An Easy and Beautiful Plant: Begonias
If someone were to ask me what my favorite plant is, I would say: "Begonias!" I enjoy telling people about these distinctive plants. Their flowers and leaves come in seemingly limitless shapes, colors, and sizes. Anyone can grow these beauties and a greenhouse is not required. In this blog installment, I will go over some basic needs for these incredible plants. This will hopefully demystify Begonias a little for the new person and instill in them the confidence that they too can grow Begonias!
B. 'Othello' Rhizomatous group
There are several groups of Begonias each with many species, cultivars, and distinct characteristics. The two most commonly seen groups are Tuberous and Semperflorens ("wax" Begonias). Tuberous Begonias seem to make their way into many gardens and hanging baskets during the summer months. They are well know for their large frilly flowers that come in array of bright colors. Semperflorens Begonias are often used in container gardens and as bedding plants. They have waxy bronze or green leaves with pink, red, or white flowers that bloom non-stop. Another group that is becoming quite popular is the Rex group. Their gorgeous foliage comes in an array of colors and patterns. I've even heard of interior decorators incorporating these plants into their designs. Other groups include Rhizomatous (my favorite), Trailing/Scandent, Cane-like, Semi-tuberous, Thick-stemmed, and Shrub-like. It is worth experimenting with Begonias from all of the groups. In doing this you will find which ones will flourish in your environment and which ones you'll just be drawn to.
B. masoniana 'Iron Cross' Rhizomatous group
Light requirements vary within the different groups. As a general rule, most Begonias like early morning and late afternoon sun, dappled sunlight, or bright indirect light. Avoid harsh mid-day sun as it can cause leaf burn and could over-heat the plant. In the winter, I keep my begonias in an east facing window or set back a bit from a south facing window. During the summer months, I set my collection out on a table beneath the shade of an old apple tree. It is also possible to grow your plants under artificial grow lights.
Most Begonias prefer a temperature range of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Most will survive a temperature drop to just above freezing, but plants will start to fail if the temps stay below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for a week or more. Some Begonias will go semi-dormant or dormant if the temperature stays in the 50's or lower 60's, especially in combination with the shortened days of the fall/winter. When in this state their growth drastically slows or comes to a halt. In some cases the plant will have partial or total leaf loss. If this happens to you, don't panic! Your plant will revive in the spring! When in dormancy, reduce your watering and stop fertilizing.
B. 'Snow Capped' Cane-like group
In general, Begonias only need to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Begonias are sensitive to over-watering and will rot easily. They prefer to be grown in clay pots because these pots are porous and allow the plants to dry out between waterings. You can use one of the many water-soluble fertilizers that are available for houseplants. Follow the instructions on the product carefully as over-fertilization of a Begonia can kill it. I personally prefer organic fertilizer to a chemical one and use liquid fish emulsion with a 2-4-1 formula. I find this organic fertilizer to work the best for my plants with amazing results (the proof is in the pictures!). I will warn you that it does stink, so for those of you with a sensitive nose it is best used when your plants are outside for the summer! Fertilizer should be used sparingly during the shorter days of fall and winter.
There are many mixed soils for houseplants on the market. Look for one that is not going to get compacted or heavy when watered. Look for a peat based soil that includes perlite and vermiculite. Avoid soils that have a lot of twigs and/or wood chips in their mix. A good potting mixture is light and airy. I use Moo Mix for my Begonias, which includes compost in its make up.
A member of the Rex group
The average Begonia requires 40-50% humidity. This isn't hard in a greenhouse or outside in the summer, but winter conditions in the house will need some adjusting. Great ways to increase humidity in your home are to place the plants on trays filled with pebbles that are kept moist, mist the air around to plants making sure not to saturate the leaves, and/or group your plants together. There are some Begonias that require so much humidity that they must be grown in terrariums and would be sold for that purpose. These plant do well in clear glass or plastic. In the past I've used and old fish bowl with plastic wrap on the top with fantastic results. Having a terrarium is actually quite fun and it's like having a mini-greenhouse for your windowsill!
The new person will have no trouble finding a source to purchase Begonias. There are some great resources through the American Begonia Society http://www.begonias.org/ (also a great place to find more information) . I've also found quite a variety in online nurseries and auctions. With the rise in Begonia popularity, they are popping up everywhere from your local garden center to big box stores.
B. 'Ebony' Shrub-like group
With all the variety Begonias have to offer, it will be easy to find as least one you'll like. Once you've fallen in love with them, you may find yourself with a whole 'collection'. My conclusion is that they should put a Surgeons General Warning on them ---- WARNING: HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!! Crazed "Begoniacs" have been known to build shelves to fit them in their windows (I'm totally guilty of that), create a grow light room, or the worst----buy a greenhouse and expand the collection!
All kidding aside, Begonias are a very rewarding plant to grow and are relatively easy to care for. I hope you'll enjoy them too and appreciate how beautiful a plant Mother Nature can make!
B. 'Looking Glass' Cane-like group
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