If you want to bring a bit of tropical flair to your beds or borders, consider the easy-to-grow begonia.
These plants resemble a rose- though they are not a member of the rose family, and they thrive in shady locations.
Begonias yield beautiful, colorful flowers and work well indoors or out.
Want to grow big, hardy begonias? Keep reading to learn how!
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How To Root A Begonia
There are two different ways to root a begonia plant. You can propagate a begonia with a cutting from the stem or leaf- both of which involve rooting in either water or a growing medium directly. Do not bury the actual leaf in dirt or water when propagating, only the stem, to prevent rotting.
Propagating and Rooting a Begonia
It is easy to cut and root a begonia to transplant either outside or to a pot. Gardeners have two different options available for propagating their begonia.
Propagating from Stem Cuttings
Use clean, sharp scissors to snip your stem from a begonia for propagation.
Angle and trim the end of the stem to a point and place in water or directly in a peat pot of soil.
Make sure that leaves of the cutting are not underwater or buried in the soil as this will cause rot.
Take your cutting below a node and look for mature, sturdy stems.
Propagating from a Leaf
Use a similar process to cut and root from a single leaf of the begonia. This works with varieties that have big tropical leaves, and you simply trim the leaf stem the same way you would with any cutting.
Only bury or submerge the stem of the leaf- not the leaf- when propagating for best results.
Make sure to only transplant your begonia outside once there’s no frost risk.
It is best to move outside when temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with mild overnight conditions.
Tuberous Begonias
The Tuberous Begonia, or begonia, is often cultivated as a houseplant indoors, though it also makes a hardy annual for beds and borders, too.
Depending on the variety, you can have short begonias or bushes that can reach heights of five feet or more.
Again, depending on the variety, your begonia does well in both shady and sunny locations, with most blooming all summer long.
Begonias are easily identified for their waxy, shiny leaves and bold, beautiful flowers. The flowers range in color and shape, with both upright and trailing foliage found.
Outdoor Begonia Care
Location, location, location- begonias like a spot that is partly shady with a bit of morning sun to help them blossom.
Dark-leaved begonias have better tolerance to heat and sun, but make sure that all your begonias get plenty of circulation and airflow for optimal results.
Arrange and plant your begonias about six inches apart. Choose soil that is well-draining and that you have added nutrients or compost to.
Water to keep soil’s moisture, but make sure it’s not soaked to prevent root rot. Overwatering also leads to increased pest issues due to soggy soil.
Fertilize monthly and ‘deadhead’ the plant throughout the season- June until Fall- to keep it healthy and disease-free. Deer are not attracted to or a problem for begonias.
Indoor Begonia Care
Begonias make excellent houseplants. Be careful not to overwater your begonia, as that is a common way to kill this plant.
If your home is cooler, give the begonia less water than if you keep the climate warm. Allow the plant to slightly dry out before watering it again.
Make sure that your begonia is not in the path of a fan, vent, or draft. Keep the container small as indoor begonias prefer to be in cramped quarters!
Try to avoid repotting the begonia unless you decide to transplant it outdoors in the springtime.
Design Ideas for Begonias
When planning your beds or borders, consider some ways that you can highlight your beautiful begonias.
- Edge a bed or path with Wax begonias. These begonias are both compact and colorful.
- Add a trailing type of begonia to your window boxes and hanging plants for a unique feature.
- Create a centerpiece from a potted begonia that is an upright variety. Top with pebbles or marbles to act as mulch and preserve moisture.
- Try combining different varieties of begonias for a unique garden filled with a mixture of textures and colors- and that is easy to care for!
Begonia varieties with darker leaves will have a higher tolerance to sunny or hot spots, so keep that in mind when selecting your begonia plants and location.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Root A Begonia
Can you cultivate a begonia from a cutting?
You certainly can, but just make sure that the cutting is healthy and fresh. Begonia cuttings with at least four leaves on the stem are more likely to thrive and grow, plus this is not too traumatic for the parent or donor begonia plant.
Are Begonias a kind of rose?
Begonias are not a type of rose- though many varieties resemble the rose. They are a member of the Begoniaceae, and there are over 1,800 different types of plant species. Begonias are native to hot, humid, and tropical climates and unlike a rose, thrive in shady areas.
When is the time to bring begonias outdoors?
Begonias do not do well in the cooler weather, so if you live in a moderate climate, bring them inside or hold off until temperatures are consistently 60 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Usually, this is in early June widely.
When is the best time to prune begonias?
Prune your begonia in the late fall, before frost, when you should remove it from the soil and trim the root ball. Begonias should be brought inside or kept dormant until warmer weather in the spring. Do not prune begonias until they have already blossomed.
How long do begonias blossom?
Begonias have a long blooming season, often from late spring until Fall for many climates.
Can I grow begonias around pets?
Begonias can be toxic to pets and should be kept away from them. The tubers and roots are the most poisonous to pets. Some humans may have allergic sensitivity to begonias, but they are not toxic.
Conclusion
Begonias bring something different to your beds, borders, and gardens. Use these tips to root and cultivate begonias that are healthy and hardy.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.