How To Take Good Care Of Bogonias?

Begonia care involves planting and caring for various types of begonias, including wax, rhizomatous, tuberous, cane, and rex begonias. The main requirements include positioning in indirect sunlight or shade, watering to ensure evenly moist soil, and planting in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Fertilization requirements vary depending on the species, but most begonias thrive in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade.

During summer, keep plants shaded and watered freely but with good drainage and high relative humidity. Do not wet the leaves or crown. Plant begonias outside in May when no more frosts are forecast. Water regularly and feed them every week or so with a high-potash fertiliser.

Begonia plants prefer a part shade or bright shade position, but some thrive in full sun. They prefer slightly acidic soil, so they love morning sun and then enjoy a cooler afternoon shade. To avoid drowning your begonias and preventing root rot, give them ample moisture and better drainage.

Indoors, many begonia types should be planted in partial shade, with moist, well-drained soil high in organic content. They need bright light to flower, but too much light can damage the leaves or stress out the plants.

In summary, begonia care involves planting and caring for different types of begonias, including wax, rhizomatous, tuberous, cane, and rex begonias, in areas with indirect sunlight or shade, well-draining soil, and proper fertilization.

What happens if begonias get too much sun?

Excessive full sun can cause begonias to become crispy, which can be detrimental to their growth. Begonias are known for being low-maintenance flowers, but many gardeners mistake this for “no maintenance”, leading to problems. To fix common problems with begonias, it is essential to monitor their sun exposure. Begonias come in various types and varieties, making them popular in both indoor and outdoor gardens.

However, if your begonia is struggling or you encounter issues with your plant, it is essential to address the issue and learn how to fix it. By addressing the most common problems with begonias, you can ensure their continued growth and success in both indoor and outdoor gardens.

How do you care for potted begonias?

To maintain a healthy begonia plant, maintain an evenly moist soil, reduce watering in winter, and avoid wet or waterlogged soil. Fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength at alternate waterings when the plant is in full growth. Pinch the tip of branches to promote lateral growth and stop pinching when the plant is full. For indoor begonias, move them to a partly sunny location outdoors during the summer, as some do not tolerate direct sunlight and should be placed in the shade.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

Begonias exhibit continuous blooming from the flowering stage until the onset of frost. To ensure optimal growth and development, these plants require adequate water, shade, and regular fertilization. The practice of deadheading, or removing spent blooms, can stimulate further growth.

Do begonias like heat?

Tuberous and Rieger begonias are suitable for shade containers due to their preference for minimal direct light. Tuberous begonias, like those in the Nonstop ® and Illumination ® series, thrive in warm temperatures and produce vibrant, double blooms in a variety of jewel tones. Hanging baskets and containers are ideal for showcasing their stunning blooms and foliage. Rieger begonias, on the other hand, produce double blooms in bright colors but prefer cooler temperatures and are more upright, making them suitable for indoor use.

They also make lovely houseplants. Whether you’re planting a sunny garden bed, hanging a basket filled with draping color, or a pot of shade-loving annuals, there’s a begonia for you. If you’re unsure which begonia to choose, ask for advice and we’ll help you find the best begonia for your next planting project.

Do begonias like rain?

In Massachusetts, putting begonias outside for summer can provide numerous benefits. Factors to consider include light, watering, and the presence of insects. Sun-lovers like canes can benefit from direct sun, while shade-lovers like rhizomatous can tolerate one or two hours of direct sun. However, these plants may dry out faster, necessitating more frequent watering. Rainy periods can be more challenging for begonias, as they need to dry out between watering. In such cases, it may be necessary to shield the plants or bring them inside during extended rains to prevent poor growth or root rot.

Insects are another concern, but mealy bugs are less of an issue outside. Other insects, like fungus gnats, fly away and never reappear. The risk of insects infecting the plants is real, and it is necessary to be prepared to spray them if necessary. The recommended pesticide is the permethrin/insecticidal soap mixture on the Buxton website, which is less noxious than other effective pesticides but still requires caution and following the manufacturer’s instructions.

