Begonia Chlorosticta is a shrub-like flowering plant with large flowers. It grows on rocky slopes ad damp cliffs in Central Sarawak, Malaysia. The leaves of this plant are oval-shaped with chartreuse blotches and red veins.
Begonia chlorosticta grows up to 30cm tall and blossoms with white flowers. Since it can become leggy, assuming that filled outside in warm environments, it is the most appropriate for indoor development.
This Begonia is low-support and requires little water or fertilizer regardless of its rapid growth. While this houseplant is usually disposed to develop on sodden bluffs and rough slants, you can effectively develop it anywhere if you follow its best consideration guide.
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Characteristics of Begonia Chlorosticta
| Scientific name | Begonia chlorosticta |
| Genus | Begonia |
| Family | Begoniaceae |
| Origin | Sarawak, Malaysia |
| Habitat | Climbing or creeping |
Types of Begonia Chlorosticta
Begonia chlorosticta exists in green, red, and black forms. At a young state, different forms of these plants cannot be distinguished.
Red and green forms of Begonia chlorosticta look more beautiful as they grow due to their features.
The red type of Begonia chlorosticta highlights delightful red and green elliptic-molded leaves, while the green form leaves are only olive green.
Hence, the red form of this plant is likewise more costly than the green chlorosticta. While the green type of Begonia chlorosticta sprouts with female blossoms and guys to forestall cross-fertilization in the wild, the red structure does the inverse.
Begonia Chlorosticta Care Tips
Begonia chlorosticta has been one of the most challenging Begonia species to grow. It frequently goes through softening spells with no apparent explanation.
Caring for it is feasible and this article will tell you the best way to focus on your plants.
Soil requirements
The main component for Begonia chlorosticta soil is drainage. The soil for Begonia chlorosticta should be slightly acidic, rich with nutrients, and have a pH level of 6.1-7.5 for healthy growth.
Make sure the preparing blend is light and porous; this will lessen the opportunity of Begonia chlorosticta dissolving ceaselessly.
The potting mixture can be prepared using 1 part sphagnum moss, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part kanuma.
Fertilizer requirements
Begonia chlorosticta should be fertilized during spring or summer for best plant growth. The fertilizer should be liquid-based and checked for any harmful elements.
Depending on the state of your Begonia, the plant may not require fertilizer most of the time because of well-nourished soil.
Temperature requirements
Begonia chlorosticta will grow healthy in a warmer temperature, so it is best to plant them in a terrarium. The ideal temperature for the best growth of Begonia chlorosticta is 18°C to 25°C (64.4F-77F).
Light requirements
Begonia chlorosticta may experience issues flourishing and drop leaves without adequate sunlight. As plenty of light is vital for growth, uncovering your Begonia Chlorosticta to direct sunlight will harm the plant.
Bright and indirect sunlight are optimal conditions for the plant to flourish. In shaded regions, artificial lights can be used.
Humidity Requirements
Begonia chlorosticta requires a higher level of humidity of about 80-85% and is usually grown in a terrarium or clear plastic box.
Water Requirements
Begonia chlorosticta needs 1 cup of water every nine days when placed in indirect sunlight and is potted in a 5-inch pot. The ideal procedure will be to wait for it to slightly dry before another watering.
Pro Tip:
Repotting
Repot your Begonia Chlorosticta if you notice that it has grown larger than its pot. Since Begonias like to be root-bound, holding on until the pot is totally loaded up with roots prior to repotting is ideal.
Pro Tips:
Also Read: Philodendron Tortum Care & Propagation ( Complete A to Z)
Step by Step Begonia Chlorosticta Propagation
Begonia chlorosticta can be propagated by stem cutting and seeds. Step by step guide to propagating the plant is provided. Read on.
Propagation by Stem Cutting
- Begonia Chlorosticta can be propagated through stem cuttings. To do this, use sharp and sterile scissors to cut off some stems.
- Get your potting mixtures ready. After that, you can now root your cuttings in a small pot with well-draining soil.
- Before exposing your new plant to indirect sunlight, water it and add a little fertilizer.
- In half a month, your Begonia chlorosticta will produce new leaves.
Propagation by Seeds
- Seeds of Begonia chlorosticta can also be utilized to propagate the plant.
- Begonia chlorosticta sprouts with female flowers before male flowers, forestalling cross-fertilization in the wild except if another plant is blossoming and can offer dust.
- A lot of people who grow Begonia chlorosticta save pollen from the previous year and use it to pollinate the plant next year.
Also Read: Philodendron Luxurians Care & Propagation – # 1 Best Tips!
Begonia Chlorosticta Common Problems and Solutions
Pests
Begonia chlorosticta, like most Begonia, is inclined to pests like mealybugs, parasites, gnats, and spider mites. These pests might be extracting your plant since you don’t tidy up the garbage in the wake of pruning. They can likewise invade your plant because of infected nearby plants.
It is not difficult to remove these pests. Use pesticide spray or a cloth dipped in alcohol to wipe the pests.
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are a consequence of a bacterial pathogen. Whenever this occurs, yellow coronas begin creating on your plants, and ignoring them will be more annihilating for your plants.
Over-wetting of leaves is one of the reasons for bacterial leaf spots on Begonia chlorosticta.
Do not soak the leaves to prevent bacterial leaf spots. Also, remove infected leaves from the plant.
Powdery Mold
Another problem associated with this plant is the white, mealy fungi that develop on your Begonia’s blossoms, leaves, and stems due to a pathogen called Odium.
This problem can be tackled with close observance and the utilization of fungicides. Also, Neem oil spray can be used for pest infestations.
Conclusion
Begonia chlorosticta is an exotic plant and has been one of the most challenging Begonia species to grow. Moreso, having this houseplant expects you to screen it and make changes when essential.
In any case, whenever dealt with reasonable care, the Begonia chlorosticta plant has extraordinary visual allure in any home or office.
Frequently Asked Questions about Begonia Chlorosticta
Are Begonias toxic?
Although its most toxic parts are underground, it’s still best to keep begonias out of reach of your pets.
Do you cut dead flowers off begonias?
Deadheading removes spent or faded flowers to prevent the flowers from producing seeds, encourage more flowers and stems or clean up the plant.
Why are the flowers on my Begonia turning brown?
Plants that are too high can’t get adequate moisture, and too deep plants will rot. Either may lead to wilting and browning of the plant. Decrease watering, so the begonias’ soil dries out between watering sessions.
What to do with begonias when they stop flowering?
Store begonia tubers individually in paper bags or line them in a single layer atop newspaper. Place these in a cardboard box in a cool, dark, dry location.
