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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. |
Thick
stemmed |
Thick-stemmed varieties are less commonly grown. They
usually have one or two thick upright stems, and do not tend to branch
naturally. They are difficult to train into an attractive plant., but a
bit of pinching can encourage fuller growth. If you grow plants from
this category make your choice of varieties carefully, some can grow
quite large.Thick-stems require plenty of light, but avoid direct midday
sunlight as it can burn the foliage. Plants grown in insufficient light
will be weak, with soft stems and few flowers.
Temperature: Fairly tolerant, 60 to
75 degrees is ideal.
Feed regularly with a weak balanced fertilizer.
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B.johnstonii.
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A
native of Africa, discovered in 1886. A distinctive species begonia easily
recognised by the scalloped margins outlined in maroon on its bright green
leaves. It is a rather shy bloomer, flowers are pink, and sprawl rather
carelessly from the stem. It is a tall grower, reaching 3 to 4ft with
stout stems that do not branch naturally. It is most difficult to train
into an attractive plant. Pinch early to induce branching. Needs bright
light, and warmth in winter. Beware of over watering, good drainage is essential, and it is another
that is prone to mildew. It can be propagated by seed, stem or leaf
cuttings.
My plants were
grown from ABS seed. Think of this one as a challenge.
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B.paranaensis
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Found in Brazil
in 1944 this large-leaved, thick-stemmed species is certainly true to its
classification. Not a handsome plant by any means, but interesting to
grow nevertheless. As you can see from the photograph, it has a trunk-like
main stem. Leaves are very large, with a long space between nodes. A
mature leaf can be 1ft or more. White flowers are produced freely in
spring. Cut it down to about 3in above soil level to control height. It
will shoot again from the bottom. Very easy to propagate from tip
cuttings. |
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Cane like
Rhizomatous
Shrub-like
Tuberous / Semi tuberous
Rex cultorum
SPECIES &
HYBRIDS TITLE PAGE |
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