Reiger Begonia – Winter Blooming Hybrid

The Reiger Begonia (also known as Rieger Begonia, Begonia hiemalis, and Winter Begonia) is a hybrid of wax begonia species and tuberous begonias.

The best time to purchase Rieger Begonias from the florist is early winter, when the flowers are on the brink of blooming.

Reiger hybrids in full flower reach 12 – 18 in / 30 – 45 cm in height. The thick reddish stems grow from tubers under the soil. The large, soft leaves are dark green.

Their flowers resemble camellias, and are 2 in / 5 cm wide, and can be red, orange, salmon, pink, or yellow in color. To extend blooming time, carefully pinch off flowers as they fade.

Since Rieger hybrids can be difficult to grow and maintain, they are thought of as a temporary house plant. Despite this belief, it is possible to enjoy them year after year.

When the blooming cycle slows down, taper off watering and allow winter blooming begonias to become almost dry. Cut the foliage back to 3 in / 7.5 cm long, allow plants to rest for six weeks, then begin watering.

When new stems reach 3 in / 7.5 cm in length, cut them off and root them. Dispose of the parent plant. Keep the new plants in natural light in the fall. Cool nights and shorter days (less than twelve hours long) trigger the formation of new buds.

Reiger Begonia

Reiger Begonia Care – Growing Conditions and Tips for Houseplant Care

Lighting

Near a Cool, Bright Window

Temperature

Year-round temperatures should be 60°F / 16°C at night, and 70 - 75°F / 21 - 24°C during the day.

Fertilizer

Feed every three weeks with a high-phosphorus fertilizer mixed at ½ the normal strength.

Water

Allow soil to dry to 1 in / 2.5 cm below the surface between thorough watering. Keep begonias on trays filled with moist pebbles to increase humidity.

Soil

A fast-draining potting mix that includes peat and perlite is ideal, such as African violet potting soil.

Repotting

Repot Rieger Begonias to slightly larger pots if they become root bound.

Longevity

Winter begonias will last six months or indefinitely when propagated from stem tip cuttings.

Propagation

Propagate after begonias have been cut back, rested, and show signs of new growth. Take 3 in / 7.5 cm long stem cuttings. Root the cuttings in damp perlite, seed-starting mix, or a half-and-half mixture of sand and peat moss.

Selection and Display Tips

Buy begonias that show good bud color that have not started to bloom. Display together with other winter-blooming plants (Amaryllis and Cyclamen) in a sunny windowsill.

Additional Begonia Plant Information

Begonia Plant Care - Basic Tips and Information

Plant Containers - Choosing the Right Containers for Your Plants and Flowers

Watering Plants - Tips and Techniques

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