How to water begonia plant? General Rules. The main rule of thumb for watering begonias is to not let the soil dry out completely. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it dry to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, which will cause the foliage to turn yellow and eventually drop.
How often should I water begonias? Like other indoor plants, begonias enter a dormancy period in the colder months. During this time, you’ll want to water only once every three to four weeks to avoid similar situations with the plant drowning in water. Once growth begins in the spring, you can resume the regular watering schedule.
Do begonias like sun or shade? 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.
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.
How to water begonia plant? – Related Questions
How do begonias breed?
A particular group of begonias, called the rex begonias (Begonia rex cultorum), propagate themselves through leaf cuttings. Unlike other plants that use specific stem portions for reproduction, the rex begonia uses its leaf veins to create new plantlets. The plant thrives outdoors in warmer Mediterranean climates.
Are begonias a hummingbird plant?
Begonias. Begonias are shade-loving plants that typically grow less than twelve inches tall. They are great in hanging baskets placed near a window so you can admire the hummingbirds that come to drink the nectar. You can enjoy them all summer but when winter comes, they aren’t likely to survive outdoors.
Can nonstop begonias tolerate some sun?
Begonias may have single or double flowers. Though typically recommended as shade plants, several begonia varieties (Begonia spp.) grow well in full sun. As tropical plants, they have the added advantage of thriving in hot weather.
How to cut back begonia?
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. Sterilize pruning tools with household disinfectant spray before and after use.
Why are my begonias not blooming?
As with nearly all annual flowers, if given too much fertilizer too quickly, begonias will use the energy to grow more foliage and roots, and not produce blooms. In addition to leading to less blooms, large doses of fertilizer also cause container plants to outgrow their space long before summer comes to an end.
Are wax begonias edible?
Wax Begonias (Begonia cucullata) – The fleshy leaves and flowers are edible raw or cooked. They can have a slight bitter after taste and if in water most of the time, a hint of swamp in their flavor. … A wonderful edible flower. Flavors range from spicy to bitter, tangy to peppery.
How to prune leggy tuberous 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 begonias grow in the shade?
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.
What do begonia flowers symbolize?
Begonia. The Begonia is a symbol of caution; it’s meant as a sign of warning about future misfortunes or new situations. However, it can also be meant as a symbol of gratitude or respect, so don’t go throwing out all of your begonias just yet.
Are cats allergic to begonia rex?
Clinical Signs: Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, salivation in dogs/cats. Most toxic part is underground.
Are begonias leaves poisonous to dogs?
Begonia. Although its most toxic parts are underground, it’s still best to keep begonias out of reach of your pets. They cause vomiting in dogs and cats and can be even more dangerous for horses and grazing animals.
How many begonias to plant in a hanging basket?
When weather permits, begonias can be transplanted to the garden bed, spacing about 10 to 18 inches (25-46 cm.) apart. Likewise, they can be placed in containers spaced approximately 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) apart.
How to care for begonia plug plants?
Gently water the freshly potted plants and allow any excess to drain away. Place them somewhere well lit, ventilated and reasonably warm such as a greenhouse or windowsill. After 2 – 3 weeks feed them with a balanced liquid feed and repeat every 10 to 14 days.
When to replant begonia tubers?
Wait to repot until the container is filled with roots. This will be clearly obvious if you gently remove the plant from its pot. If there is still loose soil, allow the begonia to grow more. When the plant’s roots hold all of the soil, it’s time for a transplant.
Can you grow tuberous begonias indoors over winter?
Tuberous begonias should be dug up and stored indoors during winter until the return of warmer weather in spring. Begonias can be dug up in fall once foliage has faded or just after the first light frost. … You should also be overwintering a begonia grown outdoors in containers.
How to care for begonias in the winter?
Keep wax begonias in a bright window and gradually reduce the amount of light to help them adjust to an indoor environment. Increase humidity levels but cut down on watering over winter. Once warm temperatures return, increase their watering and begin to move them back outdoors.
How to separate begonias?
Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. It’s best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. Use a sharp knife and divide into as many pieces as you like, as long as each piece has at least one bud on it.
Can i plant begonia tubers in june?
Begonias shouldn’t be planted in your garden until the last frosts have passed which is usually in late May or even early June in the north. From starting into growth to planting they must be grown in warmer conditions.
When should you plant begonia bulbs?
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.
How to take cuttings from angel wing begonia?
Angel wing begonias (and other cane-type begonias) are very easy to propagate from cuttings. When new growth begins to emerge in the spring, carefully remove a 2- to 3-inch leaf-tip cutting that doesn’t have blooms on it and insert it cutting-side down into potting soil.
What is the best outdoor temp for begonias?
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.