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The Begonia Tamaya, also known as the bamboo begonia and/or the Begonia maculata is an exotic, miniature tree-like tropical plant.
In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about Begonia Tamaya care! This includes where to find them, how to propagate them, how to prune them, when and how much to water them, and what kind of fertilizer is best for these plants!
Where Does The Begonia Tamaya Originate?
Begonia Tamaya is most commonly found in South America, with their native habitat being rainforests. They can also be found in some parts of Central America, and they are especially common in Brazil. These plants like to grow near rivers and streams, where they can get plenty of moisture.
They are epiphytes, which means that they grow on other plants or trees. These plants need a high humidity environment with warm temperatures to thrive, so if you live in a dry climate, it is important to provide additional moisture for your Begonia Tamaya. One way to do this is to mist the leaves with water daily.
Begonia Tamaya Features:
Begonia Tamayas are beautiful plants that can add a touch of exoticism to any home. These plants have large, dark green leaves that are covered in silver spots (that’s why they are sometimes referred to as a polka dot begonia). The Begonia Tamaya typically has white flowers or pink flowers, and they bloom from late spring to early summer.
Height of Begonia Tamaya:
The Begonia Tamaya can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 12 feet in height! However, most plants only grow to be about three or four feet tall. Especially when they are found in a home and not their natural environment.
Width of Begonia Tamaya:
The width of the Begonia Tamaya will depend on how it is trained. If left to grow naturally, these plants can spread up to six feet wide. However, if you prune them regularly, they can be kept much smaller, which makes them ideal for indoor use.
Are Begonia Tamaya’s low maintenance?
No, the Begonia Tamaya is not a low-maintenance plant, you won’t be able to get away with little care if you own this plant. In fact, they require quite a bit of care and attention. However, if you follow the tips in this guide, you should have no problem keeping your Begonia Tamaya healthy and happy!
How To Propagate A Begonia Tamaya
One of the best things about the Begonia Tamaya is that they are very easy to propagate! You can propagate them by taking stem cuttings and placing them in water or moist soil.
Stem Cuttings
To take a stem cutting, use a sharp knife or scissors and cut a piece of the stem that is about four inches long. Make sure that the cutting has at least two leaves.
Place the cutting in a jar or glass of water and set it in a bright, warm place. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
In a few weeks, you should see roots growing from the bottom of the cutting. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, you can transplant the cutting into a pot of moist soil.
Need Extra Help?
If you need extra help propagating the stem, we recommend using this product:
Click to shop the Take Root Product here
Soil Type For A Begonia Tamaya
A Begonia Tamaya needs rich, well-draining soil. You can make your own potting soil mix by adding in equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
If you don’t want to make your own potting mix, you can also purchase a commercial potting mix that is formulated for begonias. We recommend the following:
How To Prune A Begonia Tamaya
Pruning is not necessary for Begonia Tamaya’s, but if you want to encourage bushier growth, you can trim back the stems. To do this, use sharp shears or scissors to cut the stem about an inch above a leaf node.
This will promote new branches to grow. You can also prune back Begonia Tamaya’s if they become leggy or overgrown.
Watering A Begonia Tamaya
Begonia Tamaya’s like to grow in moist soil, so it’s important to water them regularly. However, you should be careful not to overwater them, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
Water your Begonia Tamaya every week or two, and be sure to check the soil before watering. If the top inch of the soil is dry, it is time to water.
Another great way to monitor if your plant needs watering is to use a moisture meter. Just because the surface of the soil is dry, doesn’t mean the roots are. That’s where a moisture meter comes in handy. It lets you know when the roots have dried and need more water. Knowing when to water plants can be difficult since it can vary based on the location and size of your plant.
Given the Begonia Tamaya is a tropical plant, it likes wet leaves, therefore buying a spray bottles and misting your plant on a regular basis can help it stay healthy.
Fertilizing A Begonia Tamaya
Begonia Tamayas do not need a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a light feeding every month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. We recommend the following:
To apply the fertilizer, mix it with water according to the package directions. Then, pour the mixture into a watering can and use it to water your plant.
