Some varieties of begonia houseplants are grown for their flowers while others are grown for their striking foliage. Once the leaves begin to turn yellow—or after the first killing frost—dig up the entire plant and its tuber. Support wikiHow by So it really depends on which variety you have. Overwintering a begonia is not always necessary in warmer environments, as winters are generally less severe. By using our site, you agree to our. To learn more about where to keep indoor begonias from our Horticulturist co-author, keep reading! However, some of the rhizomatous varieties don’t flower at all, but have amazing foliage. With the proper care, many types of flowering begonias will bloom year round. Those require a period of winter dormancy each year. Approved. You can deadhead begonia flowers either way. Begonias like to be root-bound, and can struggle if repotted too often. So to avoid any issues, it’s a good idea to water begonias from the bottom. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. Powdery mildew on leaves can be controlled with Baycor. Promptly empty drained water from trays and saucers. Remember, not all begonias love sunlight and too much exposure can damage some of them. Melinda earned a BA in history from the University of Utah, received training in lean and agile methodologies, and completed her Certified Professional Facilitator certification. Begonia house plants are normally propagated by stem cuttings. Lift tubers of garden-grown begonias with a clump of soil and place under cover to dry out. The stems – especially lower down – can be subject to grey mould. Like most tropical plants, begonias like a lot of humidity. Plus it’s fun to collect different varieties, and they are all sure to add tons of color to your home and garden. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. How to check, prepare and store Begonia tubers for the winter, so they’re ready to start growing again next spring. It is the corm type which can easily be overwintered if … Try to water the soil around the plant and not the foliage, as wet leaves can encourage powdery mildew. The dry tubers should be stored in barely moist soil or sand in a frost-free shed, ideally at 7°C (45°F), and watered occasionally to prevent shrivelling ", hanging baskets are looking absolutely beautiful, thank you. Here’s how… How To Overwinter Tuberous Begonias. They are the most fussy about water and humidity, which can be a struggle to get right for some. Growing begonias in African violet pots is a great way to make bottom watering easy, and it will also help prevent overwatering. Hopefully, I will, "The suggestions for watering, pruning and winter storing of bulbs were helpful. Some species are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants in cooler climates. unlocking this expert answer. How to Overwinter Begonias. Or you could try giving it some organic fertilizer, if it’s never been fed. No matter where you choose to grow them, the good news is that the basic begonia plant care requirements are the same for all types. I have a weeping orange begonia I’ve had for many years that I keep outside in the pot in a shade area. Foliage collapse is basically a watering problem – or feeding when the compost is dry. The Angel Wing Begonia is a common example. Place them in a spot where they get bright, indirect light, and keep the soil consistently moist. How do I tell the difference between an indoor and an outdoor begonia? There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. The step-by-step plan helped me grow beautiful-looking begonias. See the “Growing Begonias Indoors” section above for more details. You could certainly use general purpose potting soil, and that will usually work just fine for them. Yes, they are easy to grow, as long as you give begonias the right care. Learn everything there is to know about them in this detailed begonia plant care guide. Hogan, Sean, Flora, Portland, Oregon, Timber Press, 2003, Vol.1 pg. This will get rid of mold growth! A pot that is too large can lead to using too much soil. What could be the reason and how to help her out? And it’s easier than you might think. Use upright varieties with unique foliage for a container centerpiece. Overwatering is the biggest cause of indoor begonia death. Keep them out of wind or areas where they will be bumped. An indoor humidity monitor is a good tool to use to keep track of how dry the air is. However, there are new cultivars that have been bred to grow in the full sun. Begonias do best in a home that is kept between 65-75 degrees F. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. If you want to try saving seeds from your begonia, then don’t deadhead the flowers. It’s best to look up the exact variety you have if you’re unsure how hardy they are before planting begonias outside. Most begonias bought at nurseries will be labeled as indoor plants or outdoor plants. I am confident now that I can properly care for my begonia. What should I do? Move it closer to the window, or add a grow light. ", 36" tall and 12" wide. Some people also grow begonias in wet stones or small pebbles as a top medium. You can also use a yellow sticky trap to help control them. You can also place them in a location where they get dappled sunlight all day. There are several things you can do to help increase the humidity to a level that will make your begonias