Elatior Begonia Plant Care

Elatior Begonia (Begonia elatior) belongs to the Begoniaceae family within the Begonia genus. Elatior Begonia is native to South America, Brazil, parts of Argentina. Elatior Begonia is also known as Rieger Begonia, Begonia x hiemalis.

Elatior Begonia displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Elatior Begonia produces bloom with waxy petals and a range of colors, including red, pink, white, and bi-colors.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Elatior Begonia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Elatior Begonia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Elatior Begonia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Begonia elatior tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Elatior Begonia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Elatior Begonia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Elatior Begonia every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Elatior Begonia is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Elatior Begonia can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Elatior Begonia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Elatior Begonia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Elatior Begonia can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to polka dot begonia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Elatior Begonia is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Elatior Begonia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Elatior Begonia is native to South America, Brazil, parts of Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Elatior Begonia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.