Both as indoor houseplants and as annual bedding plants, begonias are very common. Around 1500 different begonia species, including those from Central and South America, Asia, and Africa, are indigenous to tropical areas of the planet. There are seven different types of begonias, which are generally classified by their species and growth habits, according to the American Begonia Society. All of these are tropical plants that favor warm, muggy weather. Everyone is susceptible to frigid temperatures. The only begonias that are frequently grown as landscape plants in Iowa are wax begonias and tuberous begonias.
The common annual begonias grown in the home landscaping are semperflorens or wax begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum). The leaves of most other varieties of begonias are smaller and typically green, bronze, or burgundy in color. Typically, flowers are white, pink, or red. There are both single and double bloom types. In the landscape, wax begonias are renowned for their resilience, tolerating both part shade and full sun. Wax begonias, once established, can withstand droughts even though the majority of begonias aren’t known for it.
Begonia x tuberhydria, or tuberous begonias, have more colorful, showier, and larger flowers. The leaves are more angular and bigger. Tuberous begonias come in both trailing and erect varieties, and both are frequently grown in containers. These begonias have tuberous roots and need to spend the fall and winter indoors during a brief dormant period. After that, they can be planted in containers in March so that the plants can get started before being moved outside in May. Wax and tuberous begonias can be crossed to produce hybrids. These are known as Rieger begonias (Begonia x heimalis) and are distinguished by their brilliant, showy flowers (similar to tuberous begonias) and vibrant leaves. Given that Rieger begonias demand slightly cooler growth conditions than other varieties, you frequently see more of these begonias in late-winter garden centers and florists.
Rhizomatous begonias called Rex begonias (Begonia rex) are frequently grown as houseplants. Instead of flowers, they are famous for their colorful, spectacular leaves. In addition to leaves that curl into a tight circle, leaves are frequently curled or twisted. A bewildering variety of leaf hues, including green, white, purple, silver, pink, maroon, lavender, black, and other combinations, are available in Rex begonia cultivars. The small blossoms on this attractive houseplant won’t be missed.
Begonia coccinea, B. albo-picta, B. lubbersii, and various hybrids are cane-type begonias that grow from thick, upright stems that resemble canes and fibrous roots. The stems are described as being of the cane type because they have swollen nodes that resemble bamboo. The prized angel wing and dragon wing begonias are among those that are typically grown as indoor houseplants. Throughout the year, clusters of pink, white, or red flowers cascade from stem ends. Large, asymmetrical, speckled or variegated leaves are as appealing. Cane-type begonias have a tendency to be more tolerant of changing light or moisture conditions, hence this type is sometimes regarded as the simplest to grow indoors.
Rhizomes, as the name suggests, are huge, inflated stems that resemble roots and are present just below the soil’s surface in rhizomatous begonias. These plants have many stems that sprout from the soil, as you might anticipate, making them dense and luxuriant houseplants. These begonias are famous for their enormous, flashy, and vibrant foliage as well. Usually, leaves have darker veining or variegation that makes them spotted or marked. A well-known cultivar of this kind of begonia is beefsteak. While some plants will develop colorful blossoms in the spring, they are frequently ornamental.
The stems and blossoms of trailing begonias (Begonia boliviensis and hybrids), which spill over the edge of the basket, are perfect for hanging baskets. When cultivated in warm, damp, shady locations, the flowers are plentiful in spring or all year long (depending on the cultivar), providing for a lovely display.
Begonia grandis, also known as shrub-type begonias, are multi-stemmed plants that resemble cane-type begonias but can grow up to 6 feet tall in the right conditions. They are not frequently planted in containers since many will eventually grow to be too big. In Florida and other warm climates, these kinds of plants are more frequently planted as landscaping plants.
The majority of begonias require similar maintenance. They prefer warm environments (preferably between 60 and 80 °F indoors or outdoors) and continuous, regular wetness. But when the soil is consistently damp, the roots will swiftly decay. Although they enjoy light, they cannot tolerate bright, direct sunshine. Indoor kinds thrive in rooms with eastern windows and some morning sunlight. Outdoor varieties that are planted during the growing season thrive in partial shade with little afternoon sun.
