Begonia ‘Breakdance’ is a captivating plant, desirable for new and experienced enthusiasts. Its distinctive foliage offers unique visual appeal, setting it apart from many houseplants. This hybrid, known for intricate patterns and vibrant colors, enhances any indoor space or shaded garden.
Understanding Begonia ‘Breakdance’
Begonia ‘Breakdance’ is a rhizomatous hybrid in the Begonia Rex Cultorum Group, known for its ornamental foliage rather than prominent flowers. It typically reaches 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) in height and spread.
Its leaves feature a spiky, dark green base with striking, contrasting light green primary veins. Undersides often display burgundy coloration. From certain angles, foliage can exhibit a subtle blue sheen.
Cultivation and Care
Light Requirements
Begonia ‘Breakdance’ thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window, providing gentle morning or diffused light, is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon sun, as it can scorch leaves and fade colors. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and diminished foliage coloration.
Watering Techniques
Proper watering is important. Begonia ‘Breakdance’ prefers consistently moist soil but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the top one-third of the soil to dry before watering; check by inserting a finger. Avoid getting water directly on leaves, as this can cause spotting or fungal diseases. Distilled water or collected rainwater is beneficial, as these plants are sensitive to tap water minerals.
Soil Mix
An airy, well-draining soil mix is needed. A peat-based potting mix is recommended for container planting. Incorporating perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand enhances drainage and aeration, preventing water from sitting around rhizomes. Good drainage is important because begonias are prone to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
Begonia ‘Breakdance’ originates from subtropical regions, preferring a consistently warm environment, ideally 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It requires high humidity, ideally 50% to 60%. Crispy leaf edges indicate insufficient humidity. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, group plants, or employ a room humidifier, avoiding direct misting.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Begonia ‘Breakdance’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. A foliar fertilizer at half dilution strength weekly is an option. However, these plants are not heavy feeders; a single application of diluted fertilizer once a year in late spring can suffice.
Potting and Repotting
Repot Begonia ‘Breakdance’ when root-bound or its rhizomes press against the pot sides. The best time is during warmer spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. Choose a pot one to two inches larger than the current one, ensuring adequate drainage. Rex Begonias, being rhizomatous, prefer shallow, wider pots that allow rhizomes to spread. When repotting, gently remove the plant and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining soil, keeping the soil lightly moist to minimize shock.
Propagation
Begonia ‘Breakdance’ can be propagated through several methods, with leaf cuttings being common. New plants can also start from stem cuttings or rhizome division.
For leaf cuttings, select a healthy, newly matured leaf, cut off the stalk, and make small cuts through the main veins on the underside. Place the leaf, top side up, on a tray of sandy compost, ensuring cut veins contact the soil, and secure it with small pegs or weights. Maintain high humidity and a warm environment (64°F to 75°F / 18°C to 24°C); new growth should emerge within six weeks.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Common issues with Begonia ‘Breakdance’ often signal environmental imbalances. Pale green leaves or faded red/burgundy colors often indicate overwatering, leading to root rot. Browning or crispy leaf edges typically point to insufficient humidity or underwatering. Leggy growth, where stems stretch and appear sparse, indicates insufficient light.
Pests like mealybugs can infest Begonia ‘Breakdance’, appearing at leaf and stem joints or along the rhizome. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew (white dust on leaves) and Botrytis blight (gray, fuzzy layer on flowers) are possible. Prevent these issues by ensuring good air circulation, avoiding direct leaf watering, and promptly removing dead foliage.