Origin
The beautiful winter-blooming houseplant known as the Christmas Begonia, Begonia × cheimantha , has an interesting origin story. This delightful plant came into existence in 1892, through the ingenuity of Victor Lemoine, a horticulturist and hybridizer from France. Lemoine achieved this creation by skillfully crossbreeding two distinct African begonia species: Begonia socotrana , recognized for its tuberous nature and bright big pink flowers, and Begonia dregei , characterized by its bushy growth pattern and floriferous habit.
The outcome of this hybridization was a begonia that bore an abundance of large, pink to white flowers. This new variety was marked by its heavy flowering and lacking a tuber. Among these cultivars, one stands out prominently: the renowned 'Gloire De Lorraine'. This particular variety has contributed significantly to the Christmas Begonia's popularity and is responsible for earning the plant an alternative common name, the Lorraine Begonia.
Since its creation, the Christmas Begonia has continued to enchant enthusiasts and gardeners alike with its stunning floral displays, offering a touch of elegance and charm during the festive winter season.
Care
When blooming
The Christmas Begonia is often sold flowering, or with plenty of flower buds ready to open up. In order to make sure these bloom for as long as they can it's important to give the plant good growing conditions. Best is a bright spot avoiding excess direct sunlight but with plenty of indirect light exposure throughout the day. When flowering, it's extra important to avoid placing it in cold draft or too close to radiators that otherwise easily will dry out the thin and delicate petals.
Placing the plant in just slightly cooler temperatures can prolong the flowering slightly. Just be careful not to place it too cold as it will then be prone to both over watering and root rot. About 65 °F, or 18 °C is usually okay while in bloom, but make sure to snooze some watering tasks if the soil is still rather moist when a task comes, and don't expose it to much colder temperatures than this.
Post-Blooming Care
The Christmas Begonia typically exhibits its main floral display in winter close to the holidays. Often regarded as a seasonal and temporary addition to many households, it's common for people to dispose of these plants after the holiday season. However, contrary to this trend, the Christmas Begonia has the potential to persist as a verdant and alluring green plant, capable of blooming again in the future. It might continue to bloom with individual flowers in summer to later on put on a bigger display in fall an winter again.
To encourage its continuous growth and potential re-blooming, caring for the Christmas Begonia post-blooming involves practices like those of many other begonia species. Ensuring proper care involves maintaining a delicate balance in its watering routine. While it prefers the top layer of soil to dry slightly in between, it's essential to prevent the soil from completely drying out throughout the pot. Adequate moisture is crucial to sustain its health.
Moreover, adequate exposure to light is imperative for the Christmas Begonia, especially during the darker months when natural light may be limited. Providing sufficient natural light or supplementing with a grow light can significantly benefit the plant's growth and overall well-being, enhancing its chances of thriving.
Other
Similar to many begonias, this particular hybrid also carries a slight toxicity that can pose a risk to both pets and humans. While it may not be highly toxic, it's good to position the plant out of reach from pets and young children as a precautionary measure.