Rieger Begonia Care

Rieger begonia (Begonia hiemalis) is a long-lasting flowering begonia, the result of a cross between several species of tuberous begonias. The plant is frequently cultivated indoors as a houseplant, enjoyed for its glossy, dark leaves and colorful, rose-like flowers. The plant may be propagated by seeds or cuttings.

Location

• Place Rieger begonia in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window is ideal for indoor plants. Outdoor plants thrive with morning sun and afternoon shade. If the plant produces brown- or copper-colored foliage, the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight. Keep indoor plants at a temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day whenever possible and between 60 and 65 degrees at night. The plant will suffer if temperatures fall to 40 degrees or below.

Soil

• Plant Rieger begonia in a well-draining soil, and keep it evenly moist to slightly dry at all times. The soil should never be completely bone dry or waterlogged. Rieger begonias are not at all drought tolerant. Use a container with a hole in the bottom to allow ample draining. Feed the plant with a water-soluble fertilizer every other week or so during the growing season.

Propagation

• Tuberous begonias can be propagated by root cuttings or by seed. Start seeds in December or January, placing them in a container with a moist, fine-textured potting medium. Cover soil lightly with milled sphagnum moss and moisten moss by spraying it with water. Cover with glass or plastic wrap to keep moisture in. Germination takes between 10 and 21 days at a temperature of 70 degrees.

Storage

• In areas with heavy winter frosts, the tubers of outdoor plants will need to be brought indoors so they don’t freeze and die in the ground. Dig tubers out of the ground when foliage begins to yellow and cut stems to about 5 inches. Allow the plant to dry indoors at room temperature before removing soil, roots and stem pieces from the tuber. Store unwashed tubers in a perforated plastic bag filled with a dry medium such as peat moss or vermiculite. Keep in a cool, dark place with a temperature between 40 and 50 degrees.