Begonia Erythrophylla (Beefsteak Begonia) is a rare begonia found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Not usually sold in plant stores, the beefsteak begonia is a real collector’s item. The contrast in colors between the front and back of leaves is truly spectacular.

How do you care for beefsteak begonias?

So, how do you care for a beefsteak begonia? Beefsteak begonias need well draining soil, that needs to be kept moist at all times. Keep it out of direct sunlight but ensure it gets plenty of indirect light. Don’t let the temperature drop too cold or hot, average home temperatures will be fine.

What kind of light does a beefsteak begonia need?

Due to its preferences when it comes to lighting, this plant does best in a bright (but not sunny) windowsill. Unlike many Begonias, the beefsteak has no special needs when it comes to humidity, so you can place it in any location that has normal humidity levels.

How do you propagate beefsteak begonias?

Propagation is done via stem cutting, leaf-cutting, or rhizome cutting. Beefsteak begonia do not produce seeds. Gardeners should wait for repotting beefsteak begonia until the main rhizome is coming out of the ground. All of the soil has been taken by roots.

How do you take care of a beefsteak plant?

Beefsteak Plant Care

Site beefsteak plant in any sunny spot in your yard. It grows fastest, fullest, and with the best color in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun per day). It enjoys moist, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.

How do you water begonias?

Begonias thrive in soil that is neither dry nor saturated. Your goal is to find a moisture level and watering schedule that is justttt right. A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it’s hot and dry you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture.

How much sun does a begonia need?

Most begonias grow best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun a day), or filtered sun (as through trees). Most will tolerate full shade (no direct or filtered sun), but won’t be as dense and usually have fewer flowers. A few grow in full sun. They prefer moist, but not soggy, soils.

What kind of soil do begonias like?

Begonias are very susceptible to root and stem rot when exposed to cold, wet soils, so proper drainage is essential. Choose a light potting soil with extra perlite if available, or create your own mix using equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss.

Why are my begonias leaves turning yellow?

Most likely, yellow leaves appearing on your Begonia is caused by overwatering, allowing soil to stay soggy, or letting the plant sit in water. This is an easy fix, going forward. When you water, water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage hole.

Can I trim begonia leaves?

The begonia foliage should be trimmed back, and the tubers can be dried and stored in a cool, dry location through winter, just as canna or dahlia bulbs are stored. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias.

How do you divide begonia rhizomes?

Simply cut a rhizome into pieces about 1” to 1 ½” long, and press them gently into moistened potting soil, or a moistened mix of perlite and vermiculite. As with the leaf cuttings, give them high humidity and keep them in a warm, well-lit spot out of direct sunlight until roots begin to form.

Are begonia leaves poisonous to cats?

Begonia. Although its most toxic parts are underground, it’s still best to keep begonias out of reach of your pets. They cause vomiting in dogs and cats and can be even more dangerous for horses and grazing animals.

How many tomatoes will a beefsteak plant produce?

On average, a tomato plant can yield 10 to 30 pounds of tomatoes. Depending on the size of the tomatoes, this can be roughly 20 to 90 tomatoes from a single plant. When grown in a square foot garden, each tomato plant can typically yield up to 20 pounds, depending on environmental factors.

How much sun do beefsteak tomatoes need?

Light. Give beefsteak tomatoes full, direct sunlight 8 hours or more per day.

Are beefsteak tomatoes easy to grow?

The beefsteak tomato is by far the most popular type of home garden tomato plant grown in North America. These tomatoes grow fairly easily and quickly, and produce huge (up to 2 pounds!)