Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants that come from the family Begoniaceae. The genus boasts an impressive 1,800 different plant species. These blooms are native to moist subtropical and tropical locations and certain species are grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates.
Commonly found in South and Central America, as well as parts of Africa and southern Asia, the flowers and colours vary wildly depending on the species. So too do the leaf shapes, which are often marked or variegated with unequal sides.
How to grow Begonias
Begonias enjoy warm temperatures and lots of devotion from their owners. Both of these factors will contribute to their growth, their strength, and their various hot hues.
In fact, these beautiful blooms are available in various shades of pink, white, yellow, and scarlet, all of which promise to add interest and embellishment to any room in the household.
Begonia x tuberhybrida is a popular choice given among gardeners given its set of bold colours and a long-drawn-out flowering season
One for the amateur gardener
This extremely hardy plant is easy to grow and blooms well provided that it has a little sun, a little water, and a lot of love. Investing in a begonia plant is a must if you wish to add colour to your home, especially when it comes to boosting the décor.
If you care for this plant in the correct manner, it will give you and your home many years of happiness.
Top tips for caring for Begonia plants
- For best results, plant your begonia blooms in a pot that allows for a maximum of two inches of space all the way around the roots. Using a pot that is too big will hold too much water, which will prevent the begonia from growing properly.
- Begonias prefer to be placed in locations that boast daily full to partial morning sunlight.
- Ensure your plant has a regular watering schedule. The soil should be kept moist, but not too moist. Wet or soggy soil can cause begonias to dwindle. Too much water can cause ailments such as root rot, which can kill the begonia. For best results, water your plant over a sink or bowl so the excess water can drain out. If the soil feels dry to the touch, the plant requires more water.
- It’s important to feed the plant a balanced houseplant fertilizer once every month. If you’re unsure of how to use the fertilizer, simply follow the directions on the label of your plant food.
- Prune the plant regularly by cutting away any blooms that are faded or dead. Leaving deadheads on your begonia can cause your plant to spend its energy trying to revive faded blooms, as opposed to focusing its energy on keeping the rest of the plant healthy.
- Begonias prefer temperatures of 18°C-22°C (65-72°F) as they grow well in warmer, more humid temperatures.
More about begonia plants
Annual begonia plants boast a variety of uses in the summer garden and beyond. Annual begonia care is extremely simple, especially when you take the time to properly learn how to care for these plants.
Watering is a very important part of the care process, especially when it comes to begonias, as is picking the right location.
How to grow Begonias in the annual garden
Often referred to as wax begonias or bedding begonias, annual begonia plants (botanical name: Begonia semperflorens) grow speedily and extremely simple, particularly in areas of the garden that require bulking up with the likes of pretty foliage and frilly flowers.
They make a great focal point when planted in mass, and make great options for containers. Begonia shrubs are a great option for those who may see wild deer in their gardens, as the plants are resistant to these animals.
Where to plant Begonias
For best results, plant wax begonias in areas that benefit from full sunlight and a fair amount of shelter. Too much sun, however, especially on hot summer days, can cause distress to your annual begonia plants, making them susceptible to ailments and disease.
If you live in an area where summers are extremely hot, it’s important to plant wax begonias where they will benefit from afternoon shade.
Annual Begonia Care
Once placed in the correct location, such as a flower bed or hanging basket, it’s important to deadhead tired flowers and ensure the soil is moist. This is the basis of annual begonia care, with watering – as mentioned earlier – being the most important part.
Soil should be kept moist, which is when a well-draining soil or potting mix is a must. Water wax begonias at the base, rather than wetting the foliage, as this will prevent ailments such as leaf spot and fungal diseases from occurring.
To allow healthy and compact wax begonias to thrive, it’s wise to deadhead them and pinch them back on a regular basis. Annual begonia plants may be pruned before the first signs of frost arrive, and this is when they are often brought inside to act as a houseplant during the winter months.
Once inside the home, ensure the soil is kept moist and place the begonia in a humid area. A pebble tray is a great option, particularly when positioned in a place that boasts bright filtered light.
Cuttings may be propagated in order to achieve additional plants. It’s wise to divide plants in the spring, especially if you wish to have more outdoor begonia plants to enjoy throughout the summer.
Once you’ve learned how to grow begonias each and every year, you can take full advantage of this popular plant, adding interest to your summer garden landscape.
Foliage grows in various shades, including green, bronze, and maroon, with either single or double blooms in whites, pinks, and reds. This easy-to-grow flowering plant will thrive when placed in the correct place in your garden and home, adding a certain vibrancy to both your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Sources: proflowers.com, gardeningknowhow.com, rhs.org.uk
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