Learn How to Grow Christmas Begonia with easy tips in this guide. These lovely flowers will take your holiday decor to the next level.
Blooming around the festive time, Christmas Begonias stand out with their heart shaped leaves that are stunning enough to make it the centerpiece of your holiday decor!
Botanical Name: Begonia x cheimantha
Check Gryphon Begonia Care and Growing Guide here
Christmas Begonia Information
Begonia x cheimantha has glossy, dark green leaves that are often heart-like or serrated, and oblong. The plant is renowned for its bright and showy flowers, typically blooming in shades of pink, red, or white. The blossoms are usually double or semi-double and have a waxy texture.
It blooms primarily during the winter months, which is why it’s commonly called the Christmas Begonia. The blooming period can extend from late fall into early spring.
This short day begonia is a hybrid species and does not have a natural habitat. It is believed to be a cross between Begonia socotrana and Begonia dregei, combining traits from both parent species.
Give a Look at the Begonia Maculata Care and Growing Guide
Types of Christmas Begonias
Apart from this particular plant, any begonia that blooms during or around the festive time is christened as Christmas Begonia/s.
- Begonia ‘Whopper Rose Bronze’: This variety has dark green leaves with a silvery shine and peach-colored flowers with yellow centers.
- Begonia ‘Emperor Red’: The Emperor Red Christmas begonia stands out with its red flowers. It grows nearly 1 foot tall.
- Begonia ‘Cocktail Whiskey’: This compact begonia has glossy bronze leaves and is incredibly resistant to Pythium root rot.
- Begonia ‘Monza’: You can go with the ‘Monza Blush’ with pink-red flowers or the white flowers of the ‘Monza White’ cultivar.
- Begonia ‘Party Pink’: This lovely type of Christmas begonia has bronze-green leaves with a hint of purple with nice pink flowers.
- Begonia ‘Prelude White’: Why not go with this beauty in white? It grows 8-10 inches and has a continuous blooming period.
Check Begonia Maculata Varieties in this Post
Propagating Christmas Begonias
Propagation through divisions is a viable method for this plant. Spring is the ideal time for dividing Begonia x cheimantha. This gives it enough time to establish itself before the dormant winter period.
Water thoroughly a day before dividing. This ensures that the plant is hydrated and healthy, reducing stress during the process.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot.
- Carefully separate the root ball into sections. Each one should have a good amount of roots and at least one or two healthy stems or leaves.
- Use fresh, well-draining potting soil suitable for begonias.
- Plant each division in a new pot, making sure not to bury the stems too deep.
- Note: New sections/plants may take a few weeks to establish and start new growth. Be patient and maintain consistent care.
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Choosing a Container for Christmas Begonia
Start with a pot that has a diameter of approximately 8 inches. This size allows enough room for the plant to develop without becoming overly crowded.
When repotting, go for a pot that accommodates your plant’s size with about 1-2 inches of extra space in diameter.
Requirements for Growing Christmas Begonia
Location
Christmas Begonia prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight exposure for a longer duration can lead to leaf burn, while too little light can cause leggy growth and fewer blooms.
A location near a window that receives filtered light or a spot with dappled sunlight is ideal. East-facing windows are a good choice. It won’t mind a direct exposure in the morning (mild sun) for 3-4 hours daily.
Soil
The plant thrives best in a well draining soil so any good quality, pre-mix one would do. You can also make a cost-effective, homemade potting mix for Christmas Begonia by mixing:
- Part Peat Moss or Coco Coir: Provides moisture retention and aeration.
- Part Perlite or Vermiculite: Enhances drainage and prevents soil compaction.
- Part Compost or Well-Rotted Manure: Supplies nutrients and improves soil structure.
Water
Avoid watering the plant on a daily basis and do it only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering or allowing the plant to sit in water can lead to root rot. The plant prefers a growing medium on a slightly moist condition.
Use room temperature water and water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Temperature and Humidity
Christmas Begonias thrives in a temperature range of 60-85°F (15-28°C). Keep the plant away from drafts, sudden temperature changes, and sources of direct heat.
Look at the Pink Begonia Pictures in this Post
Christmas Begonia Care
Fertilizer
For Christmas Begonias, use a balanced liquid fertilizer, like 10-10-10. Dilute it to 1/4 of its strength and use it once in 2 weeks. – this will promote blooming and will also boost the overall growth of the plant.
Cut back on fertilizer to once a month or even less in the colder months.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Also, ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Begonias can be attacked by diseases like stem rot, Botrytis blight, and powdery mildew, especially in damp places without enough air or if the soil is too wet. Bugs can also bother begonias, but these plants don’t like insecticidal soaps much. If they show up, gently wipe them away with a damp cloth.
Read Elatior Begonia Care and Growing Guide
Tips on Tricking Christmas Begonias to Bloom
Encouraging Begonia x cheimantha to bloom around Christmas involves “forcing.”
1. Light Control
Begonias are photoperiodic, meaning their flowering is influenced by daylight hours. To trigger blooming, reduce the amount of light the plant receives to about 8-10 hours a day for several weeks.
This can be done by placing the plant in a dark room or using a box to cover it for the remainder of the 24-hour period. After this period of reduced light, revert to normal lighting conditions to stimulate flowering.
2. Temperature Regulation
Cooler temperatures can also encourage blooming. During the light control period, maintain a slightly cooler temperature around the plant, ideally between 58-65°F (14-18°C). Avoid temperatures below this range, as they could harm the plant.
