Begonias are easy to grow and are a beautiful addition to any garden. This article attempts to answer the most frequently asked questions on how to grow Begonia at home.
How to grow Begonia in containers and pots
Growing begonias in containers and pots is a great way to add color to your porch or patio.
Here are a few tips on how to get started:
🌱 Choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the begonia’s root system. A good rule of thumb is to select a pot that is two inches wider than the begonia’s current pot.
🌱 Fill the pot with a well-drained potting mix. Begonias prefer soil that is rich in organic matter.
🌱 Water begonias regularly, making sure to never allow the soil to dry out completely.
🌱 Fertilize begonias every four weeks during the growing season. A general-purpose fertilizer will suffice.
🌱 Place begonias in an area that receives filtered sunlight throughout the day. Begonias can tolerate partial shade, but they will not flower as prolifically.
How long to grow Begonia
How long to grow Begonia:
🌱Sow seeds in late winter or early spring, about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
🌱Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
🌱Germination can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
🌱Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have their first set of true leaves.
🌱Begonias prefer partial shade and indoor begonias should be kept in a bright room with indirect sunlight.
🌱Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
🌱Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
🌱Most begonias will bloom throughout the summer months.
How to grow begonia cuttings?
To grow begonia cuttings, first fill a pot with moistened perlite or sand.
Next, make a 1-inch cut just below a leaf node on the begonia plant. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Then, insert the cutting into the pot of perlite or sand.
Finally, water the cutting, and place it in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Your begonia cutting should take root within 4-6 weeks.
How to grow begonia rex?
If you’re looking for a dramatic addition to your indoor jungle, begonia rex is the plant for you. These vivid beauties are staples of tropical gardens, and they’re surprisingly easy to grow indoors. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
🌱 Begonia rex prefer filtered light and humid conditions. If your home is on the drier side, consider investing in a humidifier.
🌱 These plants like their soil to be moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings.
🌱 Begonias are susceptible to root rot, so it’s important to use a well-draining potting mix. If you’re unsure whether your pot has adequate drainage, add some perlite or sand to the mix.
🌱 Fertilize begonias every other week during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Cut back on fertilizing in winter, when growth slows down.
How to grow begonias from cuttings?
Growing begonias from cuttings is a relatively easy process that can be done with just a few simple steps.
🌱 First, take a cutting from a healthy begonia plant. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches in length and have several leaves.
🌱 Next, remove the lower leaves from the cutting so that only the top leaves are remaining.
🌱 Next, dip the cutting in the rooting hormone. This will help stimulate root growth.
🌱 Finally, plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not wet. roots should begin to form within 2-3 weeks. transplant to a larger pot or outdoors once roots have grown.
How to grow begonias indoors?
Begonias are a type of flowering plant that can add color and beauty to any indoor space. Growing begonias indoors is relatively easy, and with a little care, they can thrive for many years. Here are some tips for how to grow begonias indoors:
🌱Choose a location that receives bright, indirect light. Begonias will tolerate some direct sun, but too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch.
🌱Plant begonias in a well-draining potting mix. Begonias do not like to sit in wet soil, so make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
🌱Water begonias regularly, but allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made when growing begonias indoors.
🌱Fertilize begonias every month during the growing season (spring and summer). A balanced liquid fertilizer or slow-release granular fertilizer can be used.
By following these tips, you can enjoy healthy and beautiful begonias indoors for many years to come.
How to grow Begonias outside?
Begonias are a popular choice for gardens and landscape beds because of their wide range of colors and textures. They are easy to grow and maintain, and they will add interest to any garden. Here are some tips for growing begonias outside:
🌱 Choose a location that receives partial sun or filtered light. Begonias do not like direct sunlight, so a spot that is shaded for part of the day is ideal.
🌱 Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter. Begonias prefer well-drained, loamy soil.
🌱 Plant begonias in relatively small pots or flats. This will help to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
🌱 Water begonias regularly, but do not allow them to become soggy. Begonias are susceptible to root rot, so it is important to keep the soil evenly moist.
🌱 Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Begonias are heavy feeders, so they will benefit from additional nutrients.
🌱 Deadhead begonias regularly to encourage new growth. Pinch off spent blooms at the base of the plant.
🌱 Protect begonias from extreme temperatures and heavy rains. Bring potted plants indoors if there is a risk of frost, and provide temporary shade if the forecast calls for extended periods of direct sunlight.
How to keep begonias blooming?
Here are some tips on how to keep begonias blooming:
🌱 Deadhead regularly. This means removing spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
🌱 Fertilize regularly. Begonias need a steady supply of nutrients to produce lots of flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer and apply it according to the package directions.
🌱 Give them plenty of light. Begonias need at least four hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. If you can’t provide this much light, consider growing them under artificial lights.
🌱 Keep the soil moist. Begonias prefer evenly moist soil, so water them regularly and mist the leaves if they start to look dry.
🌱 Pinch back leggy stems. This will encourage the plant to produce more compact growth and more flowers.
Irritation to pets from Begonia
Irritation to pets is a common symptom of Begonia exposure. The plant produces sap that is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
In addition, Begonia leaves contain small, sharp spines that can cause discomfort if they come into contact with the skin.
If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to Begonia, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms can be severe, and exposure can often be life-threatening.
Pests and diseases in Begonia
Pests and diseases are common problems with begonias.
Aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs can all attack begonias, and they are particularly susceptible to root rot. Pesticides can help to control pests, but it is also important to choose Begonia varieties that are resistant to disease.
