Tiny 'Red Robin' begonia plants or leaves can be used to create living brooches, pendants, or other pieces of jewelry.
- Culinary Experiments: Begonia leaves can add a tart flavor to foods and may be experimented with in recipes as a substitute for other sour-tasting ingredients.
- Seasonal Decor: With its holiday-red foliage, 'Red Robin' can be potted in festive containers and used as a natural decor during the Christmas season.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Begonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution: Begonia 'Red Robin' is often associated with a warning to be cautious or on alert, as in Victorian flower language, begonias were used to communicate such messages.
- Harmony: The even and symmetrical growth of the Red Robin Begonia can symbolize harmony and balance in one's life.
- Fanciful Nature: With its bright red flowers and ornamental leaves, the Red Robin Begonia may represent a whimsical or fanciful approach to life.
- Individuality: Because Begonia 'Red Robin' has unique coloration and characteristics, it might symbolize individuality and the importance of being true to oneself.
- Gratitude: In some contexts, giving begonias is seen as a gesture of appreciation, making it a symbol of gratitude and thankfulness.
WaterBegonias, including the 'Red Robin', prefer to be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water the plant thoroughly until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot, which should occur approximately every 7 to 10 days, depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. It's important not to let the begonia sit in water, as this can cause root rot. Aim to provide about half a gallon of water for a medium-sized plant every watering session, ensuring even soil moisture but avoiding waterlogged soil.
LightBegonias such as 'Red Robin' thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot near a window that receives filtered sunlight, or a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, would be ideal. Direct sunlight, particularly in the hot afternoon hours, can scorch the leaves, so it's important to avoid placing your 'Red Robin' in such conditions.
TemperatureThe 'Red Robin' begonia prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can be damaging. The ideal range maintains the health and vitality of the plant, so keeping it in a climate-controlled environment within these parameters would be best.
PruningPruning 'Red Robin' begonias helps to encourage bushier growth and remove dead or yellowing leaves. It is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is entering its active growth phase. Pruning can be performed every few months or as needed to maintain the desired shape and size. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts without damaging the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Begonia 'Red Robin' should be light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss or coco coir with perlite or vermiculite and compost works well. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingBegonia 'Red Robin' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Repotting in the spring is ideal for this plant, giving it space to grow and fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingBegonia 'Red Robin' thrives in high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. Maintaining these humidity conditions will support lush growth and health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Partial shade; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA.
Life cycleBegonia 'Red Robin' begins its life cycle as a seed, sprouting into a small seedling when provided with the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling grows into a young plant with characteristic wing-shaped leaves and begins to develop its fibrous root system. As it matures, it forms a bushy habit with rich, red to bronze foliage and produces clusters of delicate white to pink flowers, usually in the warmer months. Throughout its life, the plant continues to grow and can be propagated through cuttings or division, allowing it to produce genetically similar offspring. After flowering, the Begonia 'Red Robin' can enter a dormant phase, especially in cooler climates, where growth slows down or ceases until favorable conditions return. With proper care, including adequate light, water, and fertilizer, the Begonia 'Red Robin' can live for several years, continuously going through cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Begonia 'Red Robin', commonly known as Red Robin Begonia, is best propagated during its active growing season, which is typically spring through early summer. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is through leaf cuttings. To do this, a healthy and mature leaf should be selected and cut into sections, ensuring that each section contains at least one of the main veins. The leaf sections are then placed on moist potting mix or a propagation medium and covered lightly with some of the mix to keep them in place. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light. Roots and new plants will start to develop at the vein intersection points. After new growth is observed, which could take a few weeks, the young plants can be carefully transplanted into their own pots.
