Table of Contents
Should begonias be pinched back?
The begonia foliage should be trimmed back, and the tubers can be dried and stored in a cool, dry location through winter, just as canna or dahlia bulbs are stored. Fibrous rooted and rhizomatous begonias do not die back once a year like tuberous begonias.
How do you pinch out begonias?
How to Pinch Out Begonias Grasp a stem of a begonia plant with your thumb and forefinger below the growing tip but just above a node where two lower leaves grow. Pinch the stem just above the leaf node with your fingernails on either side to sever the stem, leaving the leaves at the node intact.
How do you make begonias bushier?
Pinch the stems back to the first or second healthy bud from the tip. You can repeat this process two or three times at about four week intervals to encourage maximum bushiness. Pinching forces the begonia to branch at the pinch point, resulting in more stems, leaves and flowers.
How do you pinch a begonia maculata?
Pruning your Begonia Use sharp, clean cutting shears to carefully remove tall and leggy stems. Cut back any crowded shoots to the desired length. Make each cut just above a leaf node, your plant will grow back right from that point. Begonias can handle quite a cut.
Can you cut back leggy begonias?
Cutting back large, overgrown begonias may be necessary to restore them to their usual shape. Use clean, sharp shears or a knife to cut the stems back to a leaf node. Begonias can be cut back to within 3 inches of the soil to revitalize them, if necessary, but pinching and pruning is not the end of the story.
Can you start a begonia from a cutting?
You can grow begonias from seed, but it’s much easier to propagate them from cuttings instead, and you can do this with most kinds of begonias. To make babies from cuttings, start by snipping a few healthy leaves from your favorite begonia. You can get a lot of baby plants with this method.
Do you have to 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.
Where do you cut begonias?
Cut a young, clean, healthy leaf from right at the base. Cut off its stalk. Make slashes along the underside of the main vein. Pin the whole leaf down onto firmed, moist compost. Warmth and moisture will encourage growth at the damaged parts of the vein. Several young plants will form on each leaf.
How do I make my begonia leaves bigger?
Fertilize your Begonia maculata Feed your plant with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every two weeks. This will give you bigger leaves and encourage flowers to grow on your Begonia.
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.
Where do you cut Begonia Maculata?
Propagate Begonia Maculata in Water Regarding where to make the cut, with this plant, you don’t need to be so careful about cutting right below a node because while the new roots will still tend to cluster around the nodes, they will also grow anywhere on the stem.
Do you pinch tuberous begonia?
Energy drains out of the leaves and stems back down to the tubers storing essential fuel for the next growing season. New flowers keep being produced as the stem tip grows out. By pinching the tips, the plants no longer need to expend energy trying to make new flowers at this late date.
What type of begonia do I have?
All begonias with glossy leaves are of this “wax leaf” begonia type. The other major subtype with fibrous roots is the “cane stem” or “angel wing” begonia, which is identified by its elongated, erect canes which can resemble bamboo. Some of these canes reach 12 feet in height, though 2 to 3 feet is more common.
Is Epsom salt good for begonias?
While many gardeners attest to using Epsom salt on their plants to enhance their pH levels or add magnesium, it may not be ideal for begonias specifically. If your plants lack magnesium sulfate, it’s better to find fertilizers sufficient in this mineral.
Why are my begonias falling over?
Overwatering and underwatering are the most common causes of a begonia wilting. Begonias wilt quickly once their soil dries out, but maintaining excessively wet soil can also result in dramatic wilting due to root rot. Temperature stress, transplant shock, pests, and disease can also cause drooping.
Will begonia cuttings root in water?
No need to use a soilless mix and rooting hormone, these plants want to grow. You can start them in a glass of water. Keep the begonia cut stems cool and moist until you get them into a clear vase or jar of water. Use the sturdiest pieces you have cut off the plant.
How do you multiply begonias?
Begonia tubers can be forced to propagate by dividing stem and tuber cuttings and will propagate on their own by seeding and by naturalization in the landscape. Even under the best circumstances, begonias can be finicky to propagate and the failure rate can be quite high.
