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These plants like to stay damp, and not dry out completely, but they hate having their roots sitting in water. Use well draining soil, with some compost material, to help retain moisture. Always water at the base of the plant, as they are susceptible to leaf rot and spots if the leaves get damp.
How do you care for potted begonias?
Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter (stop watering tuberous begonias in fall). Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil. When plant is in full growth, fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength at alternate waterings.
Do begonias like sun or shade?
They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.
How often do you water begonias?
A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it’s hot and dry you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.
How do you keep begonias blooming?
Select a location receiving more direct morning or evening sunlight than mid day sun. Early morning / late day sunlight is much cooler with less intense rays. By keeping begonias out of the mid-day direct sun, the plants have less stress, and will produce more blooms.
Are begonias hard to care for?
Generally, fibrous and rhizomatous begonias make excellent houseplants while tuberous begonias can be grown as houseplants but have a harder time surviving due to the need for higher humidity and light than the other two kinds. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering.
How long do potted begonias last?
No begonia has a long life span. Most live only 2 to 3 years even with good care. The tubers of tuberous begonias often last 4 to 5 years with good care. Tuberous begonias need a winter rest and don’t make good winter houseplants.
What month do begonias flower?
Begonias grow in moist, shady gardens where they have well-drained soil, wind protection and filtered or indirect sunlight. A typical blooming season starts in June and ends with the first frost. They are so easy to grow that a broken stem or leaf stalk stuck in soil often roots as a new plant.
Can I put begonias in full sun?
Most begonias grow best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun a day), or filtered sun (as through trees). Most will tolerate full shade (no direct or filtered sun), but won’t be as dense and usually have fewer flowers. A few grow in full sun. They prefer moist, but not soggy, soils.
Do begonias come back?
* What it is: Most begonias die at frost, but this one is a perennial version that sends up stems of nodding pink flowers from July into mid-fall, then dies back to the ground. Leaves are slow to emerge in spring, so don’t assume the plant has died if there’s no sign of it even by May.
Do you deadhead begonias?
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 11, depending on the cultivar, begonias (Begonia spp.) do not require deadheading to thrive. Rather they self-clean by dropping spent flowers on their own, says the University of Illinois Extension.
Can begonias survive outside?
Begonias are very sensitive to frost, cold, and wet weather, so don’t hurry to plant them outdoors; they can’t survive temperatures below 45°F. Begonias can be planted directly in the garden, or in hanging baskets or window boxes.
What do Overwatered begonias look like?
Look for the following symptoms and conditions that make it more likely that overwatering is the cause of your begonia drooping; Yellowing leaves, particularly affecting the lower leaves first. Brown leaf tips despite good humidity and soil moisture. Leaves dropping from the plant, often with soggy, limp petioles.
How long does a begonia plant last?
No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care. Cane begonias such as angel wings go dormant if the temperature gets too cool.
Are begonias annual or perennial?
They are grown as bedding plants in spring, similar to marigolds, impatiens and petunias. Although they are perennial in a warmer climate, most gardeners treat them as annual flowers. Tuberous begonias are probably the second-most popular outdoor begonia for gardeners.
Why are my begonia leaves turning brown?
The most common cause of brown leaf edges is that your Begonia is incredibly dry. Your Begonia likes consistent moisture. Begonias do not like soggy soil or to sit in water, so be sure to discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer after watering.
Do begonias do well in pots?
Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it’s no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers. Begonias planted in a pot should be spaced 4-6″ apart and with the tubers buried hollow-side up.
