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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 begonias need to be watered?
Water Needs 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 easy to care for?
While you can grow tuberous begonias indoors, they are harder to take care of due to their light and humidity needs. Like most houseplants, begonias prefer bright, indirect light and plenty of humidity.
Can begonias survive indoors?
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.
Are begonias OK 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.
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.
Do begonias like grow lights?
Fluorescent Light As a low-light plant, begonias require less intensive artificial light than many other types of plants — which grow with an artificial light as close as 3 inches from the top leaves.
What is the best fertilizer for begonias?
Best Fertilizers for Begonias EarthPods Premium Bloom Flowering Spikes. Jobe’s Organics Organic Fertilizer. Bayer Advanced Rose and Flower Care Granules. Espoma FT18 Flower Tone Fertilizer. Schultz Rose & Flower Slow-Release Fertilizer. Dr. Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer.
What conditions do begonias like?
Begonias grow well in dappled or partial shade – avoid south-facing spots as the foliage can burn in direct sunlight. If you’re growing begonias in a greenhouse, shading may be required. Tuberous begonias are ideal for growing in pots and hanging baskets.
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 can I make my begonias grow faster?
Most like bright, dappled light to grow their best. Soil Conditions: Begonias grow best in light, fertile, well-drained soil. Begonias are very susceptible to root and stem rot when exposed to cold, wet soils, so proper drainage is essential.
How long do begonia flowers last?
They bloom best with short days and cool temperatures, and will often bloom for up to six months.
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.
Are begonias easy to grow?
Begonias are an easy houseplant for beginners, with a range of species and selections for the more advanced gardeners. Some are grown for flowers, others for their foliage. They come in a range of sizes, shapes, and habit, from upright to spreading. Many tolerate low light, and they have few if any pests.
When can I put my begonia outside?
Plant them outdoors in late spring after the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed. For earlier flowers, the tubers may be started indoors in pots, about 8 weeks before you expect to plant them outdoors. All you need is a pot, some moist growing mix and a warm, sunny location.
Is begonia a succulent?
Begonias are typical understory succulent plants in humid, tropical forests and cloud forests and rarely xerophytic. Most species are evergreen with fibrous roots. Some are tuberous with deciduous foliage. Most species can be readily propagated by stem cuttings.
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.
