Care and Feeding of Begonias
- Climate. Incapable of withstanding a harsh winter, most begonia species grow in U.S. ...
- Fertilizer. Begonias thrive on fertilizers that deliver consistent and balanced amounts of nutrients. ...
- Sunlight. The sun is a necessary part of any flower’s day, giving the flower a necessary catalyst for photosynthesis.
- Water. ...
- Pest Control. ...
- Infection. ...
What is the best fertilizer for tuberous begonias?
This application of fertilizer for a tuberous begonia should last for the growing season of the begonia plants. Prior to the onset of flower buds, you will want to administer a 5-1-1 fertilizer, such as fish emulsion for tuberous begonia feeding.
Do begonias like foliar feeding?
The first thing you need to know is that even though many plants can handle foliar feeding, begonias can’t because they don’t like moisture on their leaves and flowers. Having water beads, even if there are nutrients in it, on the leaves will cause stem rot or weaken the foliage to fungus attacks.
How do you take care of begonias in the fall?
Water container-grown plants as recommended on the fertilizer package. Stop all fertilizer application in late summer or early fall, approximately eight weeks before the first expected fall frost. This prevents lush late-season growth, allowing the begonia to go dormant by winter.
How much sun do begonias need?
Still, begonias are not the most sun loving of plants, and their delicate leaves can tolerate not more than 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day on average. In addition to preventing damage to leaves, providing shade from direct sunlight prevents dehydration of the soil around the plant.
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What fertilizer should I use on begonias?
The best fertilizer for begonias is a balanced 20-20-20 blend formulated for slow release. Slow-release fertilizers decrease the chance of your plants suffering from fertilizer burn.
Can you use Miracle Grow on begonias?
Miracle-Gro is a great fertilizer to use on begonias. The brand also has several different formulas that you can use for these plants. It can be applied to both young and older plants.
How do I keep begonias happy?
Solutions include hosting your begonias in a humid spot in the house, such as a bathroom. You could also run a humidifier or use a pebble tray. But if you aren't suffering from chapped lips or dry skin, your begonias will likely be fine.
What nutrients do begonias need?
Begonias thrive on fertilizers that deliver consistent and balanced amounts of nutrients. Fertilizers such as 10-10-10 fertilizer contain 10 percent of each of the macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Can you feed begonias with tomato feed?
Feed tuberous begonias weekly with tomato feed in summer, especially pot-grown plants. Alternatively, add a slow-release fertiliser pellet to the compost when planting. Never feed tuberous begonias into September as plants should be encouraged to slow down for the year.
How do I make my begonia bloom more?
Removing the old flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blossoms, and regular feedings will promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. “Begonias are heavy feeders, and for best bloom production should be fed every two weeks,” Roberts said.
What do Overwatered begonias look like?
An overwatered begonia will have yellowing leaves, beginning at the base. You may also see brown leaf tips despite the plant's location having good humidity. The leaves may start to drop off, and they will feel soft and mushy.
How often should begonias be watered?
every two to four daysWater Needs Begonias thrive in soil that is neither dry nor saturated. Your goal is to find a moisture level and watering schedule that is justttt right. A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days.
Should you mist begonias?
Answer: While rex begonias and many other houseplants prefer high relative humidities, misting is ineffective unless you're prepared to mist the plants several times a day. Also, rex begonias are not fond of water on their foliage.
Is Tomorite good for begonias?
During and after flowering (before the foliage has died down) begonias should be regularly fed with a high potash feed, such as Tomorite. This will encourage the tuber to bulk up for the following year's growth.
Are begonias acid loving?
Soil for begonias The best kind of soil to grow begonias is a more acidic soil. This means it has a lower pH level. Also, people may find that they prefer the use of mixed soil for their begonias.
Are coffee grounds good for begonias?
(soil free is best) Outdoors, growing begonias means adding lots of organic matter to the soil. Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.
What are the pests that eat begonias?
Begonias are an invitation to pests such as mealybugs, whiteflies, thrips and mites. These insects feed and lay eggs on the plant and can eventually destroy it, cutting through leaves and small stems and drinking the moisture of the plant.
Why do begonias need water?
Begonias thrive best in conditions where enough water is provided to make the soil moist to the touch. While too little water can stress begonias, too much can create a breeding ground for mildew and infection. Too much moisture is indicated when small puddles form where the gardener presses down on the soil.
What zone do begonias grow in?
One species, the hardy begonia (Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana) is adapted for harsher climates and can grow in USDA zone 6 through 9.
How much sun does a begonia need?
Still, begonias are not the most sun loving of plants, and their delicate leaves can tolerate not more than 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day on average. In addition to preventing damage to leaves, providing shade from direct sunlight prevents dehydration of the soil around the plant.