happy. Begonias happen bushes, semi-bushes and grassy plants. Do not keep pots too wet. You are invited to a virtual visit of my garden (in English or in French). It depends on where you live. Mix-n-match plants with contrasting leaf colors, shapes and textures for a unique container combination. Bring in bedding begonias that were growing outside to grow inside for the winter. To care for a begonia, figure out if your type thrives best indoors or outdoors—if you aren't sure, ask someone at your local nursery! Hoping now I can save them for next year. Where should I keep my Begonia in the house? Cut the plants back to about 3” to start new growth. If so, then it sounds to me like it’s going dormant, which is totally normal. Thyme and Place offers indoor plants and containers, a fully stocked potting bench, and tips on plants to suit your space and lifestyle. Wait three months before fertilizing if the potting mix you used contained fertilizer. Now it’s really top heave with leaves and the bottom parts of the stem are empty of leaves. X Mix the fertilizer according to the label’s directions. Melinda Meservy. Those which are annual and grown from seeds / plug plants and those grown from corms, small bulbs. Look after your begonias with our plant care guide. Choose an indoor type of begonia. In house conditions hybrid grades most often meet - as houseplants grow up usually decorative blossoming begonias and decorative and deciduous begonias. Over-watering usually results in lack-lustre foliage followed by total collapse of the plant. between the tuber and the pot edge. Support wikiHow by Begonia tubers should be started into growth during early spring - in a warm greenhouse, being totally frost free. Prune plants whenever they get leggy. If you're growing begonias outdoors, you'll need to cut them back every 4 months to keep them healthy and happy. Begonias can either be grown as houseplants, or you can overwinter the tubers – depending on what type you have. My two, "First experience with begonias. Be sure to filter the light coming from eastern or western windows if these face concrete or water. What do you do if yellow begonias start browning? A spot under a widely-branched tree that provides shifting sun and partial shade is ideal. Also, pots that are made out of plastic or ceramic are better choices than terracotta. ", "I had no idea how to look after my begonias until I read this article, very helpful. I recommend pinching out the new growth on top. Though they are commonly sold as annual plants in cold climates, begonias are actually tropical perennials that can live for many years. You learn something new every day. ", "I am a member of a gardeners association, and I wanted to thank you for the help. Another tip for growing begonia plants indoors is that they are naturally pest resistant. Bugs on the leaves are pretty rare. Expert Trick: If you notice any leaves with mildew, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of baking soda with 1 quart (.95 L) of water and spray the leaves. Keep your begonias away from any drafty windows which may affect their health. If the plant starts to look “leggy” (thin and weak but tall), then prune off the stems at various lengths. ", "Cutting back the plant was a big help. They may look as tough as old boots, but they are not. You know you've hit the flower jackpot when your plant is known for its brilliant flowers and its fancy foliage. Once the acclimation period is over and the pots are indoors full-time, give each begonia plant a “winter haircut.”. Regular pruning is a great way to keep begonias growing and looking their best. Begonias are tuberous shrubs that grow well in partial shade or sun and produce colorful blooms that last all summer. The leaves will begin to yellow naturally at which time watering should be reduced. Some are hardier than others though, so it’s important to know the ideal climate for each variety that you have. please guide me. ", Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/indoor-begonia-care-64721.html, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/outdoor-begonia-care-65118.html, http://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/easy-care-begonias-00400000015643/, http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=815, Begonien als Zimmerpflanzen oder im Garten richtig pflegen, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Begonia stem cuttings are pretty easy to root, as long as they get enough humidity. Water begonias planted in containers until the water runs from the drainage holes.Dump the drained water out of any trays or saucers immediately after watering. Begonias are wonderful for adding tons of color to a shade garden, or combined in mixed outdoor patio planters. Before you can become a begonia care ninja, it’s important to understand some basic things about them. Some are adored for their gorgeous flowers, and others for their amazing foliage colors and patterns. Prior to starting her own business, Melinda worked in process and business improvement and data analytics. So to avoid any issues, it’s a good idea to water begonias from the bottom. These plants are grown almost exclusively … This year has been perfect for them, cool and damp. Repeat the fertilizer application in three months by gently working it in the soil around the plants.

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