Do begonias like the sun or shade?
Can begonias take full sun? Begonias can tolerate full sun in northern climates, but do best with partial shade. Leaf drop: An unfavourable location, draughts, temperatures below 15 °C or above 22 °C can cause Begonia maculata to lose its leaves. Here we recommend moving your plant elsewhere or adjusting its current conditions. Waterlogging, dryness and low humidity can also lead to leaf drop.Begonias are very sensitive to frost, cold, and wet weather, so don’t hurry to plant them outdoors; they can’t survive temperatures below 45°F.Used in containers, hanging baskets and bedding schemes, begonias provide continuous colour throughout the summer until the first frosts.After planting, begonias should be fertilized monthly using a fertilizer with a higher phosphorous than nitrogen content to promote new blooms but if the plant is only being grown for its foliage, continue using a balanced fertilizer.
Do begonias do better in pots or in the ground?
Ideal for containers, hanging baskets and window boxes, these easy-care plants grow best in the shade or partial shade, though some varieties may tolerate some sun. Begonias can also be planted in flower beds and borders. Their blooms are a welcome sign of summer—and they continue flowering until frost in the fall. Once the bulbs have started sprouting and growing, water enough to keep the soil moist. Begonias like a place that is moist and partially shaded. If they happen to be in the sun for most of the day, you should water your begonias frequently in order to prevent bud drop.GROWING BEGONIAS AS HOUSEPLANTS Many begonias make excellent houseplants with the right care. Avoid overwatering-let the soil dry slightly between waterings-and boost humidity with a pebble tray. Place near a bright east- or west-facing window, or use grow lights if natural light is limited.Here’s how to bottom-water your Begonia: Place your plant in your sink or tub without the saucer. Fill your basin up with about 3-4″ of water. Make sure the water isn’t hot! Allow your plant to soak up water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for at least 45 min.Begonias bloom continuously from their first flowering until the first frost. Give them adequate water, some shade, and regular fertilizer to keep them blooming. Deadhead the blooms to encourage more flowers.A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it’s hot and dry you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.
Are begonias indoor or outdoor plants?
Most begonias can be grown as indoor or outdoor plants – growing begonias indoors is particularly handy if you live in a frost prone climate. Begonias prefer a moist, but free draining soil that’s slightly acidic with a pH around 5. Watering: How Often Should I Water My Begonias? Generally, every two to four days. Keep your begonias happy with a moist environment but beware of soggy soil! These plants like to stay damp, and not dry out completely, but they hate having their roots sitting in water.Pruning and deadheading begonia is recommended to promote a bushier plant with more flowers. Also, prune if your plant becomes leggy. This will help the plant have healthier looking growth and helps encourage the plants to put energy towards producing more flowers.If plants do not receive enough light during the winter months, they will often go dormant. Leaves will begin to drop from the plant and as they do, reduce the amount of water given to your begonia. Keep the potting medium barely moist and look for new growth once the days begin to lengthen and temperatures increase.Fertilizing: Begonias grow best with regular fertilizer. As part of regular begonia care, apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer at the time of planting, or use a liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.As a rule of thumb, water your begonias when the soil’s surface has dried to the touch, or once every four days.
Can you leave begonias in pots over winter?
You can leave begonias in pots over winter, provided you move the pots into a dark frost-free place before the first frosts. Stop watering over winter. Once new growth starts in spring, move the pots into the light and start watering. Plant begonias into their final outdoor flowering positions during May when all risk of frost has passed in your area. Tender annual plants will not tolerate frost so it is worth checking upcoming local temperatures before planting out.Zone: The plants will not survive winter outdoors except in zones 8-11. In cooler climates (zones 3-7), tuberous begonias are usually grown as annuals for flowers from summer through fall. To check your growing zone, use the USDA Hardiness zone map here.According to [5], potential pests on begonia include aphids, mealybugs, naked snails, and leaf miners. This statement is supported by the results of [6] which reported pests that attack begonia collections at Cibodas Botanical Garden are naked snails, mealybugs, aphids, ground snails, caterpillars, and shield lice.Disadvantages of begonias include their sensitivity to cold, susceptibility to powdery mildew in high humidity, and need for regular maintenance. Some varieties can be toxic to pets if ingested, and they may require frequent watering in hot climates.Begonias can either bloom from late spring to late summer or from early summer to early autumn depending on the variety. If they are not producing buds, they may lack nutrition or be in a location where they receive too much or too little sunlight.
Do begonias come back every year?
Some begonias are perennials and can come back every year with proper care, while others are grown as annuals and will not survive the winter in colder climates. Fresh-cut begonia flowers in a vase usually last around 5 to 10 days, while potted begonias can bloom for weeks or even months with proper care. Some types even bloom off and on throughout the year. In short, these lovely flowers give you plenty of time to enjoy their beauty, especially if you treat them well.Outdoor begonias should be brought indoors and kept cool and frost-free indoor over winter. Tuberous begonias are cut back in autumn and overwintered in dry, dark and cool place – either as a bare tuber or in dry soil.It’s time to add beautiful flowers and flashy foliage to your home. Begonias are popular outdoor annuals for the garden, but they make elegant indoor plants as well.The lifespan of begonias can vary depending on the species and the growing conditions. Generally, begonias grown as annuals will last for one growing season before dying off. However, some perennial begonia species can last for several years with proper care.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.