What are the nutrients in 10-10-10 fertilizer?
Fertilizers such as 10-10-10 fertilizer contain 10 percent of each of the macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Additionally, the fertilizer carries trace amounts of micronutrients such as magnesium, calcium, molybdenum and copper. These micronutrients promote healthy growth rate and increase resistance to disease.
What is the best way to grow begonias?
Begonias thrive best in conditions where enough water is provided to make the soil moist to the touch.
Do begonias bloom?
With deeply colored, often patterned leaves and beautiful blooms in several sizes, begonias add texture and beauty to any garden. Still, like all flowers, the best blooms come from the healthiest plants. Under the proper conditions and care, a veritable galaxy of begonia species and varieties will provide interesting flora year after year.
Where do begonias come from?
According to the American Begonia Society, hundreds of the plant’s species come from around the world (with the exception of Europe and Australia) and with a variety of characteristics. With so many cultivars to choose from, it can be tough to narrow the best begonia list.
How hot does a begonia plant get?
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.
How to keep a tuber from dying?
Keep the soil only slightly moist and, when the stems die back, allow the soil to dry out. Remove the dormant tuber from the soil and treat it with a garden fungicide powder before storing it in a dry indoor location between 55 and 65 degrees until late winter.
What is wax begonia?
This popular wax begonia is a compact bedding plant growing to less than a foot, with variegated leaves and pink flowers. ‘Wax’ Begonia (Begonia semperflorens). Use wax begonia, with its deep green leaves, as a shade-loving annual or a tender perennial in warm zones. ‘Dusty Rose’ Begonia (Begonia × tuberhybrida).
What color are begonia leaves?
The leaves on this type of begonia can be quite colorful, ranging from nearly white and soft yellow to deep purple, green, and red, often in exotic combinations and patterns.
How many species of begonias are there?
With more than 1,200 known species, the Begoniaceae family is one of the largest flowering plant groups. Even so, it’s relatively simple to identify begonias because all of its species fall into three main types, sorted by their root systems.
What is a rhizomatous begonia?
Known better for striking foliage than blooms (although some species are flowering), rhizomatous begonias are characterized by roots resembling knobby, horizontal stems that creep along the surface of the soil.
Feeding Tuberous Begonias
I need a moment to process that last part – tuberous begonias. Showy and stunning with so many options. Single or double blossoms. Plain or ruffled flowers. Color palette from white to crimson with bicolor options. Cascading or upright varieties. I LOVE THEM! These are flowers that you definitely want to thrive!
How to Feed Tuberous Begonias
When it comes to tuberous begonia feeding, gentle applications of fertilizer are the recommended route. If you apply fertilizer that is too highly concentrated or if you overfeed, you will see evidence of fertilizer burn (brown crispy spots) on the begonia leaves.
Tuberous Begonias in Containers
For containers, I’m going to propose the easiest method for tuberous begonia fertilizing: When transplanting, fill the container half full of soil then gently set the begonia plant into the pot. For each potted plant, add in a half teaspoon of a time release fertilizer, then continue filling the pot with soil, followed by a thorough watering.
How to fertilize begonias?
2. Dilute a balanced liquid fertilizer with 1 part fertilizer to 3 parts water. When the young begonia sprouts are 3 inches high, apply this diluted mixture to the soil at the plant's base. Repeat every two to four weeks during the growing season. Irrigate before and after applying liquid fertilizer.
How many types of begonias are there?
By Teo Spengler. The genus Begonia (Begonia spp.) includes so many different species that selecting takes longer than planting. More than 2,000 types of begonias exist, and some 8,000 different cultivars.
What are the dangers of rex begonias?
Warnings. Soggy soil and excess fertilizer are the top threats to many begonias. Rex begonias are particularly sensitive and die from excess fertilizer. Highly concentrated fertilizers burn the exquisite foliage of a plant such as "Fireworks" (Begonia "Fireworks"), which thrives in USDA zones 10 to 11. Writer Bio.
What zone do begonias grow in?
Begonias thrive in a wide range of tropical and subtropical zones, including U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11, and are admired for both their blossoms and their textured and patterned foliage.
Do begonias grow in shade?
Beginners like easy-to-grow shrub begonias or cane begonias with their bamboolike stems. Others prefer rhizomatous begonias that thrive in near total shade, or tuberous or rex begonias that require at least dappled light.
How to grow begonias in the morning?
Use Tuberous begonias for planters or hanging baskets. Use fibrous rooted begonia for creating beautiful flower beds. Place begonias where they get early morning or late afternoon sun to ensure that you get the best bloom. You can also place them in a location where they get dappled sunlight all day.
