How do you care for begonia young plants?
Begonias are fun to grow and can be enjoyed both in the garden or indoors. But before you get started, it’s important to learn how to care for your begonia young plants.
They can be grown in pots, hanging baskets and as ground cover. As with any plant, begonias are best planted in a position that will receive the appropriate amount of sun or shade depending on their needs.
Watering
If you’re growing a begonia young plants, one of the most important things to do is water it regularly. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist so that it doesn’t dry out too quickly and so that the plants don’t develop rot, which can cause diseases such as powdery mildew.
To water, simply stick your finger into the soil to see if it’s wet or dry and then water accordingly. Generally, begonias like to be evenly moist but don’t tolerate being overwatered.
Some types of begonias, particularly tuberous begonias, are more sensitive to excess moisture. In cool climates, they may require a single watering daily, while in sunnier areas they can be given two or more daily irrigations.
You can propagate begonias by division or leaf cuttings, both of which are easy and relatively inexpensive. If you want to get a larger supply of begonias, you can buy tubers from a garden centre or online.
Once you have a supply of begonia tubers, plant them into pots or seed trays filled with a good potting mix (like African violet mix) that retains moisture but also has good drainage. Place the pots in a warm spot with moderate temperatures and good humidity.
Begonias can be grown indoors and even under fluorescent lights. However, they can suffer from burning if they are placed in direct sunlight or near heater vents. To avoid this, grow them in a south-facing window or under grow lights that don’t blow dry air directly on the plant.
In addition to their flowers, begonias have attractive foliage that can be as colorful as their flowers. To care for begonias in containers or hanging baskets, add 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch that retains moisture and buffers temperature extremes.
If you have a begonia that is leaning over to one side, it is a sign that the plant needs support. If this is the case, insert thin bamboo stakes in the bottom of the container and tie or clip them to the begonia’s canes for extra stability.
Many types of begonias are low maintenance and can be a rewarding addition to your garden. However, some types are more difficult to grow and need special attention.
Humidity
When caring for begonia young plants, humidity plays a significant role in maintaining proper moisture levels. While begonias can grow in normal room humidity, they prefer higher levels – typically 40 to 60 percent – if possible. For this reason, you may want to place a humidifier next to your begonia or mist it throughout the day to increase the amount of moisture in its surroundings.
When begonias are growing indoors, they can be prone to mealy insect infestations, especially when the temperature inside is warm. These insects often feed on the foliage, leaving a sticky residue that attracts other pests like aphids. To avoid an outbreak, immerse a cotton ball or swab in alcohol and dab mealybugs off the plant before they can damage the foliage.
Other begonia diseases that affect their foliage include sunscald and powdery mildew. These two fungus diseases cause yellowing or curling of the leaves, which can make your begonias look unhealthy and drop prematurely.
If you have a plant with sunscald, relocate it to a spot that gets more shade in the afternoon. You can also spray your begonia with Serenade, an organic fungicide that will help prevent this disease from attacking it.
To propagate begonias, take stem cuttings that are a few inches long and include a few leaf nodes. You can either pot these into soil or transfer them to a terrarium for more humidity until they settle in.
Begonias also require regular watering to keep their soil evenly moist and prevent root rot. They should be watered until the soil feels slightly dry to the touch, but not too dry, or they will wilt and develop powdery mildew.
It is also important to allow the top inch of potting mix to dry before watering your begonia. This will help the plant acclimate to its new surroundings and prevent a sudden change in humidity that could cause the plant to suffer.
You can also spray your begonia with an insecticide soap, or use a spritzer to help control white flies and mealybugs. Be sure to test a small area first, as begonias can be sensitive to insecticidal soap.
Light
Begonias are a summer favorite with a range of flowers and colors that will fill any container or garden bed. They are also easy to care for and can be grown as a houseplant.
The key to successful begonia care is to water regularly but not too much, or the plant will rot. Overwatering can result in rotting stems and leaves, and other problems including powdery mildew.
It is also important to give begonia young plants the right amount of light. Choose a spot that gets morning and afternoon sun, or dappled shade with filtered light from trees or shrubs. During the hot summer months, they can dry out quickly and may even scorch their leaves.
If you’re caring for begonia young plants in the garden, a soaker hose or drip irrigation can help them keep up with their growing needs without overwatering. Avoid overhead watering, as it can irritate the foliage and encourage fungus growth.
Tuberous begonias like to grow in warm, humid conditions, so keep the soil moist but not wet. If the roots rot and the stems begin to mush, it’s time for a repot. Remove the rotting stems and repot in fresh, fluffy potting soil (add some extra perlite for a more fluffy mix).
Some begonias can handle full sunlight, particularly wax/fibrous varieties with darker colored leaves such as the cocktail series or victory series. Some gardeners recommend avoiding planting them in areas with too much direct sun, as the leaves may burn.
Proper begonia care includes trimming and pruning the plants to promote fuller, bushier growth. Pinch back new growth tips when they are 3-6 inches long, then repeat monthly until mid-summer. This will produce larger, more vibrant flowers and reduce flowering time.
In addition, deadheading helps prevent the spread of fungus and pests. Trim off old leaves and spent flowers to make the plant more manageable and encourage a healthier look.
Another great thing about begonias is that they aren’t prone to many houseplant pests. However, if you notice them starting to pop up, spray them with a pesticide that targets insect pests like thrips, mealybugs or spider mites.
Temperature
The temperature of the soil and atmosphere around the young plants is vital for their health. A plant that is warm and dry is more likely to suffer from disease or insect damage than a plant that is cool and moist.
The soil needs to be well drained and rich in organic matter. Mulches help retain moisture and even out the temperature of the soil. They also reduce the growth of weed seeds and encourage the formation of healthy, robust plants.
When caring for begonia young plants it is important to note that they are very sensitive to frost and cold weather. This means that they need to be protected from the first frosts and hardened off. This can be done by keeping them under cover until the last frosts have passed and then putting them outside into a sheltered spot during the day, and back inside overnight.
Begonias are a classic shade-loving perennial that is available in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. They are very easy to grow and are reliable, although many begonias do require a lot of water and fertilizing.
Tuberous begonias are the most common type of begonia and they are a favorite to many gardeners. They are also commonly used as a container plant. They can be planted in sunny areas of the garden, in hanging baskets or window boxes, and can be combined with other ferns and shade loving perennials.
During the growing season tuberous begonias can tolerate light, but most prefer dappled shade or morning sun with protection from hot afternoon sun. Some types can thrive in full sun, but this is usually not recommended.
Temperatures should be kept below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for most begonias. In colder climates, they can take a few hours of direct sun, but if you are in an area where it gets very hot, try to keep them in a shady spot during the day.
To propagate begonias, cuttings are the most common method. Make a clean cut horizontally across the main veins of the leaf and place this cutting in a pot with potting soil. The cutting will germinate and new plants will develop along the cut edge within eight weeks.