Begonia ‘Boomer’

Mabel Corwin’s registered Begonia ‘Boomer’

Mabel Corwin raised Begonia ‘Boomer’ in California in 1979, and the American Begonia Society registered it in 1987. Its registered parentage is a plant now identified as Begonia soli-mutata crossed with a possible Begonia vitifolia parent.

Watering and root care for rhizomatous plants

Substrate and roots

When repotting Begonia ‘Boomer’, take care not to damage a creeping rhizome above a shallow network of fine roots. Keep the rhizome of the plant uncovered and give its growing end open surface space.

Watering

Lift the pot and test the mix. Water Begonia ‘Boomer’ after the upper layer of the substrate has dried while the shallow root zone below remains faintly moist.

Light

Stand Begonia ‘Boomer’ close to an east- or north-east-facing window, or near a brighter south or west window behind a light curtain. Move it back if the upper leaf surface bleaches or scars or the shallow rhizome zone begins drying unevenly.

Humidity and airflow

At home, household humidity is workable for many rhizomatous begonias, though moderate to high humidity supports smoother leaf expansion. Give the broad leaves of the plant space to open without resting against damp neighbouring foliage.

Fertilising

Feed Begonia ‘Boomer’ lightly with a complete foliage fertiliser while it is producing new leaves or stems. If the textured olive foliage looks weak, check light and roots before increasing the fertiliser.

What to check on Begonia ‘Boomer’

One very large leaf hangs lower than the rest

One mature Boomer leaf may hang under its own weight on a firm stalk. If several leaves become limp, feel the mix: water when it is partly dry, and inspect the roots when it remains wet.

Thick stem leans or creases

Sight down the substantial upright stem before the oversized blades pull it farther off centre. A rigid lean can be loosely staked or shortened above a healthy node; a dry crease should be trimmed cleanly. If pressure reveals a wet, dark bend, take the healthy top as a cutting at once.

Quilted blade tears or rubs

Raised texture and a broad surface make the leaf easy to mark against walls, sleeves and neighbouring pots. Give it clearance and keep the container steady. A dry stationary tear is physical and can remain; remove the leaf if the damaged area becomes soft or grey.

A run of much smaller leaves

Check if the thick-stemmed plant has filled its pot or if old mix has collapsed around the roots. Move up only slightly when live roots are crowded, or replace compacted material in the same size pot. Resume light feeding after a firm new leaf begins expanding.

Begonia ‘Boomer’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• The roots and rhizomes contain the highest levels of soluble oxalates, and the sap can irritate skin.
• Chewing may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting or stomach pain. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

About the name Begonia

Begonia honours Michel Bégon.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Begonia in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1056.