Finally, there are numerous ways to reproduce begonias. Rooting stem cuttings in water or in perlite while misted is a fairly simple process. Additionally, leaf section cuttings, which involve placing pie-shaped leaf wedges on moist soil and allowing new plantlets to grow from the cut edges, can be used to propagate many begonia varieties, particularly the houseplant varieties. This method of plant propagation is uncommon, further demonstrating the distinctiveness of the genus Begonia!
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Can begonias be grown indoors?
Begonias are both beautiful and adaptable. They’re the workhorse of gardening, with blooms and foliage that thrive in garden beds, porch pots, hanging baskets, and more! When most of us picture Begonias in our thoughts, we tend to picture their rich, tropical-looking blossoms. The varieties that people keep indoors as houseplants, however, are somewhat different from those with spectacular flowers that flourish outdoors.
With over 1,000 species worldwide, there are three main types of begonias and numerous subtypes within each. They are mainly divided into three groups according to their root systems: tuberous, fibrous, and rhizomatous. The simplest Begonias to grow indoors are typically those that are fibrous and rhizomatous. They have attractive foliage but not as interesting flowers. The begonias that thrive outside are the tuberous varieties, which have large, beautiful flowers.
Reviewing the maintenance requirements of the particular variety you have your eye on is always advised if you’re keen to enjoy fibrous or rhizomatous Begonia as a houseplant. However, in general, you can adhere to these general guidelines for caring for these beautiful, graceful, low-maintenance plants indoors!
Best Location For Begonias in Your Home
All begonias require direct, strong light. This indicates that indoor plants prefer a location close to a big window with a sheer drape to block off any direct sunlight. Their leaves may burn in the sun. However, the amount of light in our homes is far less than it is outside, therefore they also won’t thrive in a dim area.
During the winter, you might need to supply an additional 14 hours per day of full spectrum lighting from a lamp.
Maintain a steady temperature of 60 to 70 degrees for begonias, and keep them away from drafty doors and windows.
Humidity & Water for Begonias
Begonias do not push water to the edges of their leaves as effectively as other plants because they are native to regions with high humidity levels. They are perfect for terrariums because of this quality. Humidity-loving plants may struggle in Iowa’s dry prairie air, particularly in the winter. When the air is dry, make sure to supply a pebble tray under the pot or a nearby humidifier.
Checking the soil with your finger every few days is the best approach to determine when to water your Begonia. Begonias prefer slightly dried out soil between waterings, but they do best in equally moist soil. If the soil is dry, stick your finger in it up to the first knuckle and moisten it. If at all possible, use rainwater or distilled water to water your begonias because they can be sensitive to the dissolved salts in tap water. This sensitivity can result in some browning of the leaves, which can harm the appearance of your Begonia but is usually not harmful to the plant.
Can you grow indoor begonias outside?
Colorful and large begonias are prized for their beautiful foliage and blossoms. Flowers in white, yellow, orange, pink, and red colors are produced by begonias. Begonia x tuberhybrida and B. x semperflorens-cultorum produce huge, up to 6-inch-diameter flowers known as “wax begonias,” or tuberous begonias. Begonias are frequently cultivated indoors in containers, although they can also be grown outside during the months without frost. You can leave the begonia tubers in the ground all year long if you live in an area without harsh winters or frosts.
Choose a location for your begonias that receives some shade. Pick a spot where the soil drains well and doesn’t get saturated.
- Colorful and large begonias are prized for their beautiful foliage and blossoms.
- You can leave the begonia tubers in the ground all year long if you live in an area without harsh winters or frosts.
The planting bed should be covered with a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic compost or peat moss. To a depth of 8 to 10 inches, thoroughly incorporate the organic matter into the soil. Additionally, add 1 pound of all-purpose plant fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formula, to the soil.
For your begonias, create planting holes that are the same depth and breadth as the nursery pots, and space them at least 12 to 18 inches apart. Begonias should be removed from nursery containers and planted at the same depth as in the containers.
During the summer months when there is less than one inch of rainfall, water your begonias carefully and deeply once or twice a week. Maintain an equal moisture level throughout the soil, but wait until the top layer is dry to the touch before watering.
