Art from the Hartt

I am so excited to offer Begonia Bottle Babies at my Country Flair location. These were an idea born out of my Midwife’s Nursery plants and my love of acrylic pouring. I enjoyed making the acrylic pour Christmas ornaments on clear plastic.

This post will outline long-term care for the rooted begonia plants in bottles. It will also discuss the care of the hand-painted bottles.

About the Acrylic Pour Bottles:

I saw my cuttings sitting in glasses. The cuttings were also in a couple of wine bottles. I decided to try pour paint bottles. I got my bottles at Habitat for Humanity and used a variety of fun color choices. After curing, they were sealed in light varnish.

Begonia Bottle Babies and Born!

My begonia cuttings already have roots. They have been in water for several weeks. Now, my bottles are painted and sealed. I have placed the rooted begonias into the bottles. They are so unique and beautiful. But, can begonias really be grown in water?

Instructions for Growing Begonia Babies in Bottles:

The answer is that begonias can be grown in water. This is called hydroponics. Glass makes a great hydroponic container. The fact that the paint makes the bottles more opaque is a benefit to help reduce algae growth. So, sit back and watch you begonia grow!

1. Keep vase filled with water. Fill to about 1 inch from the top rim. Top off after levels drop off below that level.
2. It is recommended to use filtered water. Or let water sit out for several hours before watering with it.
3. Place in a warm, sunny location. Remember that the bottle and water will become colder or hotter than dirt in a pot. Extremes can damage the roots.
4. Dump and replace water every few weeks, as needed. During summer, adding an aquarium algae preventative may help reduce algae growth inside the bottle. You can also use hydrogen peroxide in your water. Here are instructions.
5. To fertilize you plant, I recommend spraying leaves with a mild spray fertilizer. There are several on the market used for air plants.
6. You can transplant your begonia to a regular pot with soil at any point. Keep the bottle for other purposes.

Instructions for Pour Painted Bottle Care:

1. To clean bottle, rinse with warm water.
2. You can use a little dish detergent when you rinse.
3. Gently wipe the bottle dry with a clean cloth.
4. NOT for use as a beverage container.
5. NOT dishwasher safe.

Questions and Comments Welcomed!

If you have questions, please leave a comment below or email me at cathy@artfromthehartt.com The bottles are a new offering and I will make improvements based on your feedback and ideas.