Begonias are beloved by plant enthusiasts and beginner indoor gardeners alike for their wide pattern and leaf variety, exuberant blooms, easy propagation, low level of care, and gorgeous red under-foliage.
With the exception of one or two species, begonias are tropical or subtropical plants and can be grown as perennials (dying back in fall and re-growing in spring) in zones 9 and 10 of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. In most of the U.S., however, begonias are treated as annuals (planted for a single growing season) or indoor specimen plants. 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. 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.
Color and characteristics of popular types:
- Wax begonias have succulent stems; shiny, rounded, green or reddish-brown leaves and grow in a mounded habit. They bloom with 1-1/2-inch single or double flowers in shades of red, pink, or white.
- Tuberous begonias come in two forms, either upright or trailing, and have green or burgundy leaves. Their single, double or ruffled flowers bloom in shades of pink, yellow, orange, red, or white.
- Angel wing begonias have attractive year-round foliage with speckles or streaks on dark green leaves. The underside of the leaves is usually deep red
Height and spread of begonias
Begonias can grow as tall and wide as 20″ tall and wide. This varies according to the type of begonia. While BIG begonias can get as large as 20″, other varieties may max out at 12″.
Sunlight requirements
Due to the wide variety of begonia plant types, sunlight requirements may vary. But most begonias will grow great in either full sun or full shade. If you are looking for ideal growing conditions, try giving the plant part shade, with 4 to 6 hours of morning sunlight.
Watering
Most types of begonias need consistent watering but also don’t like to be left too wet. After a hefty watering, be sure to situate potted begonias so their pot can drain excess water. If planted in the ground, stick a finger into the soil to determine how moist the soil is. If the top is dry but the soil is moist about an inch below the surface, wait another day or two to water. Spraying the plants with water on hotter days will also help them maintain the cool conditions they like.
Begonias also require high humidity to thrive, a challenge when growing them indoors. Rex begonias are fussier about humidity than other types. You might like to keep your begonia in the bathroom or kitchen where there’s likely to be more moisture in the air. You can also set a saucer of pebbles in water under your plant, which will create humidity as it evaporates.
Fertilization
Applying a liquid houseplant fertilizer according to the package instructions every two weeks will encourage bigger leaves and blooms.
Prune
Prune the plant by removing any blooms that are faded or dead. Leaving deadheads on the plant will cause it to spend its energy trying to revive them, instead of focusing its energy on keeping the rest of the plant healthy.
Toxicity
Begonias are toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA, though the most toxic portions of the plant are the underground tubers and roots.
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