Cane Begonia ' Crackin Rosie'

photo credit: Zaba Matali

INTRODUCTION:

There are some notable history concerning this Cane Begonia:
Begonia 'Cracklin' Rosie' is a cultivated hybrid created by Walter Dworkin around 1990. The mix parentage comes from  B. 'Silvermist' is the mother of B. 'Cracklin' Rosie' and the other parent is B. 'Salmon Rubra'. 

CHARACTERISTICS:

This particular one appears to be more fancy looking with the wavy frills along the leaves edges. It does have a lot of similarities with Cane Begonia 'Lucerna' species. The spots are much more evident and strongly pronounced and may have pinkish white tones.

It does have a lot of similarities with Cane Begonia 'Lucerna' species - this one have the same characteristics. The foliage do change color due to how much it receives light - the more direct sunlight it gets, the more darker - burgundy it turns into. However like most begonias - they might get burned edges and the foliage may appear to be more spend or burned looking. The plus point on this is that this begonia may start induce its to blooming with tiny red flowers formed by the stem branches.

 CARE & MAINTENANCE:

Just like most begonia plant needs - they requirements are very much the same,

MEDIUM:

Just like most Cane Begonia species - this one is grown on a medium:
50% coco chip mixed with sand & potting mix. I found this medium used for propagation by the nursery owner - I had slightly added the same medium type and re-pot it in a bigger pot.
So far - the plant doubled it's size.

FEEDING:

UPDATE 2021 - REVIEW

1) STOP USING WOOD VINEGAR - KILLS THE PLANT

2) STOP USING MIXED FERTILISERS IN ONE MIX.

3) STOP USING OSMOCOTE - BURNS PLANTS.

CURRENT USE:

4) 1ST WEEK - DILUTED A & B FERTILISER - 1 CAP / HALF BUCKET OF WATER

5) 2ND WEEK - DILUTED VITAMIN B1 (ROOT HORMONE)- 1 CAP / HALF BUCKET OF WATER

I had used Osmocote fertiliser before and had found them very unreliable and unstable as to determine how much to use - too much and the plant withers away - too less and the plant doesn't grow to it's optimum size. Ideally using 3-4 pieces of Osmocote as fertilizer - 2 week once would be good but in case if it's over used - the begonia plant dies.

Instead I had switched to A & B diluted Fertiliser, spraying on the foliage and plant on  weekly basis and they show some growth and stability.

On alternative week - I spray root hormone known as  (Vitamin B1) a solution for stronger root growth as these are prone for root rot. Again I use in half strength - a capful with half bucket of water.

OTHER WORKABLE FERTILISER:

I had checked and done some research with other successful begonia growers and had found that they find these works best in their garden condition. I must say that different garden have their specific garden conditions and finding the right feeding solution as what works best in their own garden.

There are other successful fertiliser regime:

6) CHICKEN MANURE

7) COFFEE BASED FERTILISER

8) ORGANIC LIQUID FERTILISER

WATERING:

Slightly spray water once a day in the morning and refrain watering rainy days.
I do water twice a day on a dry and hot days - it's depending on the weather.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANE BEGONIAS

Other matters are very much similar with the general information about Cane Begonias.
Do click below for more information on Cane Begonias.
Cane Begonia Care & Cultivation information.