BEGONIAS 

The Climbing Rex Begonia 
CISSUS DISCOLOR—While not a true Begonia, the coloring rivals any in the Rex class. It likes the 
same soil mixture, requires little light for best coloring and its moisture requirements are 
the same. Leaves are from six to eight inches long, and two to four inches wide. The intense 
coloring is velvety green with lighter green blotches between the deeper green, strongly 
indented veins. The whole leaf flushes with a beautiful rose color, changing to purple as 
it ages. Stems are bright red and the vine should be given a wire or light wooden trellis 
to cling to. This is grown for its exquisite foliage and we have never seen any other kind 
to equal it. Delivery after May 15. Plants from 214-inch pots, $1.25. 
The Trailing Rex Begonia 
HEMIGRAPHIS COLORATA—This is not a true Begonia either, but the coloring is also brilliant 
enough to warrant this common name. Leaves from two to three inches long, one to two 
inches wide. Perfect scallops cut the edges. Leaf is very shiny green flushing purple, while 
reverse is always deep purple. Flowers about an inch long of white. Stems are very deep 
purple-black. Self branches readily, and makes a wonderful basket. Easily grown. Both this 
and the Cissus Discolor require heat in the winter and should be grown out-doors only in very 
mild climates. Delivery after April 15. Plants from 214-inch pots, $1.25. 
TUBEROUS BEGONIAS 
CULTURE OF TUBEROUS BEGONIAS—TUBERS—Plant when little sprouts begin to 
show in a mixture of fine peat moss and sand, or leaf mold and sand. Place 2 to 3” 
apart and do not cover the tops of the tubers. Keep moist and give light, but not sun. A 
temperature of 65° will suit them nicely (Incidentally, a friend of ours places hers in a 
little flat on top of the automatic hot water heater, and they sprout and root beautifully.) 
When the stems are about three inches high, they should be transplanted. Front of plant 
is where the leaves point. 
TRANSPLANTING—Soil for pots should consist of two-thirds leaf mold, one-third sand, 
and some peat moss may be added. The bottom half of soil in the pot should contain plenty 
well rotted cow manure. Additional light feedings of fish or blood meal may be given 
every two weeks, by sprinkling on top of the soil at the OUTER edge of the pot and watered 
in. If plants are to be placed in the ground, they should be given a spot sheltered from wind 
and not more than two or three hours of sunlight in the morning. The Hanging Basket 
types should definitely not be placed in a windy location. 
WATERING—Give gentle overhead watering 
until plants are established, then a heavier irri- 
gation of the soil. Keep soil moist at all times, 
and sprinkling around the plants as well as the 
foliage on warm days is most beneficial. 
DORMANT PERIOD—In the fall 
when bottom leaves turn yellow and 
drop, water should gradually be with- 
held. When the tops have almost com- 
pletely died down, snap the stock off 
even with the tuber, or until green 
tissue shows. Otherwise tuber will rot. 
Remove gently from the soil, wash off 
any adhering dirt and place in the sun 
two or three days, or until tuber is 
completely dry. Store in a frost free 
cool place. Do not pack tubers to- 
gether. Inspection of tubers should 
be made latter part of February for 
signs of growth. The Seedling Plants 
should have the same soil mixture as 
the tubers and conditions of growth. Tuberous Begonias make an te. 

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