Species
& Hybrids
This
page is presented by Society Vice Chairman Jeff Rhodes. |
Species
Species are botanical plants that grow naturally. When a species begonia
is crossed with another of the same variety the resulting plants will
come true.
Hybrids
Hybrids are the result of crossing two different varieties. The only
way to reproduce a hybrid is by vegetative means. |
Rex Cultorum |
All plants of the Rex Cultorum group of begonias are
hybrids. Most are rhizomatous. They are grown primarily for their
ornamental foliage. Leaves come in numerous colours and patterns, and
various metallic sheens, together with a variety of leaf surfaces and
textures. Leaf size can be anything from under 3” up to 12” or more.
Whilst the rex Cultorum group do produce flowers, these are
insignificant.
To produce the most colourful foliage it is essential
that they receive the exact amount of light. Heavily filtered light and
no direct sunlight is the norm. Preferably a daytime temperature of 70F,
a little lower at night. Try to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Some varieties will become dormant or semi-dormant during winter if the
temperature drops too low. If so, watering should be reduced. Humidity
is important, but the range between different varieties is large. More
trial and error.
Watering is crucial with rex begonias; they
need to be moist but not wet. Over watering will lead to rot on leaves
and rhizomes
Feed regularly to give the best colour to the foliage.
|
B.'benitochiba'
|
 |
An attractive hybrid, being a cross from
B.`Filigree` x B.luxurians. Rex. Upright-stemmed, medium leaved. Flowers
are reddish-pink produced in late summer. It was Introduced 1973 by Misono
in Japan. It needs a bit of T.L.C to keep it looking nice. It can be a bit
touchy in hot and humid conditions. There is a similar cultivar listed as
B.`Benichoma` This is possibly due to a miss-spelling. |
Cane like
Rhizomatous
Shrub-like
Tuberous / Semi tuberous
Thick stemmed
SPECIES &
HYBRIDS TITLE PAGE |