how to repot tuberous begonias

Lift tubers of garden-grown begonias with a clump of soil and place under cover to dry out. Once dried, store in a cool, dry, dark place until spring. In August, repot the tuber back into the same pot with fresh potting mix.

When should I repot tuberous begonias?

When to Repot a Begonia

Wait to repot until the container is filled with roots. This will be clearly obvious if you gently remove the plant from its pot. If there is still loose soil, allow the begonia to grow more. When the plant's roots hold all of the soil, it's time for a transplant.

How do you transplant begonia tubers?

Tuberous begonia

Start tubers into growth in March or April at 18°C (64°F)
Fill a seed tray 7.5cm (3in) deep with moist sandy potting compost.
Place tubers on the surface of the compost, hollow side uppermost, 2cm (¾in) apart and 2.5cm (1in) deep.

What is the best potting mix for begonias?

In pots, use a light free- draining potting mix containing coco coir, perlite or vermiculite (African violet mix works well). Begonias have fleshy stems and leaves that hold water for long periods of time, so they don't need constant watering.

How do you look after tuberous begonias?

Tuberous Begonia Care

Water the plants regularly to keep the potting soil slightly moist. Provide a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Be sure to provide plenty of air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Use a sharp knife to cut spent blooms as soon as they fade.

What does a tuberous begonia look like?

An orange tuberous begonia. Tuberous begonias are popular for their beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors and forms. Red, orange, yellow, white, salmon and pink blooms may be single or double and may be plain, ruffled or toothed. Their petals may have margins, crests or blotches of contrasting color.

How do I know if I have tuberous begonias?

Begonias with tuberous roots are a large group of complex hybrids involving many species and years of breeding and development. They can often be identified by their prominent flowers, which can be single, double, ruffled, scented or multicolored, and range in size from 1/2-inch diameter to the size of a dinner plate.

What month do you plant begonias?

April - planting begonias

Begonia tubers can be started off indoors in a light room, conservatory or greenhouse.
Plant the tubers in trays or pots with the hollow side up.
Cover with no more than 1cm (1/4in) of soil or potting compost.
Begonias prefer partial shade but do ensure they have plenty of light and air.

Can you split begonia tubers?

Begonia tubers increase in size each year and after three years or so, the flower display will begin to deteriorate. It's best to divide the tubers in the early spring, after the buds have begun to swell. Use a sharp knife and divide into as many pieces as you like, as long as each piece has at least one bud on it.

Why are my begonia tubers not growing?

Begonias are tropical plants, but their foliage and flowers can be damaged by too much sun, and they will not grow in hot, dry weather.

Are coffee grounds good for begonias?

(soil free is best) Outdoors, growing begonias means adding lots of organic matter to the soil. Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.

Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?

Once a week apply half strength (1/2 T Miracle Grow or other soluble plant food per gallon) fertilizer solution in place of regular watering, being sure to give the basket enough so that liquid seeps from the bottom of the pot. Tuberous begonias are not heavy feeders, so don't overdo it.

Do begonias grow 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.

How often should you water tuberous begonias?

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 I get my tuberous begonias to bloom?

Though they need to be shaded from hot sunlight, they do need some sun to flower best. Morning light or light that is filtered through leaves or a lattice roof is best. It may take up to three months from planting the tuber to full bloom, so tubers should be started indoors at least a month before the last frost date.

How do you keep tuberous begonias blooming?

A balanced liquid fertilizer will help encourage your begonias to bloom. Dilute the fertilizer with water at a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part fertilizer, then pour the solution around the base of the plant. Fertilize the begonias when you first plant them and then once every 3 weeks after that.

How do you make begonias bushier?

Pinching back your begonias is the first step to correct legginess. For small plants on windowsills, or seedlings for the garden, pinching out the tiny new leaves on the growing tips of the begonias will force new growth along the stem and encourage dense, compact plants.

How do you treat tuberous begonias indoors?

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.

Do begonias multiply?

Fibrous-rooted begonias are usually multiplied by stem cuttings or by division. These begonias have a rhizome: a usually creeping stem (although some rhizomes are upright) that root in contact with the soil as they grow. The plants tend to get wider as they age, but to remain low growing.

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.

Can tuberous begonias be grown indoors?

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.

How do you care for potted begonias?

Begonia Care Tips

1) Plant begonia in pot that allows about 2 inches of space all the way around the roots. ...
2) Begonias like to sit in locations that have daily full to partial morning sunlight.
3) Put the plant on a regular watering schedule. ...
4) Feed the plant a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month.