- The planting bed should be covered with a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic compost or peat moss.
- Additionally, add 1 pound of all-purpose plant fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area, such as a 10-10-10 NPK formula, to the soil.
From spring until early autumn, fertilize your outside begonias once a month with 1 pound of a 10-10-10 NPK formula fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed.
The begonia tubers should be dug up after the first fall frost. The foliage should be cut off and removed, and the tubers should be placed in a shady area to dry for about two to three days. The tubers should be kept over the winter in a paper bag with dry sawdust or peat moss. Keep the air at a comfortable 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Begonia tubers should be purchased rather than nursery-grown plants, and they should be started indoors approximately a month before the last spring frost. Plant the tubers in a planter pot or flat filled with a mixture of perlite and damp peat moss in equal parts, with the depressed end facing up. Till they sprout, keep the begonia tubers in a dim area with soil that has been warmed to 70 degrees F.
Avoid placing your begonia plants in areas that receive intense afternoon sun or full, direct sunlight. Begonias require some bright light to bloom, but if they are exposed to too much hot, direct sunshine, their leaves will burn.
Are begonias indoor plants?
Begonias are a well-liked indoor plant. Begonia houseplants come in a variety of colors, some of which are planted for their flowers and others for their eye-catching foliage. Begonias are excellent indoor houseplants, but only with a little bit of information about how to grow them.
How are begonias cared for indoors?
Begonias with cane stems
- They need adequate light to develop strong stems and a profusion of blossoms, but they also need protection from the sun’s rays to prevent blistering leaves.
- Temperatures between 15 and 22 °C are optimal for growing (58-72F)
- Do not overwater compost, but also do not let it dry out.
- Winter irrigation should be lessened.
Begonias are able to be outside.
Light Requirements: Begonias are perennials that only thrive in zones 9 and 10 and are classic shade-lovers. In all other zones, the majority are cultivated as annuals. Some more recent types can withstand direct sunlight, especially in the morning. Begonias can withstand more sun in temperate climates than in hotter ones. Most thrive best in bright, dappled light.
Begonias thrive in soil that is bright, fertile, and well-drained. When exposed to cold, damp soils, begonias are extremely vulnerable to root and stem rot, therefore appropriate drainage is crucial. Choose a light potting soil that includes extra perlite, if it is available, or make your own mix by combining potting soil, perlite, and peat moss in equal amounts.
In the garden, begonia tubers should be placed about a foot apart; however, in hanging baskets and window boxes, they can be planted closer together. The smallest suggested size for one begonia plant is a 6 inch pot. (For specifics, see to the box of your begonia bulbs.)
Planting: Begonias can be planted outside right away in zones 9 and 10. Begonia tubers inside in colder climates to give them the head start they require (see above). When the weather begins to warm up, after any threat of frost has passed and the nightly temperature has stabilized at 45F or above, you can take them outside.
Do not rush to plant begonias outdoors because they are extremely susceptible to frost, cold, and rainy weather; they cannot endure temperatures below 45F. Begonias can be sown directly in the ground, as well as in window boxes or hanging baskets. Move them with caution since their stems are brittle.
How are begonias kept alive outside?
A buddy advised me to plant “Dragon Begonias” this year after I complained that NOTHING would bloom in my shaded yard. By Mother’s Day, all but one of the twelve plants I had ordered through the mail had taken root and were flourishing. Four other plants that my husband purchased for me at a nearby nursery were planted there as well. Nearing the end of August, my begonias are doing well, giving me a great profusion of continuously stunning red blossoms that make me smile every day. Can I somehow save them for replanting the next year? As many answers as I have friends, according to the questions I’ve been asking them. No way; when they die, they’re done, some people argue. Some advise cutting them back severely at the conclusion of the growing season and bringing them inside in containers. Others advise me to store them bareroot in my basement over the winter. How would you put it?
In Riverton, New Jersey, a rose
A. She asked the proper person, for sure! Or perhaps someone finally posed the appropriate query to me…
Anyway, I’ve been perennializing my own begonias for many years and can attest from personal experience that it’s quite simple. But before we go any further, it’s important to note that there are two different kinds of begonias.
