Begonia ILLUMINATION ® MIXED

Begonia ILLUMINATION MIXED x tuberhybrida - Tuberous Hybrid Trailing Begonia, random mix of colors.

Begonia is a genus of plants in the family Begoniaceae, comprising over 1600-1800 species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. The greatest diversity is observed in humid forests and montane areas, where the plants inhabit the shade of trees, rocky slopes, and moist crevices. The genus is distinguished by exceptional morphological variety and high ornamental appeal.

Members of the genus can be herbaceous, shrubby, subshrubby, tuberous, or rhizomatous. Shoots may be erect, creeping, or trailing (pendulous). The leaves are mostly asymmetric, with distinct nodes and internodes on the stem, and are frequently more ornamental than the flowers. Leaf coloration ranges from green to deep burgundy or almost black, with silvery, pink, or contrasting patterns.

The flowers are unisexual, gathered into compound paniculate inflorescences. Flower size and form vary: from minute to large cultivated forms with diameters up to 20 cm (7.9 in). The perianth is vividly colored, occurring in white, pink, red, and orange shades. The fruit is a capsule containing exceptionally tiny, dust-like seeds.

Begonia ILLUMINATION® 'MIXED' is a trailing begonia with slender weeping shoots, medium-sized leaves, and elegant double flowers in a variety of colors. It is one of the most splendid indoor plants. The blooming period lasts from May to October.

Seeds are dust-like, measuring less than 1 mm (0.04 in) in length, light brown, forming in dry capsules. Germination typically ranges between 40-70% and depends significantly on germination conditions.

Sowing is performed on the surface without burying, onto a sterile fine-particulate substrate based on peat and perlite. Seeds are evenly spread across the surface and lightly pressed in. The sowing is misted with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film or a transparent lid, and situated in a warm spot at 22-25 °C (72-77 °F) in bright filtered light. Daily venting is required; moisture is added only via spray bottle or bottom watering.

Seedlings emerge within 10-20 days; the minimum period is about 7 days, while the maximum possible may exceed 35 days. After germination, the temperature is reduced to 16-18 °C (61-64 °F). Prick-potting is conducted in several stages as seedlings gain strength, since young plants are very fragile: after 5-6 weeks, seedlings are pricked out into individual small pots, and after another 5 weeks, the plants are potted into larger pots and containers. After pricking out, steady humidity and gentle lighting are maintained to foster even growth.