Begonia Lucerna is a beautiful, low-growing plant that requires minimal care. It can be grown as a houseplant in bright, indirect light.
Begonia Lucerna is a hybrid cultivar that produces olive green foliage patterned with small silver dots. It also displays rosy red to pink blooms. Read more about this plant below.
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Begonia Lucerna Information
Originally called ‘Corallina de Lucerna, ‘ it is a big plant that flowers often. Begonia ‘Lucerna’ is an old favorite popularly known as the “Angel Wing Begonia.” It was created in 1892 by Wettstein in Lucerne, Switzerland. The leaves are olive green with small silver spots on top and red underneath.
The flowers range from rosy red to pink, depending on the amount of light they receive. They turn darker in brighter light. The flowers come in large bunches that hang from the stems. In favorable conditions, it can grow up to 6 to 8 feet tall. You can trim it to keep it 18 to 24 inches tall.
Propagating Begonia ‘Lucerna’
To propagate the plant, simply cut the upper part of the stem, leaving 2-3 leaves on it. Take off the bottom 1-2 leaves, or remove them all if you prefer. Ensure that there are 1 or 2 nodes on the stem piece, as this is where the new stem will sprout from. Plant the stem cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining soil.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Begonia ‘Lucerna’
Location
This begonia prefers bright, indirect light. Keep the plant away from direct sun as it can burn the leaves.
Soil
Use a well-draining soil rich in organic matter. To create light and airy soil, mix equal parts of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite.
Water
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the topsoil to turn dry before the next watering. Don’t water the begonia Lucerna daily, and don’t let the soil dry entirely.
Temperature and Humidity
Begonia ‘Lucerna’ favors warm and humid surroundings. Keep it away from air conditioners and drafts. It appreciates temperatures between 65-80 F (18-27 C).
If you are living in dry conditions, then get a humidifier or group the plants together.
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Begonia ‘Lucerna’ Care
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once in 5-6 weeks, diluting it to 1/2 of its strength. Do not feed the plant in winter.
Pruning
Prune the plant occasionally as it becomes bushy, and pinch off the tips of new growth to promote branching. Cut back any dead or yellow leaves regularly.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and whiteflies can attack the plant. You can get rid of them by using insecticidal soap.
Root rot, salt burn, leaf scorch, fungal leaf spot, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot are diseases that can affect the plant. You can control these problems by providing good air circulation, spacing the infected plants, and avoiding overhead and overwatering.