How to keep tuberous begonias from freezing?
Bring tuberous begonias inside after a light frost but before a freeze. Cut off the foliage and allow the pot to dry out. You can lift the bulbs and store them in peat or store them in the pot. Keep them in a dark, cool but above freezing location where mice can’t get to them.
Can begonias be grown indoors?
It is important to remember that some types of begonias are grown for their brilliantly colored flowers, while other begonias are enjoyed for their unique and beautiful foliage. Most begonias bought at nurseries will be labeled as indoor plants or outdoor plants.
Do begonias grow on tall stems?
Cane Begonias grow upwards on tall stems that resemble bamboo in appearance. The Angel Wing Begonia is a common example. Fibrous root Begonia species have stems that are directly attached to the crown of the plant like that of radish leaves. This group includes the Rex Begonia hybrids.
Do begonias have fancy foliage?
You know you've hit the flower jackpot when your plant is known for its brilliant flowers and its fancy foliage. The begonia has both of these lovely features. Begonias can be high-maintenance at times, but the end result of having a beautiful, flowering plant is well worth it. [1]
Do begonias like light?
All begonias like bright but indirect light, so find a partially shaded spot for your plant. Make sure the soil is rich, fertile, and well-draining, since begonias are susceptible to root rot. Fertilize begonias often during the growing season, and groom them regularly to remove dead flowers and leaves.
What are begonias used for?
The vast variety of begonias within the three types is what makes these plants so popular. They can be used in almost any garden. Larger varieties are ideal for landscaping and create a dramatic effect when planted en masse. Smaller varieties are well-suited for container gardens and won't crowd out your other plants. Some begonia plants have single flowers with just one row of petals, while others have double blooms with numerous rows of petals. There's a begonia with the right look for any place in the garden.
What are the different types of begonias?
Begonia Types. Angel wing: Also known as cane begonia, this type has long stems with "joints" on them. As the name suggests, these begonias have leaves that look like angel wings. Rex: Rex begonias are entirely their own class of begonia.
What are some good plants to plant in a hanging basket?
Begonias are a crowd favorite, and for good reason. These hardy plants have blooms and leaves with varying colors, textures, and sizes, making them work in any garden setting. Begonias are an easy go-to annual for filling containers or hanging baskets.
What is a fancy leaf begonia?
They are rhizomatous, meaning they typically grow horizontally and with shortened stems. Commonly grown as a houseplant for its foliage, these begonias are also known as painted-leaf or fancy-leaf begonias. Rieger: This category of begonias is winter-flowering.
How to keep plants cool when planted in the ground?
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.
Do begonias have single flowers?
Some begonia plants have single flowers with just one row of petals, while others have double blooms with numerous rows of petals. There's a begonia with the right look for any place in the garden. Begonia 'Bellagio Pink'.
Do wax begonias grow in the shade?
They usually have a burst in growth after the summer heat kicks in. Old-fashioned wax begonias do great when planted in the shade. Newer varieties of wax begonias are happy from full shade to full sun. Be sure to check the nursery tag to see the recommended light for each variety.
Do begonias need fertilizer?
They are also well suited to containers and hanging baskets, with small flowering varieties available for just this purpose. While begonias require little maintenance in the warm months, begonias in both beds and planters require regular fertilization in order bloom well all season.
Do begonias bloom in the summer?
Begonias have deep green foliage and bloom profusely throughout the summer months, adding color to the garden. These shade-tolerant flowers thrive on the north side of buildings or in beds beneath trees and shrubs. They are also well suited to containers and hanging baskets, with small flowering varieties available for just this purpose.
The Big 3
Let’s start with N – P – K, the “Big 3” primary chemical elements in commercial fertilizers, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. These elements are found in natural and organic sources: compost, animal manure, harvested minerals and byproducts such as fish processing waste or blood meal from animal slaughter.
Remember Up, Down, and All-Around
Nitrogen is essential to the formation of protein, which makes up much of the tissues of most living things. Nitrogen will produce leafy, green leaves, stimulating the production of chlorophyll (the main chemical involved in photosynthesis – how plants convert sunlight to food.
The Other Nutrients
Some trace elements are more important than others, but each nourishes a plant in its own way. The main trace elements in fertilizers are calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, boron, and sulfur. If any of these elements are lacking, a plant may show characteristic deficiency symptoms.
Organic vs. Synthetic
Organic fertilizers release slowly. They need time to break down. For example: blood meal and many types of manure – can be available to plant roots within two to six weeks, alfalfa, clover and rye – can be available to plant roots within two to six months, fish emulsion – can be available to plants quickly but are often used up within two weeks.
