Begonia biggest enemy is frost. Grow them in African violet potting mix and keep it evenly moist. 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. Location and water are the two most important factors when growing begonias. Some of the cane-stemmed and wax varieties will tolerate full sun. Begonias can be classified into a number of groups based on growth habit. 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. Heavy clay soil that becomes waterlogged is unsuited, as it can cause root and stem. Make neighbors jealous with the addition of your own this season. 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. 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. They are not as sensitive to direct light as rex begonias, but cannot handle the direct sunlight of a wax begonia. Tuberous begonias, which are grown from potato-like tubers, make popular bedding plants (or first-choice options for the flower bed) due to the fast growth of their showy blooms that last from early summer to late fall. 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. constant watering. It is an evergreen, attractive plant that has an upright growth habit and grows conveniently through either seeds or cuttings. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. Plant them as soon as possible after purchase. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Let me take you through how to take care of this beautiful houseplant! Many expert… Name – Begonia maculata Family – Begoniaceae Type – perennial down to 50°F (10°C). They require a spot near a window where they receive filtered light during the winter months. Glenda Taylor, 11 Decorative Pillow Trends to Expect in 2021, 10 Homeowner Antics That Annoy Contractors Most, 15 Wainscoting Ideas with the Most Character and Charm, 11 Things You Didn't Know You Could Buy in Bulk. This plant is susceptible to fungal infections, mainly bacterial leaf spot. While they enjoy humid conditions, they don’t like “wet feet;” soggy soil can cause their roots to rot. They enjoy a sunny location, as long as it's not direct. Species of rhizomatous and fibrous begonias are among the easiest to overwinter, since both types can be dug up and brought indoors to overwinter as houseplants. Unlike the cane-stemmed varieties, shrub begonias will branch, so prune in late winter to promote new growth. Begonias for the garden have different cultivation needs so the notes below will help guide you to success. The Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical climates. While their flowers are insignificant, their foliage is like a royal robe with purple, pink, maroon, pewter, silver and shades of green splashed on the foliage in dazzling combos. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. These low-growing annuals are ideal as a bedding plant. Begonias also get sunburnt, seen as a pale brown or yellow scorch mark on all, or part, of the leaf. Placed under the canopy of a shade tree or overhang, a begonia will thrive for years. General Care. A group of two or three pots of these little beauties will brighten any room. at their best. Tamaya, also called bamboo begonia and Begonia maculata, is a magnificent indoor plant that offers abundant flowers.. Begonia maculata ‘tamaya’ facts. So try a little begonia brilliance at your place. Rex Begonia leaves also grow in purple, cream, pink, and silver. Tuberous begonia. In the garden, they require free- draining soil improved with compost. Water: Water when the soil dries through the first half-inch, water thoroughly and let drain. Double begonias (Begonia semperflorens) brighten up patio planters, window boxes and garden beds with showy double blossoms. Renowned for amazing glasshouse displays, begonia tuberhybrida, or. In more densely shaded spots, flowering tuberous and fibrous begonias tend to develop more leaves than blooms, though Rhizomatous begonias (which are grown for their foliage) will flourish. Too much water can cause plants to turn brown and rot, so allow them to dry out almost completely between waterings. Here’s Angel Wing Begonia care guide summary: It likes humidity and a lot of water. Ideal as houseplants or in hanging baskets, elatior begonias (Begonia x hiemalis) are short-lived but flower prolifically and come in fabulous colours, from hot reds and oranges to softer sherbet-like pinks, lemons and apricots. Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price! 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. Keep the soil of overwintering begonias damp but not saturated, and water them from the bottom to keep their leaves dry. rot. These easy-to-grow plants prefer warm temperatures, humidity, and moist, well-drained soil. Also known as king begonias, Rex begonias have the name for good reason. Annual begonia plants can sprout up quickly under the right conditions. good reason. Remove any affected leaves with sterilised sharp scissors or secateurs. Begonias are fairly robust but you will need to look out for and treat these problems to keep your plants in tip-top shape. 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. Cut back spent flower stems to 5–10cm long, to revitalise the plant and encourage new growth. Franklin tree is a small symmetrical (pyramidal) tree or large shrub, slowly attaining twenty feet tall and a bit wider. White fly, mites and scale can also be a problem, treat with an appropriate chemical spray, checking the label to for application rates. Prepare the soil by tilling it well to break up any clods before planting. Begonia blancii Begonia blancii variegata Begonia bowerae Begonia brevirimosa Begonia carolineifolia Begonia chloroneura Begonia crassicaulis Begonia dichotoma Begonia dregei Begonia … For healthy plants and abundant blooms, apply 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer (view example on Amazon) diluted at a ratio of three parts water to one part fertilizer when you first plant (or transplant) your begonias and approximately every three weeks thereafter. 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. Even so, it’s relatively simple to identify begonias because all of its species fall into three main types, sorted by their root systems. UCANR Invasive Forest and Tree Pest Webinar Series There are ongoing considerable concerns for Southern California forests and landscapes due to multiple invasive pests. Cultivars which are usually derived from Begonia × tuberhybrida are a favourite of gardeners for their bright colours and long flowering season. Tall growing, up to 1-2m, these varieties bloom from mid-summer to mid-autumn with fleshy flowers like little chandeliers, in shades of pink, red, orange and white. flower prolifically and come in fabulous colours, from hot reds and oranges to softer sherbet-like pinks, lemons and apricots. Beware of the Pests and Mold 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. By Glenda Taylor. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates. Replant the tuber as described above to force blooms in time for spring. Some species will also tolerate deep shade. a general-purpose fertiliser into the soil at planting time. They like humidity and warmth, but can’t tolerate extreme heat, dryness or frost.