Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom

Description

The Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Begoniaceae family. It is native to South America and is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening. This plant is known for its large, showy blooms that come in shades of pink, red, and white. The flowers are double-layered, with a frilly appearance that makes them look like small roses.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom is a compact plant that grows up to 8-12 inches in height and width. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are shaped like hearts and have a waxy texture. The plant produces large, double-layered flowers that can grow up to 3 inches in diameter. The petals have a frilly appearance and come in shades of pink, red, and white. The blooms are held up by sturdy stems that can withstand wind and rain, making this plant a great choice for outdoor gardens.

Care Guide

Proper care is essential for the Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom to thrive. Here are some tips:

Water

The plant needs to be watered regularly, but make sure not to overwater it. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. Watering from the bottom is ideal as it prevents the leaves from getting wet, which can cause fungal diseases.

Fertilization

Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Soil

The Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix with peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.

Sunlight

The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.

Hardiness Zones

The Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. In colder zones, it needs to be grown as an indoor plant.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:

Pests

• Spider mites
• Mealybugs

Diseases

• Bacterial leaf spot
• Botrytis blight
• Powdery mildew

To prevent these problems, make sure to keep the plant clean and avoid overwatering. If you notice any signs of pests or diseases, treat them immediately with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.

Habitat

The Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom is native to South America, where it grows in tropical forests. It prefers warm, humid conditions and is often found growing in the understory of the forest. In cultivation, it can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it needs to be protected from direct sunlight and cold temperatures.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom?

A: Water the plant regularly, but allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. Watering from the bottom is ideal.

Q: What kind of soil is best for the Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom?

A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix with peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.

Q: Can the Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom be grown indoors?

A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors, but it needs bright, indirect sunlight and warm temperatures.

Q: How do I propagate the Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom?

A: The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from the tip of a healthy stem and place it in a pot with moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location until it roots.

Related Plants

• Begonia rex
• Begonia semperflorens
• Begonia tuberhybrida
• Begonia boliviensis

References

• “Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b619.
• “Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom.” Plant Care Today. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/begonia-non-stop-appleblossom.html.
• “Begonia Non-Stop Appleblossom.” The Spruce. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-non-stop-begonias-1402261.