Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)

Compared to most begonias, this one is the most difficult to cultivate. They are not the easy type when comes to propagation. Very often it succumb to branch rot.

The plant may be propagated using seeds (very fine dust type seeds) from the seed pods as it may be self sowing type but I rarely experienced this taking place in my garden. Apparently this one is thriving in my mother in law's garden. She planted in near the drain side. Then was once when the rain season began and all the wax begonias started to rot and die.

Tips & Care:

1) Prefer semi shade - direct sunlight may make the leaves close upward and burn the leaf edges.

2) Propagation using stem, try planting it side way. Placing too deep the stem may cause stem rot. Another way is to place the stem in water for few days then place it in the soil.
Also, its best to water the parent plant first before taking a cutting for propagation.

3) Prone to whitefly, mealy bugs, aphids and crown rot if the soil is kept too wet. Always inspect the plant for pests time to time as it will not infect other plants in the garden.