Also called elatior begonia, or winter-flowering begonia
(Begonia x hiemalis)
Whether trailing or upright, rieger begonia has waxy, dark green leaves and colorful flowers.
Light
Place in high light (southern exposure) in winter and medium (bright indirect) light rest of year. Summer outside in partial shade.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist except after bloom. Then, water less. Avoid splashing water on leaves, which may cause disease. Raise humidity.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures in mid-50s to mid-60s. Average temperatures OK.
Comments
Feed monthly with dilute solution during active growth. Pinch in late spring and early summer for bushiness. Buds form in fall when days are short (10 hours of light). Keep out of light after dusk at this time. Blooms in six to nine weeks. Water less and stop feeding after bloom. When growth begins, water and feed normally.