How long do potted begonias last?

Begonias are a diverse genus of over 1, 000 species native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They have a short life span of 2 to 3 years, with most only surviving for 2 to 3 years with good care. They offer a variety of colors, from large, vibrant blooms in shades of scarlet, orange, or lemon to delicate, soft blush or pure white blossoms. Begonias are also forgiving of neglect, as they store water in their stems to survive drought periods.

They prefer low levels of light and shine, and can tolerate forgetful gardeners by storing water in their stems. Discovered in 1690 by Franciscan Monk Charles Plumier, they are named after their patron, amateur botanist Michel Begon, who was also the governor of Haiti.

How many times will begonias bloom?

Begonias are colorful, shade-loving plants that bloom continuously from summer to frost. They prefer growing in the shade and have no down time. There are various types of begonias, including wax begonias, angel-wing begonias, rhizomatous and rex begonias, and Begonia grandis. Tuberous begonias, which grow from firm, round to oval tubers, are frost-sensitive and can be grown in upright or cascading habits. They have rose-like flowers and are available in various colors.

To grow tuberous begonias, start with a better tuber. Larger tubers produce bigger plants with more stems and flowers. Longfield Gardens offers 5/6 cm tubers that grow into large, full plants. Begonia tubers should feel dense and firm like a potato and be ready to plant. They are ideal for window boxes, flower pots, and garden beds.

Do begonias need sun or shade?

Begonias are capable of tolerating a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, in colder climates, plants with darker foliage may require more light to thrive. Depending on the climate, these plants can be cultivated both outdoors and indoors. They can be expected to return annually, either in an indoor or outdoor setting in regions where frost is absent. To maintain their blooming state, these plants require regular irrigation, fertilization, and optimal light conditions.

What are the signs of overwatering begonias?

• Begonia Common Symptoms. Bleached leaves or Stunted growth: This may be due to your houseplant receiving the incorrect amount of light. Begonia thrives in bright filtered light and outdoors in dappled shade, if your plant is receiving too much light the leaves will either yellow or look washed out, too little light and the plant will look sparse and stretched out, relocate your Begonia to a more optimal position but avoid low light or direct sun. Other causes of stunted growth include being pot bound. Even though the Begonia does not mind a snug fit, it may need to be repotted if it stops producing new growth.
• Yellowing mushy leaves/leaf drop or wilt: Overwatering is the leading cause of improper houseplant care. Yellowing leaves are a sign of your Begonia being overwatered, another indication of over-saturated soil is if the leaves are mushy to the touch or turning brown. This means rot has set in, causing excessive leaf drop or wilt even though the soil is moist. Amend this by allowing your soil to dry, expert Begonia growers often say to wait until the plant shows signs of droop and dry soil before watering again. Be sure that your planter is draining correctly and use the guide of watering weekly during summer months and less often in winter. When watering avoid wetting the leaves as this can lead to fungal infections on the leaves. To Read more on Identifying Over Vs Under watering Click here.
• Crispy leaf edges or leaves: If you are experiencing brown crisp leaf patches or full leaves that are crispy then you may either not be watering sufficiently or your humidity is low. Begonia does not do well with prolonged periods of dryness and should be watered once at least 50% of the soil has dried, this is when the plant should be showing signs of dehydration. If the potting medium is moist yet you are still experiencing crisp leaf edges, then your humidity should be adjusted, this can be achieved by placing your plants on a pebble tray and avoid putting them in an airconditioned room.
• Powdery grey mould on leaves: This is known as Powdery Mildew. Begonia are highly susceptible to this kind of fungal infection as with their relatives the gourd family. This is often caused by excessive moisture on the foliage. Even though Begonia loves high humidity avoid spritzing foliage and when watering be sure to water only the soil and not the leaves. If you suspect a fungal infection such as Powdery Mildew, remove infected foliage and spray with a fungicide such as Copper Soap.
• Pests: Begonia are pretty hardy and not often susceptible to pests but if care is not taken to keep your plant in its optimal conditions stress can occur. This will lead to pest infestations causing excessive yellowing fronds and leaf drop. Mealybug, scale and spider mites are common indoor plant pests and can weaken your plant relatively quickly if left untreated. Adjust environmental stressors for your house plant and treat infestations with an organic pesticide.