Liquid fertilizer is also a good option for Begonia Tamayas. You can find liquid fertilizer at most garden centers.
Sunlight And Temperature
Different to other varieties of Begonia’s that prefer direct sunlight, Begonia Tamayas prefer to grow in bright indirect light. If you live in a warm climate, you can place your plant outdoors in a shady spot during the summer months.
During the winter, these plants should be kept indoors where it is warm. They will do best in temperatures that range from 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you live in a climate where your plants might not get enough light during winter, we recommend using grow lights. You can schedule the lights to turn on during certain parts of the day for extra light. We recommend using these:
Click to shop the grow lights here
Pests And Diseases
Begonia Tamayas are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally be affected by aphids, mealybugs, or whiteflies. This can significantly shunt the growth rate of your plant. If you see any of these pests on your plant, you can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Another great way to get rid of the insects is by putting your plant in the shower, and watering it that way. This will help wash away any insects attached to the leaves.
If your Begonia Tamaya starts to drop its leaves, it is probably due to too much water or not enough light. Check the soil to see if it is too wet or dry using your moisture meter, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
You should also make sure that your plant is getting enough light. If it is not, move it to a brighter spot or use the grow lights.
What’s the growing season for a Begonia Tamaya?
The growing season for a Begonia Tamaya is typically from spring to fall. However, if you live in a warm climate, you can grow these plants year-round.
When is the best time to repot my Begonia Tamaya?
You should repot your Begonia Tamaya every year or two, depending on growth. Be sure to use larger pot than the previous one. This will give the roots room to grow. To know what size of pot to use, look for one that is about two inches wider and two inches deeper than the current pot.
Should I deadhead my Begonia Tamaya?
No, you don’t need to deadhead your Begonia Tamaya. The Begonia Tamaya is a self-cleaning plant, meaning that the flowers will fall off on their own when they are finished blooming.
Common Problems
1) Root Rot
One of the most common problems with Begonia Tamaya’s is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or planting in poorly-draining soil.
To prevent root rot, make sure that you water your plant’s roots have dried out and that you use a well-draining potting mix.
If your plant does develop root rot, you can try to save it by removing it from the pot and trimming away the affected roots. Then, repot the plant in fresh soil.
2) Leaf Drop
Another common problem with Begonia Tamayas is leaf drop. This can be caused by too much water, not enough light, or low temperatures.
To prevent leaf drop, water your plant only when the soil is dry and make sure that it is getting enough light. If the temperature in your home is too cool, try moving your plant to a warmer spot.
3) Knotty stems
Knotty stems is another common problem with Begonia Tamayas. This can be caused by too much fertilizer or not enough light. To prevent knotty stems, fertilize your plant only once a month and make sure that it is getting enough light.
4) Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a type of fungus that can affect Begonia Tamayas. This problem is most common in humid environments. when the plant receives too much moisture.
To prevent powdery mildew, make sure that your plant has good air circulation and that the leaves are dry before nightfall. You can also try to increase the humidity around your plant by misting it with water or placing it on a pebble tray.
If your plant does develop powdery mildew, you can try to remove it with a fungicide. You can also try to prevent it by using a preventive fungicide.
Other Types Of Begonias
Looking to learn more about the begonia species? Here are more common types:
Angel Wings Begonias – Angel wing begonias are a type of Begonia that is known for their large, angel wing-shaped leaves. These plants can be grown as houseplants or outdoors in warm climates.
Wax Begonias – Wax begonias are a type of Begonia that is known for their glossy, waxy leaves. These plants make great houseplants and can also be grown outdoors in warm climates.
Begonia Rex – Rex begonias are a type of Begonia that is known for their brightly-colored leaves. These plants make great houseplants and can also be grown outdoors in shady areas.
Begonia Corallina – Begonia corallina is a type of Begonia that is known for its coral-colored leaves. These plants make great houseplants and can also be grown outdoors in shady areas.
Plant Care Conclusion
Begonia Tamayas are beautiful plants that are easy to care for! With a little attention, you can enjoy these plants for many years.
Do you have a Begonia Tamaya? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other plant care guides for more information on how to care for your plants.
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