Begonia Prismatocarpa is a little flourishing species that grows well in vivariums. They can be produced epiphytically or mundanely, which makes them one of the most varied species. As they age, they display their leaves, which are in yellow and orange color. The small size and beautiful, pleasant blossoms make this one of the most popular indoor ornamental houseplants.
Classification
- Family: Begoniaceae
- Genus: Begonia
About the Genus Begonia
Begonia is a class of evergreen flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae, containing over 1,400 species. Subtropical and tropical native to Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, Begonia is known for its beautiful and magnificent flower. It usually grows as a potted plant in cold climates. The flower has no petals, and the plant itself is monotonous, meaning that it has a universal male and female flower. These plants are well-known for their beautiful characteristics and are famous as ornamental house plants, especially in lower temperatures and colder climates. Some of the popular plants of this genus are Begonia amphioxus, Begonia Foliosa, and Begonia Ferox
Origin and Distribution
The genus was first named in the mid-18th century after Michel Begon, a former French governor. The Begonia family is widespread in most tropical regions of the world. Like Euphorbia, it is a vast genus comprising more than 1,000 different species.
Begonia Prismatocarpa is native to western tropical Africa, particularly Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and the equatorial island of Bioko, where Western pilgrims first tested the species.
Begonia Prismatocarpa Plant Features
Foliage and Stem
Begonias are delicate plants with bright flowers and green-lime leaves. This Begonia grows from a creeping rhizome, and the leaves are attractive, small, and clapped.
Evergreen
These are evergreen plants that can stay fresh and beautiful as long as you give them the proper care and environment. This makes them an exceptional indoor ornamental plant because it does not dry and wither with the changing seasons.
Height
Begonia Prismatocarpa is the smallest type in the enormous Begonia family; a fully mature plant is close to 12 cm. The moderate growth and height make this plant progressively appropriate for a terrarium.
Temperature Tolerance
Begonia Prismatocarpa is a room or terrarium plant. It enjoys high temperatures. However, the maximum temperature that it can tolerate will be 30 degrees Celsius for day and 10 degrees Celsius for the night. Any extreme fluctuations may slow down the plant’s growth.
Humidity Tolerance
Just like temperatures, these plants enjoy high humidity as well. Begonia Prismatocarpa needs high moisture and would grow very well in a terrarium. It’s a small plant so it can fit into little containers where it will flourish and blossom persistently once settled. Just make sure that you do not over-hydrate the plant. Excess water on their surface can prove to be more damaging than beneficial.
Flowers
Begonia Prismatocarpa is a wide range of flowering plants with attractive leaves and red stems. Its flowers are everblooming and orange to yellow in shading. Thus, it can be kept as a houseplant not only to clean your environment but also to bring a pop of color inside the room.
Drought-resistance
Begonias are a best-grown plant in less water content, humus-rich soil with a moderate humidity level. Begonia can withstand mild dry seasons if the plant is entrenched before dry conditions occur. However, it would not be too long before the species start to give up and look dull and dry.
Pressure Tolerance
These are delicate plants and will not tolerate external pressure of any sort. Being stepped on or being put in close, congested spots of the house can damage its growth rate.
Disease Resistance
Unfortunately, this plant is not very resistant to diseases such as bacteria or viruses. Bacterial Leaf Spot and Blight (caused by Xanthomonas Campestris PV), Botrytis Blight (caused by Botrytis Cinerea) are some of the most common problems encountered by this specie.
This disease will make holes in leaves, and the plant may die if it is left untreated. All you have to do is to remove the infected leaves and use bactericide and antiviral medications to recover these plants.
For prevention and avoiding such a scenario, regularly check your plant to make sure it is healthy and safe from such infections.
Pest Resistance
Earwigs and Caterpillars cause equal harm when compared to snails and snails. They make small holes in the leaves of your Begonia plant by feasting on them. To stop the damage to your plant, try to protect your plants from these pests. In case of an attack, isolate the plant and use insecticide on it to get rid of the problem.
Growth
The growth pace of a begonia plant relies upon its hereditary arrangement and the surrounding where it is being kept. Different components that influence its growth are:
- The soil type in which it grows,
- A watery environment being given to it, and
- The pot where it is planted.
Toxicity
Begonias are not harmful to people. However, Begonias, particularly their tubers, are exceptionally toxic to family pets, such as cats and dogs. With more than 1,000 species and 10,000 half-breeds, they contain insoluble oxalate that can prove to be very dangerous for your pets.
Durability
These are perennial plants, which means that they live for years and decades on end if given the right Begonia Prismatocarpa care and attention. Hence, they are very durable, and you will not need to replace them very often.
Maintenance
These plants are considered to be rather low-maintenance, considering their natural care and moderate environmental needs. This is another primary reason why houseplant lovers are in love with this particular species.
