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How to Grow Red Begonia Coccinea

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Red Begonia Coccinea

Begonia coccinea

flower

A stunning tropical begonia with glossy, wing-shaped green leaves and brilliant red or coral pendulous flowers that bloom abundantly throughout the growing season. This evergreen perennial is prized as a houseplant and for tropical gardens, offering continuous color with minimal fuss.

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Example Red Begonia Coccinea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Red Begonia Coccinea

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Red Begonia Coccinea blooms

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Begonia Coccinea dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch leaves.
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter. Prefers humidity of 50-60%.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-120 days to first bloom
🌱
Planting depth: Barely cover seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining, light, airy potting mix rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Peat moss or coco coir Perlite Orchid bark Compost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as houseplant or annual in cooler zones

10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves, delicate and pale green

Maintain high humidity (70%+) and consistent moisture. Keep in bright, indirect light. Bottom heat (70°F) speeds germination.

2

Vegetative

6-8 weeks

Plant develops wing-shaped leaves on slender stems, gradual growth in height and width

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier habit. Feed every 2 weeks with diluted balanced fertilizer. Ensure bright, indirect light.

3

Budding & Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

Small red/coral buds form in leaf axils and at branch tips; first flowers begin to open

Switch to slightly lower nitrogen fertilizer (higher phosphorus). Maintain consistent humidity and moisture. Prune any weak growth.

4

Full Flowering

8-12 weeks (can extend with proper care)

Abundant red or coral pendulous flowers clustered along stems; plant reaches mature size

Feed every 2-3 weeks with bloom-promoting fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Ensure excellent air circulation.

5

Mature/Maintenance

Ongoing

Plant established and flowering continuously; may reach 2-3 feet tall depending on variety

Prune annually to maintain shape and size. Repot every 12-18 months. Reduce fertilizer frequency in winter. Watch for pest infestations.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Fuchsia Impatiens Caladiums Coleus African violets Begonia maculata

Avoid planting near:

Directly beneath air vents or cold drafts Near heating sources Next to drought-tolerant plants requiring different watering schedules

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe

  • Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap

  • Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap

  • Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; apply sulfur or fungicide if necessary

  • Spray foliage with water; use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers

Culinary

The flowers and leaves are technically edible with a tart, slightly citrus flavor, occasionally used as garnish in gourmet cuisine or salads. [source]

🏠

Tropical Interior Decoration

Household

A stunning houseplant that adds vibrant color and tropical ambiance to any indoor space, thriving in bright window locations and humid bathrooms. [source]

💊

Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

In some cultures, begonia species have been used traditionally in herbal remedies for inflammation and skin conditions, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]

🎨

Floral Arrangements

Craft

The pendulous flowers and attractive foliage make it ideal for fresh and dried flower arrangements, adding color and texture to bouquets. [source]

🦋

Hummingbird Nectar

Wildlife

The red flowers attract hummingbirds in tropical and subtropical regions, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental flower plant, not harvested for food. Enjoy blooms on the plant for continuous color. Stems can be cut for fresh arrangements when flowers are fully open; blooms last 1-2 weeks in water.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Begonia coccinea is named 'coccinea' from the Latin word meaning 'scarlet' or 'deep red,' referencing its brilliant flower color.
  • 🌱 This species was originally discovered in Brazil and is part of the massive Begoniaceae family, which contains over 2,000 species—making it one of the largest plant families.
  • 🌱 Red Begonia Coccinea can live for many years as a houseplant with proper care and is often passed down between gardeners as cuttings, creating generational plant collections.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Germination Perennial pH Pinch Back True Leaves
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