There are actually 1600. But that’s a species; in this case, we’re speaking of the two primary categories. Her “Dragonwing” begonias, a well-known line of hybrids with large leaves and vivid flowers, are an example of a type of plant known as a “bedding plant.” These plants are sold as seeds or small plants and are intended to be displayed in shady gardens from spring until fall before being killed by the first frost, just like other annuals like marigolds and impatiens.
Tuberous begonias are the other variety. These are considered “summer blooming bulbs.” Similar to dahlias, tuberous begonias are often grown in containers and sold as large bulbs or rhizomes (the “tubers”) that may be readily removed before the first hard frost and kept indoors for the winter.
However, only those of you who live in really warm areas can just put it in the ground and cover it with a thick layer of mulch. Dahlias and tuberous begonias are extremely frost-sensitive, therefore you must bring the “roots” indoors during the winter in practically all areas of the country.
Bringing the entire pot indoors is one method to achieve this. They will blossom indoors all winter long if you can offer bright enough light—really bright light, more than you’ll get from a supposedly “sunny windowsill.” Most experts would agree that it is preferable to remove the bare roots, wrap them in slightly damp perlite and peat moss, and keep them in a cool, dry area away from rodents if you are unable to give that light (either through artificial light or a solarium kind of setup).
But this is not the case with tuberous begonias! (At least we didn’t have any plans to.) Begonias, which are commonly referred to as “annual” bedding plants, are actually perennials in areas without freezing temperatures. which in the US indicates inside (97.6). They will blossom for you all winter long if you pot them up and bring them inside before the nights start getting colder than forty.
The nice part is that annual begonias don’t require as much light as their tuberous cousins do. Outside, these plants like the shade, so any windowsill with some sunshine will keep them flourishing. Simply make sure it is sufficiently insulated so they won’t experience extreme nighttime cold.
That was the friend who suggested trimming them before bringing them in? That is utterly absurd. Even though some of my “annual” begonias are over ten years old, I’ve never done it. and dangling them from the ceiling of a garage? Why would you do that when you could keep them alive, in bloom, in a good mood all winter? “Honey, look at these begonias! Forget about the ice dams on the roof!”
Simply put together a number of containers with effective drainage holes and fill them with a combination of compost and high-quality potting soil. This requires a very light bag of’soil-free’ mix without any added chemical plant food (natural, gentle foods like worm castings are fine), water-holding crystals, or other nonsense.
Don’t put it off; act now. After that, you can keep the planted containers outside in the shade, give them plenty of water, and bring them inside a week or two later when the nights won’t have grown too chilly and they will have recovered from any transplant shock.
Let me stress one very crucial point: Nobody should ever use garden soil in any kind of container. Instead, compost should be used for potted plants’ nutrition, and a fine, light soil-free potting mix should be used for good drainage. When you transplant the roots, you can, of course, leave some of your garden soil around them. Instead of gorgeous indoor color, you’ll get sickly-looking plants if you fill the containers with outdoor earth.
I’ll say it again: Purchasing soil-free mix is not an indulgence. In fact, it’s one of the few things I personally purchase for my own plants, and I do so seasonally. I always ever use high-quality potting soil and compost to fill containers (aka soil-free mix, seed-starting mix, etc.). I also have great garden soil. Got it? Good!
So your begonias are safely enclosed. After that, water them by placing each container in a sink, bucket, wheelbarrow, trough, or bathtub that is half-filled with water. Take note of how heavy the containers are when you lift them out to let them drain. Wait until they feel significantly lighter before watering them again. Also, avoid letting water pool in the saucer that sits beneath the pot. Those saucers serve only as protection for the ground beneath the plant. You can develop root rot and fungus gnats if you water your plants excessively or leave them in standing water.
And when you decide it’s time to put them back outside for the summer, don’t rush the season! April is way too early, and our listener is happy that she saved her newborn begonias from being ill from exposure to chilly nights and frost. Similar to tomatoes, these tropical plants thrive when kept indoors until evenings are consistently in the fifties.