Begonia Prismatocarpa Care
Most begonias can grow outdoors in pots, in soil, or in balancing boxes in separate, light-soaked, but much depleted soil. It usually grows as a potted plant in cold climates. It loves warm temperatures and high humidity. You can water it regularly as you feel appropriate.
Water Requirements
The water requirement of Begonia is standard. You can water it once the soil starts to look dry. One thing that you should know about this plant is that you must always give it water from above. You can check the texture of the soil with your fingers, or use a moisture meter to check the level of the moisture of the soil.
Soil Requirements
These plants love a fertile, moist, natural soil that drains well and has an acidic pH of about 6.7. Keep the soil damp and make sure it is draining well so that no water accumulates around the roots of the plant.
Sunlight Requirements
As these plants are indoor types, you can expose them to semi sunlight that will energize their health and help them grow better, but be aware that these plants are more prone to sunburn than other outdoor plants. If you must put them in front of direct sunlight, make sure to use shade cloth or sheer curtain to mellow the light hitting its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature for Begonia Prismatocarpa is about ten-degree Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius at day and 12 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius at night is the best temperature for this species.
Humidity
These species prefer 80 to 100 percent humidity around them. If you don’t have humidity inside your house, you can use an artificial humidifier. For added efforts, you can mist the plant every once in a while as we. Just make sure that the moisture is not staying on the plant’s surface for too long.
Fertilizer Requirements
Begonia Prismatocarpa utilizes only a little amount of fertilizer, so you can use the plant food in a month to increase growth and size of leaves. Make sure not to use cheap fertilizers as they can be very damaging for the roots of the plant in the long run.
Re-potting
Re-potting is a significant part of Begonia’s growing culture. The size and type of pot will decide the fact if your plant will flourish. Normal re-potting is fundamental to the growth of your begonias, particularly in their initial years as they are growing. Afterward, after the plants are fully grown and have reached their maximum height and size that you need them to be, you can release them for a few years without re-potting. Yearly re-potting will be advantageous. Indeed, even with plants that you mean to keep in a pot, you have to change the blend usually to keep the plant growing energetically. The components of your plant will separate after some time, and the mixture will lose its depleting characteristics and air spaces to hold oxygen.
Grooming and Pruning
More often, you should remove the dead or unwell foliage from under the plant and clean the solid ones. Preparing your plant ensures that it looks solid and stimulates new growth.
Pressing the tips and pruning the outer stems during the growing season gives a more shrubby appearance to the plant, which is useful for hanging boxes.
Cultivation and Propagation
It is rather simple to propagate a Begonia plant. All you have to do is keep in mind some necessary steps. Most begonias can reproduce from leaf cuttings, stems, or rhizomes, although they are planted with seeds. This Begonia grows from a creeping rhizome. Simply remove a cutting and plant it in suitable soil. Put it under appropriate conditions and voila!
- Start by cleaning and sterilizing all your tools and wearing apparel since you would prefer not to spread any contaminants or hurt yourself during the procedure.
- Pick a grown Begonia Prismatocarpa and remove a bit of its stem with a clean, sharp pair of scissors or blade. The cutting can be 6-8 inches (0.2 m) in length and ought to have a few leaves on its end.
- Next, set up another pot with a reasonable amount of soil and seepage gaps.
- Dive an opening in the middle of the soil in the pot. Make it 2 to 3 inches deep with your finger or a planting instrument.
- Plant the cutting in the soil. Ensure it is upstanding, and the cut finish of the stem is underneath the soil, and then let it remain there for a while.
- Water your plant and consistently keep the soil damp (not dry, not saturated, simply sodden).
- Put the pot in a warm area where sunlight comes directly to the container for it to get the optimum amount of sunlight for its growth.
Timeline
Week 1: Place your piece of cutting and add water in it as needed under a suitable warm environment and sunlight.
4-6 Weeks: The roots will begin to develop now.
Months 3-5: Your plant will currently grow as quickly. The growth at this point highly depends upon the attention that is given to it. To make sure that you meet all its needs and protect it from damage, take good care of it.
Displaying Begonia Prismatocarpa Plant
Because of their size and foliage, they look great, showing the solitariness of the curtain, the courtyards, and the edges of your rooms. They add an instant tropical atmosphere to your place without causing any mess. They also don’t require much time and attention. No matter how long you put them in your house, ensure that they are out of the reach of your pets and children.
Begonia Prismatocarpa For Sale
If you are looking to buy one of these plants, make sure that the plant is perfectly healthy. Examine the plant thoroughly and inspect the leaves and stem of the plant. Look around and underneath the structures for any signs of pests, diseases, or infections. If you bring a diseased plant home, it will get to the other plants in your collection and infect all of them.
Final Thoughts
Begonia Prismatocarpa plants are beautiful, flowering plants that have stunning foliage and blossoms. They are popular because of their looks, as well as how lenient they are in terms of care and protection. These plants are suitable for terrariums and grow well in warm, humid environments. Display them wherever in whichever way you like. Just make sure that you keep them away from your pets.
