Begonia Sparkler Red Begonia Sparkler Red = 'Yasped' (PBR)

Water

For the Begonia Sparkler, ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This might mean watering every 7-10 days, but this can vary based on temperature and humidity. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant's roots. Typically, giving the plant about 8-16 ounces of water at a time should suffice, though you should adjust the amount according to the size of your pot and the plant's environment.

Light

Begonia Sparklers prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They thrive in a spot with filtered light that mimics their natural, dappled light habitat under forest canopies. Avoid direct sun exposure, which can scorch their leaves, but ensure they get several hours of indirect sunlight each day for optimal growth. East or west-facing windows usually provide the best lighting conditions.

Temperature

Begonia Sparklers do best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to temperatures below that. These begonias can also withstand up to about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to high heat can stress the plant.

Pruning

Prune Begonia Sparklers to encourage bushier growth and to remove any dead or yellowing leaves. This task is best performed in the spring or early summer, which is the start of their active growing season. Cut just above a leaf node to promote new growth. Removing spent flower stalks after blooming will also help maintain a tidy appearance and redirect energy to new blooms and foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Begonia Sparkler Red should be light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A mix of peat, perlite, and pine bark in equal parts can create an ideal growing medium. For this Begonia, a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 6.5 is preferred.

Repotting

Begonias like the Begonia Sparkler Red should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their current container. It's best done during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

Humidity & Misting

The Begonia Sparkler Red thrives best in higher humidity levels, typically between 50-70%. Maintaining these humidity conditions is key for healthy growth and lush foliage.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid direct sun.

• Outdoor

  Choose shaded spot, protect from intense midday sun.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of 'Yasped' (PBR), commonly known as Begonia Sparkler Red, begins with seed germination, where conditions of warmth and moisture trigger the development of the seed into a small seedling. Following germination, the seedling enters the vegetative growth phase, focusing on leaf and stem development, and gradually matures into a young plant. This plant then enters a period of more robust vegetative growth, often requiring more space, nutrients, and light to achieve its characteristic bushy foliage and sturdy stems. As the Begonia Sparkler Red reaches maturity, it begins the flowering stage, producing striking red blooms that attract pollinators, thereby facilitating the reproductive phase. After successful pollination, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle, which may scatter to produce new plants or can be collected for propagation. Eventually, as the growing season concludes or in response to adverse conditions, the Begonia Sparkler Red will enter dormancy or die back, with perennial varieties able to regrow from tubers or roots the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Begonia Sparkler Red 'Yasped' (PBR), commonly referred to as Begonia, is commonly propagated via stem cuttings, a popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. This type of propagation is typically performed in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Begonia Sparkler Red from a stem cutting, a healthy stem about 4 inches (approximately 10 cm) long with a couple of leaves is selected. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot of moistened soilless potting mix. It should be kept in a warm location with indirect light and high humidity, either by covering with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse environment, until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. Once the cutting has rooted and starts to show new growth, it can be transferred to a larger pot and treated as a mature plant.