Some of the most disease-resistant varieties include ‘Bada Boom’, ‘Dragon Wing’, and ‘Escargot’.
By choosing these or other disease-resistant varieties, you can help to ensure that your begonias stay healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
Pictures of Begonias types
Begonias are a large group of plants that come in many shapes and sizes. They can be annuals, perennials, deciduous, or evergreen.
Some have simple leaves while others have intricate patterns. Some begonias produce flowers while others do not.
The pictures below show just a few of the many different types of begonias that are available.
🌱 Wax begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)
🌱 Hardy begonia (Begonia grandis)
🌱 Dragon-wing begonia (Begonia x peirsonii)
🌱 Tuberous begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida)
🌱 Hanging begonia (Begonia pendula)
🌱 Rieger begonia ( Begonia x hiemalis)
As you can see, there is a begonia to suit every taste. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and unique plant for your home or garden, be sure to consider one of these Begonia varieties.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Begonia_semperflorens.jpg)
Source: wikicommons. Juni from Kyoto, Japan, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Source wikicommons. Alpsdake, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Source wikicommons. Rameshng, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Source: wikicommons. Asio otus, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Source: wikicommons.
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Begonia_x_hiemalis_Rieger_2zz.jpg)
Source wikicommons. Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Planting and spacing for Begonia
Planting and spacing for Begonia:
🌱 Plant Begonias 12-18 inches apart, depending on the size of the plant.
🌱 Plant them in an area that gets partial sun to shade.
🌱 Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to make it more acidic, if needed.
🌱 Water regularly and fertilize monthly.
Propagating Begonias in water
Propagating begonias in water is a simple process that can be done with just a few supplies. All you need is a container for the begonias, water, and a sterile propagating medium.
To propagate begonias in water, first, fill the container with water and then add the propagating medium.
Next, take a cutting from the begonia plant and remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Then, insert the stem into the propagating medium and make sure that at least two nodes are submerged in water.
Finally, place the container in a warm, bright location and wait for roots to form. Once roots have formed, you can transplant the begonia into soil.
Propagating begonias in water is a simple and easy way to create new plants. With just a few supplies and some basic knowledge, you can propagate begonias successfully.
Propagation of Begonia
Propagation of begonias can be achieved through several methods including division, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings.
🌱 Division: Propagating begonias through division is best done when the plant is actively growing. This can be done by digging up the entire plant and carefully dividing it into sections, making sure that each section has at least one healthy leaf. The divided sections can then be replanted in individual pots.
🌱 Stem Cuttings: Another method of propagation is to take stem cuttings from an existing plant. This can be done by cutting a 4-6 inch piece from a healthy stem and removing the lower leaves. The stem cutting can then be placed in a glass of water or moistened soil. Within a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can then be transplanted into a pot.
🌱 Leaf Cuttings: Begonia plants can also be propagated from leaf cuttings. This is done by cutting a healthy leaf from the plant and then burying it in a moist potting mix or sand. After a few weeks, the leaf will develop roots and new leaves, at which point it can be transplanted into a pot.
Propagating begonias is a relatively easy process that can be done using various methods.
Soil composition and ph levels for Begonia
The best soil composition and pH levels for Begonia plants are sandy loam with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. This plant prefers well-drained soil that is high in organic matter.
The ideal Begonia plant is one that has leaves that are a deep green color with some red or bronze highlights. The Begonia flower is generally a pink or white color.
When planting Begonias, it is important to choose a location that gets filtered sunlight or partial shade. This plant does not do well in full sun or full shade.
As you can see, the Begonia plant prefers certain soil composition and pH levels in order to thrive. It is important to consider these factors when choosing a location to plant your Begonia.
Varieties of Begonia
Varieties of begonia include:
🌱 Wax begonia (Begonia x Semperflorens-Cultorum): One of the most popular types of begonias, wax begonias are known for their colorful flowers and their ability to thrive in shady conditions. Wax begonias are typically grown as annuals, but they can also be used as houseplants.
🌱 Tuberous begonia (Begonia x Tuberhybrida): Tuberous begonias are prized for their beautiful flowers, which come in a wide range of colors including white, pink, red, and orange. These plants are typically grown as annuals or indoors as houseplants.
🌱 Rhizomatous begonia (Begonia Rex-cultorum Group): Rhizomatous begonias are characterized by their thick, fleshy roots. These plants come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor planting.
🌱 Cancellata Begonia: This type of Begonia is recognizable by its dark green leaves that have a silvery sheen. The Cancellata Begonia is a native to Brazil and can grow up to 12 inches tall. It is typically used as a houseplant or an annual outdoors.
Watering Begonia
Watering your Begonia properly is essential to keeping it healthy and ensuring it blooms. Here are some guidelines to follow:
🌱 Water your Begonia once a week, or more frequently if the plant is wilting.
🌱 Water the plant at the base, taking care not to wet the leaves.
🌱 Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
🌱 In winter, watering can be reduced to once every two weeks.
What type of begonia do I have?
There are many different types of begonias, and they can be divided into several categories based on their growth habit, leaf type, and flower type. If you’re not sure what type of begonia you have, the following questions can help you identify it.
🌱 What is the plant’s growth habit? Is it a trailing Begonia, a bushy Begonia, or a climber?
🌱 What type of leaves does it have? Are they smooth or hairy, and what color are they?
🌱 What kind of flowers does it have? Are they single or double, and what color are they?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you should be able to narrow down the possibilities and identify what type of begonia you have.