how to grow begonia
If you already have a knowledge of houseplants and want a new challenge and increase your collection, the begonias are great options. Your demand for light and water is the first step to understanding them, making them a great intermediate project.
Its beauty and visual interest make all the effort worthwhile and the species grown indoors are known for their spectacular leaves. After all, who doesn’t want seedlings to beautify the house?
Knowing how to grow begonia is not an easy task. Interspersed between the beautiful appearance of the leaves and flowers, planting them requires a little knowledge to keep them looking their best and expose them inside your residence.
Among the topics that deserve attention are: location, watering, light and humidity. To help you understand everything and make the journey more enjoyable, we have separated all the information below.
Remember that certain species of begonia require different care, before buying, check everything you know about the desired plant and what you can offer it.
What are the types of begonia?
Amazingly, there are more than 1,000 species, many varieties and hybrids – with countless colors, sizes and shapes! To better understand the genre, it is necessary to know that there are 3 main types: fibrous, tuberous and rhizomatous.
fibrous
With the right temperature and humidity, fibrous begonias are perfect for the interior. Position them at eye level to always enjoy their unique and spectacular appearance.
Based on an extensive hybridization program, there are dozens of species that fall into this category. With stems reminiscent of bamboo for their size and leaves that point downwards, it is recommended that you cut off the larger parts to avoid the development of brittle stems and damage to your branch.
The leaves, available in many shades and flecked with silver, are the real stars, but the small white, pink or red flowers also draw a lot of attention. Check out three famous begonias that are part of the group:
See too
Rhizomatous
This type has a stocky stem structure called a rhizome and a colorful foliage, form and structure. Many have fuzzy leaves and shades ranging from light pink to deep purple and yellow to dark green.
The begonia rex is a subset of the rhizomatous, being grouped separately for its high maintenance. With larger, flamboyant leaves, begonia rex is also popular within the genus. The following are two types of category:
tuberoses
It is here that the begonia flower makes its statement, with flowers of all kinds and tropical shades of pink, yellow, orange, red and white. And the leaves are not left out of this, with their golden, purple, green or maple look, they are also highlighted.
They love shadows and require some natural light in the morning or late afternoon – smudged or filtered light will also work. They need moist and well-drained soil and, although they can be grown indoors, they have difficulties to develop due to their need for greater humidity and light. Two species that are part of the group:
How to grow at home?
Planting
To plant begonias, use a soilless potting mix and a good-draining pot. Because they are susceptible to root rot, especially indoors, add pebbles or pieces of terracotta pots old ones at the bottom for better drainage. When the seedling is rooted, judge whether it is necessary to replant the begonia in a larger pot.
watering
find the right amount of water can be considered the biggest challenge. Ideally, the Soil is slightly damp, but not too wet.. To be sure, test the soil by inserting your finger approximately an inch from the top. If it’s dry, go ahead and water it.
High humidity is another requirement of begonias, with begonia rex being more rigid with this element than other species. So the bathroom or kitchen are great places for them. Water saucers near the vases will also help with humidity, but remember not to place the vase on the saucer, as this could leave the seedling too wet and at risk of rotting.
Also, be sure to water below the leaves to avoid inviting a fungal disease. Another benefit is that pests are not recurrent with begonias.
Light
Each category of begonia has a need for light: friable begonias need direct and indirect sunlight. Rhizomatous and rex begonias prefer a little more shade. If the leaves look burnt, move your plant to a less sunny location.
Fertilization
To apply a liquid fertilizer to houseplants, follow the package directions every two weeks and this will encourage larger leaves and flowers.
Propagation
Cut off a piece and keep it in a jar of water until roots form before transferring it to a vase.
toxicity
The most toxic parts of the begonia, for Petsare the underground tubers and roots.