How to Grow Begonias

 

The Begonias plants are tropical evergreen, annual plant and the plants are fairly low maintenance and can provide long periods of bloom. In cooler climates the Begonias plants are primarily grown as indoor houseplants or as annuals outdoors in summer. The Begonias plants has richly-colored blooms and foliage, the plants are commonly used by landscapers in outdoor container arrangements. These tropical evergreen, annual plants like partial shade and slightly acidic soil. The Begonias plant roots may be toxic to some animals.

 

Begonias Plant Info

The common name: The common name is Begonia.

The botanical name: The botanical name is Begonia.

The family: Begonias plant belongs to Begoniaceae family.

The plant type: Begonias plant is  tropical evergreen, annual plant.

The mature size: The mature size is about six to eighteen inches.

The sun exposure: Begonias plant prefers partial sun to shade.

The soil type: Begonias plant does well in moist, rich, slightly acidic soil.

The soil pH:  5.7 - 6.2

The blooming time: The blooming time varies, seasonal.

The flower color: The flower colors are yellow, pink, red, white, orange.

USDA hardiness zones: nine to ten, some varieties six to nine.

The native areas: The Begonias plant is native to South and Central America, Africa, South Asia.

Plant toxicity: The Begonias plant roots may be toxic to some animals.

 

How Do You Take Care of a Begonia?

The following are the main care requirements for growing begonia plants:

The Begonias plant likes indirect sunlight or shade.

The Begonias plant needs regular watering.

The Begonias plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

 

 

Light requirement

Do begonias like sun or shade? Actually the tuberous begonia plants in containers need a bit of sun but partial sun is fine. The Indoors begonia plants do best in indirect light. The fibrous or wax begonias plants that are grown in the garden will flower consistently in shade or partial shade. Actually too much bright sun might wilt the delicate petals or cause the colors of the begonia plants to fade.

 

Soil requirement

The begonias plants actually enjoy a porous, rich soil that is slightly acidic. Peat-based soils with a lot of organic matter including leaf mold are also good for begonias plants. Good drainage is very important. A basic potting mix like the one used for African violets will also be sufficient.

 

Water requirement

Do begonias like lots of water? You need to water your begonia plant thoroughly about once a week, and wait until the top half inch of the soil is dry before watering them again. It is very vital to avoid overwatering Begonia plants, as this can cause root rot.

 

Temperature and humidity requirement

The begonia plants that are grown indoors grow best with a consistent temperature range of sixty-five to seventy degrees Fahrenheit. The fibrous begonia plant that is planted in the garden should be all right with cool late summer evenings, but the plant will begin to go dormant once the nights and days turn colder. Being a tropical plant, the Begonia plants like some humidity (just under fifty percent). In houses that tend to have dry air from winter heat, placing a saucer of water near your begonia plant, or using a humidifier in the room, can help the begonia plant stay healthy and hydrated.

 

Fertilizer requirement

The needs for fertilizer can vary slightly depending on the cultivar of your begonia plant. For the rhizomatous Begonia plants grown indoors, a basic water-soluble fertilizer mixed to quarter or half strength can be applied to moistened the soil in spring, this will help to promote blooms. The tuberous begonia plants are somewhat more hearty feeders, and they like a 5-1-1 fertilizer (such as fish emulsion) applied twice a month during the blooming season. For hardy Begonia plants, you can easily mix a bit of diluted fertilizer with some compost or peat moss and apply sparingly (too much fertilizer can easily harm the leaves).

 

Different Types of Begonias

The Begonia plants are a large and varied genus with about 100 cultivars. There are 4 basic types of Begonia plants based upon the shape of their roots: fibrous, tuberous, hardy, and rhizomatous.

 

The Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata): The Polka Dot Begonia is an angel-wing begonia cultivar that has gorgeous narrow deep green leaves with silver spots and pale pink flowers.

The Painted Leaf Begonia (Begonia rex): The Painted Leaf Begonia is also known as the king begonia, this is a sub-type of rhizomatous begonia also known for its dramatic foliage. The plant leaves are deep or silvery green with attractive accents of burgundy or pink.

The Eyelash Begonia (Begonia bowerae): The Eyelash Begonia is named for the black edges on its teardrop shaped leaves, this rhizomatous begonia plant is actually prized for its vibrant foliage.

 

Pruning Begonia

In addition to deadheading the plant, the Begonia plants may occasionally need light pruning in other to remove any dead or damaged stems or leaves.

 

Begonia Plant Propagation

The Begonia plants may be propagated from leaf cuttings, rhizomes, or tubers. This is how:

Just place a leaf cutting in water in indirect sunlight.

Once the plant root has form, you can plant in potting soil.

The rhizomes and tubers can be pressed gently into moist potting soil and they will begin to sprout new growth in a few weeks.

 

Potting and Repotting Begonia plants

The Begonia plants grow very well in pots, indoors and outdoors. In outdoors, a terra cotta pot with good drainage really works well. The indoor containers should also have good drainage. As the tubers or rhizomes grow, the Begonia plants will occasionally need to be repotted to give it more room. Just gently lift the plant roots or tubers and then place in a new pot with fresh potting soil, and then water lightly.

Diseases and Pests Control

Actually the Begonia plants are not bothered by many disease or pests. Root rot can occur on the Begonia plants as a result of overwatering, and also stem rot or powdery mildew. The main pests that can affect the Begonia plants include spider mites, mealy bugs, snails and slugs (the latter two enjoy munching the Begonia plant leaves and they can be easily remove by hand).