Inspect the plant carefully for any signs of disease or insect damage. ... Begonias: How to Plant, Grow and Care for Begonias. Cane-like begonias have long stems with slightly swollen joints ("nodes")-they resemble bamboo. This plant is susceptible to fungal infections, mainly bacterial leaf spot. To force a begonia tuber, put it hollow-side up in a medium-sized peat pot filled with lightweight, porous potting soil. Begonia Dregei requires an average amount of water. Unlike the cane-stemmed varieties, shrub begonias will branch, so prune in late winter to promote new growth. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates. Begonias respond better to fertilizer solutions poured around their base rather than sprayed directly on the plant; the tender leaves and stems of some species can be injured by direct contact with strong fertilizer sprays. The leaves on this type of begonia can be quite colorful, ranging from near-white and soft yellow to deep purple, green, and red, often in exotic combinations and patterns. Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae.The genus contains more than 1,800 different plant species. It naturally develops multiple vertical stems, but can be trained to a single trunk by judicious pruning and pinching suckers as they develop. It can be kept indoors as a houseplant and are easy to care for. By Glenda Taylor. They like humidity and warmth, but can’t tolerate extreme heat, dryness or frost. If it looks weak and leggy, or has any holes, spots or discolouration on the leaves or stems don’t buy it, as it will not thrive. Most varieties grow best in a mild temperature range, between 15°C and 26°C, though tuberous begonias need it a little cooler to perform at their best. So try a little begonia brilliance at your place. General Care. BEGONIA CARE Tuberous begonias will naturally die back each year. Grow them in African violet potting mix and keep it evenly moist. Take a few stem cuttings about 4 inches long each from your favorite plant, dip each in rooting hormone, and plant them in moist peat moss. They grow well in pots and hanging baskets in bright filtered light. Planting them under other shrubs will help protect them. Because begonias get easily damaged by cold weather, you should bring your begonia inside as soon as it gets below 60 °F or 15 °C. Height – 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm) Exposure – full sun, part sun Soil – rather rich, well drained These plants have rhizomatous roots that store water and will drown from overwatering. Remove the dormant tuber from the soil and treat it with a garden fungicide powder before storing it in a dry indoor location between 55 and 65 degrees warm until late winter. They like humidity and warmth, but can’t tolerate extreme heat, dryness or frost. Heavy clay soil that becomes waterlogged is unsuited, as it can cause root and stem rot. For potted plants, apply a general-purpose slow-release fertiliser at the time of potting and liquid fertiliser at half-strength every two to three weeks during the growing period. Flowering – May to October. They range in height from a few inches to over a foot, and they produce single or double blooms—some reaching up to 6 inches in diameter, depending on the species. Also known as king begonias, Rex begonias have the name for good reason. When planting Begonias outside, space them about 12 inches apart to allow for adequate growing room. They're back and just as beautiful as ever. A few standouts in the group are Begonia venosa, with rounded silver-grey velvety leaves, B. metallica, with purple-veined leaves, and the majestic B. luxurians, with leaves that look almost like a palm frond – green on the topside and red underneath. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. Many expert… In terms of growing, they like rich, well-drained soil and detest soggy feet. Some of the cane-stemmed and wax varieties will tolerate full sun. If the air in your house is dry, especially in the winter, it is a good idea to set your begonia houseplants on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water. Most tuberous begonias naturally go dormant during late fall months, and they need this downtime to rest. A group of two or three pots of these little beauties will brighten any room. This plant makes attractive plants in the garden with its beautiful foliages that can bloom all year round. They prefer daily temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and overnight lows in the mid-60s, but they can often tolerate higher temperatures with protection from harsh sun rays. Like many Begonia, these plants thrive in a part-shaded position with a couple of hours of morning sun, and are wonderful plants for dry spots, as they dislike being over-watered. With more than 1,200 known species, the Begoniaceae family is one of the largest flowering plant groups. Soil. When filling out your flower bed, you can either purchase blooming begonias from any garden center in late spring or grow these bedding plants from seeds, rhizomes, tubers, or roots. These are robust plants; they come in many sizes, colours and leaf shapes, and bear flowers for many months. If you’re looking for blooms to plant in (shaded) window boxes and hanging baskets, select a species of fibrous begonias that develops long, soft canes; these bamboo-like stems will spill over the edge in a showy burst of color. The foliage arises from an … Tamaya, also called bamboo begonia and Begonia maculata, is a magnificent indoor plant that offers abundant flowers.. Begonia maculata ‘tamaya’ facts. Name – Begonia maculata Family – Begoniaceae Type – perennial down to 50°F (10°C). If you choose the latter method, start them indoors in late winter so that they have time to mature before you transplant outside in warm weather. The best location for this compromise is on the north or east side of your home, beneath a large tree or covered patio to filter the sunlight. Rex