Grown as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 12, depending on the variety, the begonia genus (Begonia spp.) A tuberous begonia grown as a houseplant prefers a spot that gets bright, indirect light, such as a few feet away from a window. Cornell University: Tuberous Begonia (Upright Cultivars), Missouri Botanical Garden: Begonia (Tuberosa Group), White Flower Farm: Growing Guide Begonia (Tuberous Begonias). Avoid placing the plant where direct sun can fall on its leaves, because this can cause leaf scorch, leading to dry, brown leaf edges and slow growth. Light requirements. She has also published in hobbyist offerings such as The Hobstarand The Bagpiper. Learn how to grow big healthy Begonia maculata. Very early morning sun or bright indirect light … The best place for the Begonia Thelmae plant is a north-facing window. Begonias use the strong summer sunlight for their main blooming period. As bedding plants, … Protect the plant from strong winds that could damage its fragile blossoms, but ensure it gets good air circulation to prevent fungal growth. Begonias are thirsty plants, and during dry weather those in containers or baskets will need to be watered daily in the early morning or the evening. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. With this plant, it’s better to opt for a soil-less mix that should be light and airy. Although they tolerate some shade, bright filtered light is ideal. Once growth is 1 to 2 inches tall, fertilize the plant with a balanced, 20-20-20 formula diluted at a rate of 1/4 teaspoon per 1 gallon of water, but check the package for any additional directions. Instead of the typical deep green foliage hue, their leaves offer a brownish-yellow tint. To know how to care for your begonia over the winter, you really need to know what kind of begonia you’re growing. When growing begonias, sun exposure requirements may cause confusion or accidental damage because different species thrive in varying levels of light or shade with some more tolerant than others. Fluorescent grow lights are also an excellent alternative to natural light for these plants, and in many cases will intensify the foliage colors. Light requirements. Bronze-leaf wax begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) are one of the few cultivars that prefer full sunlight. These plants are grown almost exclusively … Fibrous and rhizomatous begonias are easy to grow as house plants, but tuberous begonias need to be stored as bulbs over the winter, and hardy begonias should just be left outside. A Green Pepper Plant's Leaves Are Shriveling, Lighting Needs for Growing California Bell Peppers, University of Florida IFAS Cooperative Extension Service: Begonia X Semperflorens-Cultorum, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford: How To Grow Different Varieties of Begonias, Missouri Botanical Garden: Begonia (Semperflorens Cultorum Group). With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities. Hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12, the tender perennials do well with 4 to 6 hours of shade or more. As sunlight strikes the foliage, wax begonias use the direct light for maximum photosynthesis, especially since they withstand heat stress and temporary drought well. Divide in spring for more outdoor begonia plants. Both hardy begonias (Begonia evansiana, hardy USDA zones 6 to 12) and tuberous begonias (Begonia x tuberhybrida, hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11) have delicate, green leaves that are easily damaged in direct sunlight. The tuberous begonia does need some light, so if you don't have a suitable place near a window, you can place the plant under artificial lights. It can tolerate relatively low light as long as you adjust the watering schedule accordingly. Plants For A Future: Begonia Grandis Evansiana - (Andrews.) Beefsteak Begonia light, location & temperature Light. Marie is a certified master gardener and has a Ph.D. in anatomy from Temple University School of Medicine. encompasses several different varieties that grow between 8 and 24 inches tall. The plant requires partial to bright, indirect light. This specie needs high levels of humidity and does best in a terrarium. Most begonia varieties prefer partial shade and indirect sunlight. Extra perlite in light potting soil will help with the begonia's need for proper drainage. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Light is one of the most important factors for growing houseplants. Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. The stems from a tuberous root-stock, and attain a height up to 18 inches (46 cm). Plants require this energy in order to grow, bloom and produce seed. You should alter the plant's location, if possible, to keep it in a more shady position. In fact, some varieties display leaf bleaching -- the deep green foliage turns yellowish-white. Flowers can be single or double, come in white, red, pink, salmon and red, and can resemble carnations, roses or camellias. Some varieties can tolerate several hours of full sun per day. Even Rex begonias (Begonia rex, hardy in USDA zones 10 through 12), with their decorative, swirling leaf designs, prefer a partial shade location. Plants located in low light … Among the various types of begonias, the Begonia rex are some of the most beautiful and stunning plants. They are not as sensitive to direct light as rex begonias, but cannot handle the direct sunlight of a wax begonia. Above: Begonia rex ‘Red Tango’ mixes well with other shade- and humidity-loving plants such as asparagus ferns and geraniums. Location Because blossoms must endure warm conditions, your soil must remain moist for the best flowering -- soils amended with organic material help the ground retain enough water for thirsty begonias. The best place for a potted polka dot begonia indoors is on an east- … These bushy plants commonly require partial shade, but specific varieties prefer full sunlight. Their intricate leaves do not need a full sunlight position for optimal photosynthesis. All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process within a plant that converts light, oxygen and water into carbohydrates (energy). If you are looking for a begonia to fit a specific need, you can probably find one that will do the trick. In early spring, you can regrow the tuber in the same soil or, if it's been in its pot for a few seasons, repot it into new potting soil. If you aren’t sure what kind of begonia you have, check out our article on How To Grow … Once the flowering begins, ample light is necessary for the plant. Enjoying continuous blooms from late spring to frost, Begonia 'Dragon Wing' typically forms bushy mounds up to 12-18 in. Show larger version of the image Hardy Begonia The heavily veined underside of a Begonia grandis leaf in the Woodland Shade Garden on Washington Ave. Photo by Dave Allen. Soil: Light, rich, humusy soil. The Begonia Amphioxus care requirements make it unsuitable for beginners. This plant makes attractive plants in the garden with its beautiful foliages that can bloom all year round. The specie does excellent in the artificial source of light as well. Light Requirements for Begonia Maculata (Wightii) Angel wing begonias like bright light to thrive, but they need to be protected from direct sunlight. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist, to promote new growth. African Violet potting soils premixes tend to … Growing Requirements for Wax Begonia Plants Wax Begonias are only hardy in USDA zones 9-11, elsewhere they are grown as annual plants or indoors. When potting, set the plant with the crown slightly above the soil line. Keep them in a spot that receives bright, indirect light or under fluorescent lights (more info here). Light requirements are shade to partial shade. Telecom Audit Group; About Us; FAQ; Testimonials; Contact Us; (706) 443-4424 Most begonia varieties prefer partial shade and indirect sunlight. Tuberous begonias bloom for the whole summer when given proper conditions. Begonias are great for containers because they love the light texture of potting mix. Show larger version of the image Hardy Begonia Begonia grandis (hardy begonia) in Bluebell Woods. Prized for their colorful, stunning foliage, rex begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) prefer more shade than other begonias and thrive in part- to full-shade situations. Unlike other begonias, tuberous begonias need winter dormancy, so you should reduce watering in fall, allowing the plant's top to die back naturally. Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum: Light Requirements: Bright indirect light. Scientific Name: Begonia maculata; Common Name: Polka Dot Begonia, Spotted Begonia, Trout Begonia; Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light. Each mature leaf is about 3 to 5 inches in size. To over-winter the plant, remove the dry stems and leaves and withhold water, storing it in a cool indoor spot, such as a closet or basement. They frequently have large leaves (up to 6 inches long) that are brightly colored in various shades of green, red, silver, and even purple. Light: Bright, indirect light year-round. They require shade and regular feeding, so most people grow them in patio pots, window boxes, or other places where you can tend them carefully. All tend to be bushy plants, with strongly veined, dark green leaves that are about 8 inches long. Full shade is tolerated. Water: Water when the soil dries through the first half-inch, water thoroughly and let drain. Flowers: Light pinkish flowers grow to beautify the plant in spring and summer. Standard fluorescent lighting works well, or you can get good results by using one cool white bulb and one bulb labeled for use with plants in a two-bulb fixture. Joanne Marie began writing professionally in 1981. Choosing the right soil is one of the most important as far as your begonia erytheophylla is concerned. 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