I am looking for a 'beefsteak' begonia here in Toronto Canada. Called up some nurseries and none of them are familiar with this begonia. (They think that I am talking about a beefsteak tomato) Do you have any suggestions on how I can obtain a couple of them? Jean This post was edited by msjay2 on Sun, Jul 13, 14 at 11:04

Spiders are beneficial insects - devouring the bad ones (and some good ones too). If it is objectionable then brush the web out and the spider will probably take up residence elsewhere. As long as it is not a poisonous spider you should be able to get along nicely with it until it is time for bringing your plant indoors.

I bought one almost exactly a year ago from Peppers/Accents for Home and Garden. It bloomed for my mom in February. Here is a link that might be useful: Begonia 'Erythrophylla' (Beefsteak) at Peppers

Begonias are probably best propagated via leaf cuttings and there are several ways to do it. Just remember that the genetic information required to create new roots and shoots occurs in those veins. Secure your leaf against the damp (already prepared) medium so that there is full leaf to medium contact. THEN make your slices. The surface of the medium needs to be firm (but not tamped down) and smooth. You can also cut your leaf into several sections and simply lay those down against your prepared medium or insert them into the medium. My favorite (just because it was so amazing) experience occurred when I was working my way through Va. Tech; one of my part time jobs was in a commercial greenhouse, transplanting jillions of bedding plant seedlings and doing other propagation chores. One morning I walked in and saw a tall stack of gorgeous begonia leaves and several prepared flats of soil-less medium. OH, and a paper punch. I forget, now, how many little discs I was able to punch from each leaf but it was a bunch! By the time my work for the season was finished, he had many hundreds of pretty little begonia plants, potted up in crisp white pots. I'm not so sure that this is the best time of years for a rapid response from your efforts, though. Spring is ideal. You are correct about your conclusion that your begonia can't make new plants from a petiole cutting. New roots will form, but that's it. Petioles are often used as the anchor to hold a leaf in place against the propagating medium.