Classifying Begonias - Using Begonia Leaves To Help Identify The Begonia Class

How do you identify begonias?

All begonias have oval-shaped leaves that can be spade-like with a pointed tip in some varieties. The leaves grow from the main stem in an "alternate" structure. This means they never grow opposite one another, but instead each individual leaf emerges slightly higher on the stem than the previous.

What is a begonia look like?

Wax begonias have succulent stems; shiny, rounded, green or reddish-brown leaves and grow in a mounded habit. They bloom with 1-1/2-inch single or double flowers in shades of red, pink, or white. Tuberous begonias come in two forms, either upright or trailing, and have green or burgundy leaves.

What type of flower is a begonia?

Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains more than 1,800 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.

How do you look after begonias?

Rex and other rhizomatous begonia

During summer keep plants shaded and watered freely but with good drainage and high relative humidity (humid atmosphere)
Do not wet the leaves or the crown.
During winter reduce watering, allowing the surface of the compost to dry out before watering again.

What are begonias used for?

Tuberous begonias bloom throughout the summer, thriving in shady spots where few other plants with long bloom periods and showy flowers can grow. They are often used as container plants on patios and porches, in hanging baskets, and as bedding plants.

How do you take cuttings from begonias?

Wax Begonias are very easy to propagate with 3"-4" tip cuttings taken from a mature plant and struck 2" deep in rooting medium, after removing the lower leaves. Place the cuttings where they will receive light sun or bright light and keep the rooting medium moist while the roots are developing.

Do begonias like full sun?

Begonias need some sunlight, but they don't do well if that sunlight is harsh and direct. Instead, place them in filtered light, such as beneath high, thin tree canopies. However, as noted below some begonia varieties might tolerate more sun than others.

How often should you water begonias?

Feel the soil around your wax begonia. If it feels dry, insert your finger just under the surface of the soil, about one-half to 1 inch deep. If this soil also feels dry, water your plant. Water once or twice a week to keep the soil slightly moist.

How do you care for potted begonias?

Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter (stop watering tuberous begonias in fall). Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil. When plant is in full growth, fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength at alternate waterings.

What month do begonias flower?

These fibrous-rooted, tender perennial begonias are usually grown as annuals. Their flowers can be white, pink or red and are produced throughout the summer until the first frosts.

Do begonias do well in pots?

Begonias are tropical perennials that thrive in warmth and, typically, partial light. ... Tuberous begonias are suitable options for begonia container gardens as they work well with the light texture of potting mix, and they work as bedding plants, too. These types of begonias are either upright or trailing.

What goes well with begonias?

Begonias are another favorite of mine, with their large and showy blooms. The fine texture of Lady Fern makes the perfect backdrop for the bold blooms of begonias. Any begonias will look great planted with Lady Ferns, but my choice for combination is Apricot & Scarlet Begonias with Scarlet Double Begonias.

How long do potted begonias last?

No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care.

Can you keep begonias in the house?

Generally, fibrous and rhizomatous begonias make excellent houseplants while tuberous begonias can be grown as houseplants but have a harder time surviving due to the need for higher humidity and light than the other two kinds. ... Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering.

Do you deadhead begonias?

do not require deadheading to thrive. ... However, if you want to clean up your begonias a bit faster than nature does, or if you want to encourage the plant to produce more stems, you should get into the habit of deadheading. Examine a begonia every one to three days to look for faded flowers.

Can I take cuttings from begonias?

Some types of begonias can be propagated using different techniques like leaf cuttings, division and root cuttings. All begonias, however, can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings, sometimes called tip cuttings. ... Many begonias root easily, and you can use the simpler technique of rooting them in water.

Are begonias poisonous?

All of the over 1000 species of begonia are toxic to pets. After eating it, your pet's mouth will likely experience burning and vomiting may occur. The plant's juices and sap contain microscopic poisonous, needle-shaped crystals. The plant is considered mildly-toxic but the roots are especially poisonous.

What do begonias symbolize?

Begonia. The Begonia is a symbol of caution; it's meant as a sign of warning about future misfortunes or new situations. However, it can also be meant as a symbol of gratitude or respect, so don't go throwing out all of your begonias just yet.

Can you root begonias in water?

No need to use a soilless mix and rooting hormone, these plants want to grow. You can start them in a glass of water. Keep the begonia cut stems cool and moist until you get them into a clear vase or jar of water. ... Make sure you know which way is up since the cuttings will not root if you put the tops down in the water.

How long do it take to propagate begonias?

Mist the soil as needed, so the cuttings stay moist, but don't keep them so wet that water stands on them. This could invite disease or rot. You should see roots starting to form in 3 or 4 weeks. In 6 to 8 weeks from the time you started, you'll have baby plantlets ready to move into the garden or containers.

Can wax begonias grow in shade?

One of the best things about wax begonias is that they grow well in sun or shade and thrive equally well in landscape beds and borders as they do containers. Most wax begonias stay a foot tall or less and bloom nonstop all spring, summer, and fall.