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How do I identify my begonia?
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 is the pattern of the leaves of begonia?
Leaves are simple and have wavy or serrated margins. Leaf arrangement on the stem is alternate. Two fleshy stipules occur at the base of the leaf petiole. begonias are grown for their large, attractive foliage.
What does a plant begonia look like?
Most variegated plants have white markings on green leaves, but the 'Bedding' variety of begonia has vivid yellow splotches on bright green leaves, giving it a psychedelic effect. This plant falls into the category of wax begonias that have fibrous roots.
What are the different types of begonias?
Painted‑leaf begoniaWax begoniaTuberous begoniasPolka dot begoniaAngel wing begoniaElatior BegoniaBegonia/Lower classifications
Do begonias come back every year?
Most begonias are annuals (last only one season). You can save tubers from tuberous begonias to replant the next year or bring annual begonias in as houseplants in winter. Some rhizomatous and hardy begonias (B. grandis) are perennial, or come back year after year, in warmer regions.
How do you keep begonias blooming?
The best way to keep begonias blooming as long as possible is to provide partial shade and well-drained soil. Additionally, increase the begonia blooming period by fertilizing your begonias every 2–3 weeks. As the blooming season progresses, deadhead old blooms to promote new flower growth.
How often should you water a begonia?
every two to four daysBegonias thrive in soil that is neither dry nor saturated. Your goal is to find a moisture level and watering schedule that is justttt right. 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.
How long do potted begonias last?
2 to 3 yearsNo begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care.
What month do begonias flower?
Begonias grow in moist, shady gardens where they have well-drained soil, wind protection and filtered or indirect sunlight. A typical blooming season starts in June and ends with the first frost. They are so easy to grow that a broken stem or leaf stalk stuck in soil often roots as a new plant.
Do you deadhead begonias?
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 11, depending on the cultivar, begonias (Begonia spp.) do not require deadheading to thrive. Rather they self-clean by dropping spent flowers on their own, says the University of Illinois Extension.
How long do begonias flower?
They bloom best with short days and cool temperatures, and will often bloom for up to six months.
Are begonias for sun or shade?
They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.
Do begonias have fuzzy leaves?
Rhizomatous begonias, so named because they grow from a stubby stem structure called a rhizome, have the showiest foliage in terms of color, shape, and texture. Many have fuzzy, variegated leaves in hues that range from light pink to deep purple and yellow to dark green.
Do begonia leaves change color?
Underwatering and excess direct sunlight are the most common causes of begonia leaves turning brown. Brown leaf tips and edges are usually due to watering problems or low humidity. Brown patches or spots are usually caused by excess direct sunlight or disease.
Does begonia reproduce by leaves?
A particular group of begonias, called the rex begonias (Begonia rex cultorum), propagate themselves through leaf cuttings. Unlike other plants that use specific stem portions for reproduction, the rex begonia uses its leaf veins to create new plantlets. The plant thrives outdoors in warmer Mediterranean climates.
Do begonias have flowers?
Begonias brighten up shady areas with their colorful blooms. Unlike most flowering plants, which require at least a half day of full sun, begonias actually prefer growing in the shade. They also never have a down time. Once begonias begin flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost.
Cane Stemmed Begonia Leaves
Image by Jaime @ Garden Amateur Cane stemmed begonia are grown mostly for their leaves which are heart shaped and gray-green. The plants are frost...
Rex-Cultorum Begonia Leaves
Image by Quinn Dombrowsk These are also foliage begonias that are very nearly a hot house variety. They do best in a temperature of 70-75 F. (21-24...
Rhizomatous Begonia Leaves
Image by AnnaKika The leaves on rhizome begonias are sensitive to water and need to be watered from below. Water will blister and discolor the leav...
Semperflorens Begonia Leaves
Image by Mike James Semperflorens is also called annual or wax begonia due to their fleshy waxy leaves. The plant grows in a bushy form and is grow...
Shrub-Like Begonia Leaves
Image by Evelyn Proimos Shrub-like begonia are compact and tight clusters of 3-inch leaves. The leaves are often dark green but may have colored sp...
What are the leaves on a begonia called?
Image by AnnaKika The leaves on rhizome begonias are sensitive to water and need to be watered from below. Water will blister and discolor the leaves. Rhizome leaves are hairy and slightly warty and can come in several shapes. The multi-pointed leaves are called star begonias.
What kind of begonia has green leaves?
This type includes the “Angel Wing” begonias that have glossy green leaves shaped like delicate wings.
How big are begonias?
Image by Evelyn Proimos Shrub-like begonia are compact and tight clusters of 3-inch (7.5 cm.) leave s. The leaves are often dark green but may have colored spots. Humidity and bright light in winter increase the brightness of the foliage color. Begonias are known to be leggy so the foliage can be pinched off to encourage the shrub shape.
Why do begonias have pinched leaves?
