Masonian begonia: care

Masonian begonia: care

If you like begonias, you may have some at home. Or that you are thinking of buying a specific one. How about a masonian begonia? Its care is very easy to apply and in return you will have a plant that is characterized by a cross on its leaves.

But how is the masonian begonia? What care do you need so that you are always happy? If this is the first time you are listening to it, or you have it at home and you want to know if you are doing it right, here we will tell you everything.

How is the masonian begonia

Appearance of the masonian begonia with its iron cross

Before telling you about the care of the masonian begonia, it is important that you know what this plant is like. It is native to Southeast Asia and the truth is that it does not grow too much since it will only reach about 30-50 centimeters.

The most striking thing about this plant are its leaves, in the shape of an iron cross. In addition, they have a very defined pattern of a cross between red and brown in the center. If you see them, they will seem to you that they are woven or embroidered, which is another point to take into account about it.

And does it bloom? Yes, although many say that this flowering is insignificant, but the truth is that these flowers are very special and curious. They are very small, and do not rival the leaves, but still their bunches are pretty to look at.

Although we can say that it is evergreen, it is possible that in winter it dies to return again in spring (as long as you protect it, of course).

Care of the masonian begonia

masonian begonia with flowers

If you have a masonian begonia, you will realize that its care is not complicated at all, quite the opposite. And if you are going to have it, it is good that you know what they are. Be that as it may, here we leave you the main thing you need to know.

Lighting design

This plant it needs light. to be able to be a lot. But she doesn't like direct sun so she tries to put her in a very bright room.

As for the hours that light needs, we advise you that the more you give it, the better.

Location and temperature

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Do I put it inside the house or outside? In its natural habitat, it's outside, obviously. But the temperatures in which you live They are between 15 and 22 degrees. In other words, it is a delicate plant with these.

Si there is a sudden change in temperature, it will suffer, and you can lose it just because of that. So, if you cannot provide a suitable climate outside, it is best to have it inside the house in an area free of drafts, air conditioners or heaters, which maintains more or less that humidity.

That said, you may have noticed that It does not support cold or frost. In fact, it is possible that in winter you lose it completely. But if you protect the pot well and don't water it, in spring you can be surprised that it starts again.

Substrate and transplant

The masonian begonia likes to have a light soil and, above all, with spaces that allow the roots to aerate. So if you want to change the pot or the soil because it seems to you that it is already very degraded, it is best to use a mixture with drainage. You can use compost or universal earth and akadama (although it is what is added to bonsai, in this case it will allow the soil not to be caked and to breathe easily).

Now, when to transplant? The indication that will tell you that the plant needs a transplant are the roots. When you see that these peek out from the bottom, it is best to change it to another pot. But be careful, don't change it to a very big one, it's better to pass it to a larger size than it currently has. For example, if you have it in a 14cm pot, move it to a 15 or 16cm pot, not larger because it will help you not have to go overboard with watering (and it is one of the masonian begonia care that you should control the most ).

Irrigation

This is something that will take you down the street of bitterness. You see, in its natural habitat, it lives in very humid places. And you might think that it needs a very abundant watering to keep the soil always moist. But if you overdo it, it rots.

So our recommendation is that water when you see that the substrate has become dry. Why? Because that way you will avoid this problem. In fact, if you look at some websites they will tell you that you have to water every 2 times a week in summer, and only once in winter, but the truth is that it will depend on each climate. Some will do well that way, others won't.

One trick you can try is sticking a toothpick into the soil to see if it's moist or not. Note that, by using a "large" drain there will be no accumulation of water, so the humidity will remain for a time that will depend on whether your climate is drier or less.

Humidity

This masonian begonia care is just as important. And it is that it loves moisture, but doesn't like being sprayed on its leaves.

So the best you can do is:

  • Buy a humidifier and put it on the plant several times a day.
  • Put it on a plate full of pebbles and water (not to touch the plant) so that when the water evaporates, it nourishes itself.

Fertilizer

Every 15 days, from spring to summer, you should use a fertilizer rich in nitrogen to nourish the plant. It will thank you with increased leaf production.

Of course, try not to wear it during the hours of greatest solar incidence because, although you are not going to have it in full sun, it is better to use it first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

potted iron cross care

Pruning

The masonian begonia does not need pruning. But yes it is true that you need that you remove the leaves that spoil, burn or wither, because they are sources of infections by pests or diseases.

Also, in spring, when it blooms, many experts recommend that these flowers be cut because they take a lot of energy from the plant and do not dedicate it to the leaves. It's up to you whether you want it to bloom or not.

Plagues and diseases

In this aspect, you must be careful with the factors that will make your begonia sick. In general, you can be affected by nematodes, that is, worms, as well as whiteflies.

mushrooms like el powdery mildew or botrytis It can also affect it, but without killing it, it will only make its leaves look very ugly.

If you take good care of it and provide a remedy for these problems, even if you think that the plant is going away, you can be in for a surprise in spring since in most cases it will sprout again once the “crisis” is over.

Reproduction

Reproduction of masonian begonia is quite easy to carry out. You simply have to cut a stem with leaves and plant it in another pot (some comment that it is better to leave 1-2 days before doing so so that the wound seals well and does not rot).

Another option is to take a leaf with a petiole, at least 10 cm. Once you cut it, you must have the petiole only in water, until it takes root, and finally plant it.

Are the care of the Masonian begonia clear to you?


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