Begonia Features: An Overview. Unlike the cane-stemmed varieties, shrub begonias will branch, so prune in late winter to promote new growth. These attractive flowering plants also come in a wide variety of colors for use as bedding plants or container plants. With optimum care, some cultivars can reach six feet or more in height in a container, as much as 15 feet or so in the ground in mild winter areas. Begonia biggest enemy is frost. Water the soil around the plant and avoid splashing the leaves, watering in the morning so any excess moisture can evaporate during the day. This plant is highly susceptible to root rot.As such, it is always best to add a layer of pebbles or broken pieces of terracotta pots to … And for good reason! Begonias are fairly robust but you will need to look out for and treat these problems to keep your plants in tip-top shape. Whether from the nursery or started indoors, young begonias are ready for planting in the garden any time after the risk of frost has passed. For example Begonia tenuifolia is a fantastic example of a rhizomatous begonia. Heavy clay soil that becomes waterlogged is unsuited, as it can cause root and stem. Planting and Care Begonias can be used in mass plantings, or they can be mixed with other annuals. Begonia seed can be bought online. Treat the slugs and snails with bait and pick off the caterpillars. This complete guide will help you identify the perfect plant and outline the necessary begonia care to help it thrive in your garden or container. They need good ventilation to help prevent fungal diseases and do well planted under trees and shrubs. In terms of growing, they like rich, well-drained soil and detest soggy feet. Dark brown, crisp looking marks on leaf edges are usually caused by low humidity. In pots, use a light free- draining potting mix containing coco coir, perlite or vermiculite (African violet mix works well). good reason. Some species will also tolerate deep shade. There are commercially available sprays that are useful in treating this disease. White fly, mites and scale can also be a problem, treat with an appropriate chemical spray, checking the label to for application rates. Many overwintered begonias are susceptible to fungus problems—which is rarely an issue outdoors, thanks to breezes that help circulate air through their leaves—so it’s a good idea to spray the plants with a broad-spectrum fungicide when you bring them indoors. Most varieties grow best in a mild temperature range, between 15°C and 26°C, though tuberous begonias need it a little cooler to perform. As a general rule, begonias favour bright filtered light with no exposure to harsh midday sun. Renowned for amazing glasshouse displays, begonia tuberhybrida, or tuberous begonias, have gorgeous double flowers that appear in late spring and summer. When you take care of begonias, make sure that you only water them when they need to be watered. They need high humidity but hate soggy roots, so water only when dry. The foliage is absolutely stunning and is nicknamed the Polka Dot begonia for obvious reasons. Rex Begonia’s are also called looking glass plants. One of the most popular is B. coccinea, which has pendulous heart-shaped leaves with red undersides and margins. They require a spot near a window where they receive filtered light during the winter months. In most of the U.S., however, begonias are treated as annuals (planted for a single growing season) or indoor specimen plants. Begonia Soil and Water Needs Ideal begonia care requires well-drained soil that has been amended by the addition of organic matter, such as compost and peat moss. The leaves and flowers arise from the joints. In pots, use a light free- draining potting mix containing coco coir, perlite or vermiculite (African violet mix works well). constant watering. While they enjoy humid conditions, they don’t like “wet feet;” soggy soil can cause their roots to rot. The American Begonia Society calls Begonia rex “the showboat of the begonia world.” That may be, but the king begonia, or Begonia Rex Cultorum Group as they are more formally known, may just be my Achilles’ heel: a plant that simply will not thrive for me, however much care and attention I lavish on it. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Cut back spent flower stems to 5–10cm long, to revitalise the plant and encourage new growth. Begonias also get sunburnt, seen as a pale brown or yellow scorch mark on all, or part, of the leaf. The rex begonia is a native of Southeast Asia. Begonia care tips. a general-purpose fertiliser into the soil at planting time. This will allow your growing begonias to get the humidity they need indoors without water logging the soil or exposing the leaves to excess moisture that could cause disease. Also known as king begonias, Rex begonias have the name for. and leaf shapes, and bear flowers for many months. Prized for their prolific blooms in a rainbow of colors—from creamy white and soft pink to shades of deep rose and crimson red—begonias are favorites of home gardeners everywhere. Try to water the soil around the plant and not the foliage, as wet leaves can encourage powdery mildew. Soil should remain moist, but not too wet. Allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings and store the pots somewhere dry over winter. Some species will also tolerate deep shade. Begonias need regular care, including food, water, and some pruning to keep them looking their best and healthy enough to fight off disease. Try to water the soil around the plant and not the foliage, as wet leaves can encourage powdery mildew. Begonias can be transplanted to the flower garden in late spring as soon as the danger of frost has passed; they will thrive—even bloom, depending on the variety—from then until fall when overnight lows dip below freezing. Double begonias (Begonia semperflorens) brighten up patio planters, window boxes and garden beds with showy double blossoms.