• Origin: Commonly Brazil
• Height: Average 20cm – 2m dependent on the species, a type to fit all spaces.
• Light: Bright filtered light is ideal, dappled shade if in a protected outdoor area.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out two-thirds between watering.
• Humidity: Medium to high humidity is ideal.
• Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 18°C – 26°C.
• Soil: A well draining organic potting soil is sufficient.
• Fertilizer: Use a well balanced organic fertilizer once every 2 weeks during Spring through Summer.
• Repotting: Your Begonia will only need to be repotted once it has become pot-bound and is not producing any new growth. It is best to use a well-draining moisture-retentive potting mix that contains some perlite and vermiculite. Approximately a 60% Potting mix and 40% split of Perlite and vermiculite. When repotting avoid disturbing the roots, with Begonia it is best to choose a pot 3cm larger than the previous pot and to transfer without removing the old medium (unless diseased or root rot has set in) and fill with fresh potting mix.
• Propagation: There are a few ways to propagating Begonia, if it is a rhizome variety, you can split the plant by gentle separating rhizomes out and repotting. Other easy options are to use leaf and stem cuttings. Choose a few healthy big leaves and remove them from your plant with a sterile cutting implement making sure to leave at least 1. 5cm of stem on each. Press into a well-draining moist potting mix ( same as for repotting) and slip into a plastic bag. Place in a bright warm spot. Periodically mist the soil to keep the potting mix moist but avoid keeping it soggy, and your cuttings will be ready to remove from the bag once new growth has formed.

How do you know if you are overwatering begonias?

Begonias are houseplants that thrive in bright filtered light and dappled shade, but they can also be stunted by incorrect light levels. To prevent stunted growth, relocate the plant to a more optimal position and avoid low light or direct sun. Pot-bound Begonias may need to be repotted if they stop producing new growth.

Overwatering is the leading cause of improper houseplant care, with yellowing leaves, mushy leaves, or brown leaves indicating over-saturated soil. Allow the soil to dry before watering again, and use a weekly watering schedule during summer months and less often in winter. Avoid wetting the leaves as this can lead to fungal infections on the leaves.

Crispy leaf edges or leaves may indicate insufficient watering or low humidity. Begonias do not do well with prolonged periods of dryness and should be watered once at least 50% of the soil has dried. If the potting medium is moist but still experiencing crisp leaf edges, adjust the humidity by placing the plants on a pebble tray and avoiding air conditioning.

Powdery grey mold on leaves, known as Powdery Mildew, is a common fungal infection in Begonias. It is highly susceptible to excessive moisture on the foliage, and it is important to avoid spritzing foliage and watering only the soil. If you suspect a fungal infection, remove infected foliage and spray with a fungicide such as Copper Soap.

Begonias are hardy and not often susceptible to pests, but if not taken care of, stress can occur, leading to pest infestations causing excessive yellowing fronds and leaf drop. Mealybug, scale, and spider mites are common indoor plant pests that can weaken the plant quickly if left untreated. Adjust environmental stressors for your house plant and treat infestations with an organic pesticide.

Begonias can be propagated through various methods, such as splitting the plant, using leaf and stem cuttings, or using rhizomes. Proper care and drainage are crucial for Begonias to thrive and produce new growth.

How do I make my begonias happy?

Begonias should be fertilized with a general-purpose fertilizer at 7-day intervals during the spring and summer months, as they have the ability to store water in their rhizomes. It is important to avoid overwatering and to only irrigate when the upper one-inch layer of soil has dried.