Begonia Masoniana Iron Cross Rooted Cutting Liner

For best results with Masoniana Iron Cross, plant one rooted plug per 4-inch container or two to three per gallon container. Use well-drained, sandy, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0, EC of 1.2-2.4 mS/cm, and medium feed (150-200 ppm N). Provide plenty of indirect light and maintain temperatures between 65-75 degrees and humidity levels around 50%. Water when the top two inches of soil are dry, and plant the crown level with the top of the soil. Watch for aphids, thrips, mealy bugs, spider mites, botrytis, powdery mildew, and root rot. 

This plant is grown for its ornamental foliage.

This plant doesn't require pinching.

Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base and foliage of each plant. We recommend 8-10" centers for 4-inch containers and 12-18" centers for gallon containers. Adjust spacing to fit your commercial greenhouse needs.

This plant doesn't require PGRs. Provide adequate light and humidity to keep it from becoming leggy.

Scout for aphids, thrips, mealybugs, and spider mites as part of your Integrated Pest Management program. 

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cause damage by sucking sap from plant tissue. They reproduce quickly and are particularly attracted to young growth. Curling and yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and stickiness on leaves are signs of an infestation. These insects also spread diseases and reproduce rapidly. Use biological controls or horticultural oils to discourage and kill aphids.

Mealybugs are small, white, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They are covered in powdery wax, which gives them a cottony appearance. They reproduce and spread rapidly. Inspect plants regularly for signs of an infestation, including white, cottony masses on foliage. Always check new plants before bringing them into the greenhouse. Remove any highly infested plants from the greenhouse for quarantine or disposal. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps as biological controls for mealybug populations and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to disrupt lifecycles and feeding. Maintaining a sanitary greenhouse and eliminating debris can deter pest infestations.

Spider Mites are tiny pests that cause stippling, yellowing, and webbing on foliage by feeding on plant sap. They flourish in warm, dry environments. Use correct water and fertilizing practices; over-fertilizing can attract spider mites. Proper humidity levels, predatory mites or ladybugs, and insecticidal soaps or oils may prevent or address a spider mite infestation.

Thrips are tiny insects that eat plant tissue and can transmit viruses. Watch for silvery-white streaks or black spots on foliage and distorted growth. Use natural predators (like predatory mites), insecticidal soap, neem oil, and sticky traps to control infestations and prevent spread. 

Watch for signs of botrytis, powdery mildew, and root rot. Take special care with these humidity-loving plants to not overwater. Allow the topsoil to dry between waterings, water at the base of each plant, and provide good airflow in your greenhouse. Space containers so sunlight and air can reach the base and foliage of each plant.

Botrytis is a common fungal disease that causes brown spots on stems, leaves, and flowers. Remove and destroy affected plants, maintain appropriate humidity levels, and apply fungicides with boscalid, fenhexamid, or iprodione to control the spread. Water plants in the morning and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions, appearing as a white or gray coating on foliage and flowers. Provide good airflow in your greenhouse. We recommend horizontal airflow fans to help control humidity levels alongside a dehumidifier or manual venting. Remove and destroy infected plants and apply fungicides as needed or preventatively. Look for the active ingredients myclobutanil, trifloxystrobin, or potassium bicarbonate to combat Powdery Mildew threatening your seedling plugs.

Root Rot occurs in poorly drained or overly wet soil, which becomes the host for several types of fungi. It causes stunted growth, wilting, and root system decay. Prevention is the best treatment, and you will avoid most root rot problems by using clean, well-draining media, appropriate containers, and good watering practices for finishing seedling plugs. Inspect plants for signs of disease regularly. Repot infected plants in well-draining soil, adjust your watering schedule, provide better airflow, and use a fungicide if needed.

We recommend planting one rooted plug per 4-inch container or two to three per gallon container. Use well-drained, sandy, loamy soil and bury the crown of the plant just level with the top of the soil. Gallon containers finish in 8-10 weeks.