I bought this "Bonfire Begonia" at Wally world and wonder if any of you could tell me how to start some cuttings from it so I can overwinter them indoors? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Lou
oops, I didn't get the picture with my post. Will try again.
This message was edited Jun 25, 2009 6:12 PM
Help with cuttings
I was able to overwinter mine as a plant. It went into immediate decline as soon as I brought it in. Yours might too, but don't worry. Gradually cut it back. Cut back on watering, but don't let it dry out completely. Do not fertilize. Hang in there until about two weeks before your last frost. At this point start watering again. Don't overdo it. Once night time temps are above 50 degrees you can put it outside again. When new growth appears you can start fertilizing again. 'Bonfire' is a large-flowered selection of Begonia boliviensis. If you want insurance you can save seed and start it again from seed if the above method doesn't work. Your resulting plants will have the same lovely red-orange flowers, but they might not be as large as those on the mother plant. B. boliviensis is semi-tuberous. It benefits from a winter rest. I tried to grow it from cuttings but was unsuccessful. Good luck.