Begonia is a genus of perennial
flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains 1,795 different
plant species. The Begonias are native to moist subtropical and tropical
climates. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in
cooler climates. Tuberous begonias are prima donnas compared to the relatively
low key plants, but it is hard to resist them especially if you are coping with
a shaded or partly shaded situation. These are not grown as annuals. They grow
from little around tubers that persist from year to year if you take care of
them properly.
There are several types of
tuberous begonias, all of them gorgeous. The most spectacular are the upright
forms, which grow a foot or more tall and produce flowers as large as 10 inches
across in vivid reds, pinks, salmons, apricots, yellows, oranges and white.
Flower forms vary, as some are shaped like roses, camellias, ruffled edges and
some have edges in a contrasting color. The multi-flora types are bushy plants
about a foot tall with smaller flowers; but they are easier to grow and are
more tolerant of sun. The pendula types have long, trailing stems that make
them perfect for hanging baskets. All types bloom all summer but are hardy only
in frost free zones.
How to Grow Begonia?
Well, if you want to grow
begonia, then the stems of all begonias are fragile and will not stand heavy
dog and cat traffic, so plant them in a safe spot. They can also be grown in
containers, indoors or out. The leaves do not like to get too wet they can
mildew or sit in the sun. The worst thing you can do to begonias is to get
their leaves wet, then let them sit in the sun (the leaves die). The tubers and
stems can both rot if the soil is too wet. The flowers also have a tendency to
drop off, like reluctant debutantes, just as they are reaching their peak of exquisite
perfection. You can float a dropped off blossom in a bowl of water and it will
stay pretty for days.
Moreover, put begonias in a spot,
where they will get plenty of bright light to keep them from getting leggy, but
don’t put them in direct sun. Give them moist, light soil with plenty of
organic matter, and make sure it is well drained. They prefer humid air, but it
must circulate freely around the plant. To plant begonias, start the tubers as
early as February, setting them in trays of moistened peat moss. You just need
to simply press them gently, flat side up and round side down into the surface
of the peat.
Water lightly and wait for them
to sprout little pink buds if they have not done so already. Shoots will emerge
from the buds and roots will form at the sides of the tubers.. when the tubers
have sprouted just put each one in a pot about 5 inches wide on top, filled
with a light potting mix such as one part loam, one part peat, and one part
sand, with perhaps some compost or rotted manure worked in. As the plant grows
be sure it has plenty of light or you will get leggy growth. Stems should not
be pinched. Moreover, use fluorescent lights if you haven’t a bright natural
source out of direct sun.
Furthermore, a high nitrogen
fertilizer such as fish emulsion will give the leaves the rich dark green color
you want to see. When frost threatens bring the potted plants indoors, but don’t
try to keep them blooming too much longer. Before fall is too far underway you
should let them become dormant by withholding water and letting the foliage die.
Then store the tubers in dry peat or sawdust until its time to plant them
again. Some people divide the tubers by cutting them, making sure there is one
eye to each plant. Normally the prefer to let each tuber get bigger and fatter
each year, making larger, more
magnificent plants, and then take cutting from these if you want to increase
the stock. Cuttings should be rooted in moist sand. Source: Charismatic Planet
