images of begonia leaves

How do I tell what kind of begonia I have?

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 does a begonia leaf look like?

The leaves are heart-shaped and are the most striking foliage producers. The leaves can be bright red, green, pink, silver, gray and purple in vibrant combinations and patterns. The leaves are slightly hairy and textured adding to the interest of the foliage. The flowers will tend to be hidden in the foliage.

Are begonia leaves poisonous to humans?

The sap of begonias can be toxic or irritating to nearly everything, including humans. There are few flowers as recognizable and beautiful as begonias. ... Begonias grow well in containers, and depending on the variety may tolerate full sun or total shade.

Are begonias good house plants?

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.

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.

Do begonias like sun or shade?

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 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.

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.

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.

What part of begonia is 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.

Are mums poisonous?

When you plant mums, they should receive as much water as a lawn, ideally about 1 inch a week. ... All parts of the chrysanthemum plant are potentially harmful if ingested by mammals, especially the flower heads. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, rashes, increased salivation, diarrhea and lack of coordination.

Are begonias safe for pets?

Begonia: A popular and versatile summer plant, these will cause intense burning and irritation in the mouth if eaten by dogs or cats. Ingestion will also cause excessive drooling, vomiting and possibly make your pet have difficulty swallowing. ... In stark contrast, they are not toxic to dogs.

Do begonias like to be misted?

Begonias also require high humidity to thrive, a challenge when growing them indoors. ... You also should not spray begonias with water, especially rex begonias. Misting does create humidity, but begonias are prone to powdery mildew, so it's better to keep the leaves dry.

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.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

The best way to encourage begonias to produce more flowers is to care for them regularly. ProFlowers has some suggestions for indoor care; to begin with, keep your begonia in a spot with full to partial morning sunlight, with a temperature of about 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you water your plants with coffee?

Apparently, coffee is a great source of nitrogen, and plants that enjoy more acidic soil can benefit from certain levels of nitrogen, like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. ... A solution to this could be watering down your coffee before you pour it onto your plant.

What is the best fertilizer for begonias?

For healthy plants and abundant blooms, apply 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer (view example on Amazon) diluted at a ratio of three parts water to one part fertilizer when you first plant (or transplant) your begonias and approximately every three weeks thereafter.

Is baking soda good for plants?

Baking soda on plants causes no apparent harm and may help prevent the bloom of fungal spores in some cases. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.

Why are the leaves on my begonia turning brown?

Watering. The most common cause of brown leaf edges is that your Begonia is incredibly dry. Your Begonia likes consistent moisture. ... Begonias do not like soggy soil or to sit in water, so be sure to discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer after watering.

Are begonias OK in shade?

Most begonias grow best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun a day), or filtered sun (as through trees). Most will tolerate full shade (no direct or filtered sun), but won't be as dense and usually have fewer flowers. A few grow in full sun. They prefer moist, but not soggy, soils.

What colors are begonias?

In the past, begonia color choices were generally limited to green or bronze foliage with white, pink, or red flowers. But today, begonia colors are much more diverse. In the wax family alone, you'll find multiple shades in the white to red spectrum.