Begonias are known to be leggy so the foliage can be pinched off to encourage the shrub shape. The pinched leaves (with a little stem) can go on a bed of peat or other growing medium and will push roots from the stem point to produce a new plant. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 06/29/21.
How big are beefsteak begonia leaves?
Leaves can vary in size from an inch (2.5 cm.) to nearly a foot (30.4 cm.).
How many species of begonia are there?
Image by AlSimonov. The more than 1,000 species of begonia are part of a complicated classification system based on flowers, method of propagation and leaves. Some begonias are grown just for the fantastic color and shape of their foliage and either do not flower or the flower is unremarkable. Read on to learn more.
How long do tuberous begonias grow?
The leaves of a tuberous begonia are oval and green and grow about eight inches long. They are in a compact habit like a little bonsai shrub and grow from swollen soft stems. The leaves are glossy and will die back when temperature drops or the season changes.
What color are tuberous begonia leaves?
Tuberous begonia leaves are green or burgundy and their flowers come in single, double, or ruffled variations, with white, pink, red, orange, and pink colors. 6. Rex Begonias. Unlike the other begonias we’ve described so far, rex begonias are known for their unique and magnificent-looking foliage.
What color are begonia roots?
Strong begonia roots will be firm to the touch and have a white color. Roots that are unhealthy and should be avoided are those that are mushy and either brown or yellow.
What are the different types of begonias?
Some of the most common types of Begonias include Wax Begonias, Rex Begonias, Tuberous Begonias, Reiger Begonias, Cane Begonias, and Rhizomatous Begonias – to name a few.
Why are tuberous begonias so popular?
Their popularity has to do with the fact that they are simple to grow, resistant to deer and rabbit, and can stand up to most inclement weather conditions. Like picotee begonias, non-stop begonias are typically available in packs with a mix of colors.
What is a fimbriata begonia?
Fimbriata begonias, or begonia fimbriate, are a tuberous begonia that is grown for their long flowering season and brilliant colors. They are best suited for hanging baskets, and container growing. Typically grown as half-hardy annuals, fimbriate begonias are railing, evergreen perennials that are characterized by dark green, veiny, asymmetrical foliage.
What is tuberous begonia?
Tuberous begonias are considered one of the most dramatic varieties of begonias. They consist of large double flowers that, in some cases, are pleasantly fragrant. Similar to Reiger begonias, the tuberous variety thrives in cool temperatures and has difficulty thriving in areas with particularly hot summers.
How big do dragon wing begonias get?
Dragon wing begonias grow between 14 and 18 inches tall and wide , when planted in the proper conditions.
What color are begonia leaves?
The leaves on this type of begonia can be quite colorful, ranging from nearly white and soft yellow to deep purple, green, and red, often in exotic combinations and patterns.
What are the conditions for a begonia?
Favorite begonia conditions vary by cultivar, as do their bloom and leaf traits. Still, most have similar cultural requirements, including light, soil, water, and fertilizing. Here are a few tips on care of begonias.
Where Do Begonias Grow?
With the exception of one or two species, begonias are tropical or subtropical plants and can be grown as perennials (dying back in fall and regrowing in spring) in zones 9 and 10 of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
What is wax begonia?
This popular wax begonia is a compact bedding plant growing to less than a foot, with variegated leaves and pink flowers. ‘Wax’ Begonia (Begonia semperflorens). Use wax begonia, with its deep green leaves, as a shade-loving annual or a tender perennial in warm zones. ‘Dusty Rose’ Begonia (Begonia × tuberhybrida).
How hot does a begonia plant get?
They prefer daily temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and overnight lows in the mid-60s, but they can often tolerate higher temperatures with protection from harsh sun rays.
How many species of begonias are there?
With more than 1,200 known species, the Begoniaceae family is one of the largest flowering plant groups. Even so, it’s relatively simple to identify begonias because all of its species fall into three main types, sorted by their root systems.
What is a rhizomatous begonia?
Known better for striking foliage than blooms (although some species are flowering), rhizomatous begonias are characterized by roots resembling knobby, horizontal stems that creep along the surface of the soil.
What color are wax begonia leaves?
Wax begonia leaves can be green or shades of bronze. Wax begonia has a waxy round or ovate-shaped leaves that have a glossy sheen that creates an eye-catching carpet of showy foliage. Wax begonia leaves are green or various shades of brown, bronze, or copper. The alluring shiny leaves can be light green to dark bronze.
How tall do wax begonias grow?
Begonia semperflorens have fibrous roots, fleshy stems, and shiny, waxy leaves in various shades of green and brown. Wax begonias grow between 6” and 12” (15 – 30 cm) tall and spread up to 12” (30 cm).
What is Ambassador Series begonia?
Ambassador Series Begonias —Wax begonias in the ‘Ambassador’ series have thick oval green leaves and large pink, red, or white flowers. These begonia varieties are resistant to pests and drought.
What are the pests that can be found in wax begonias?
Common pests affecting potted wax begonia houseplants are thrips and mealybugs. If the soil is too dry, you might get problems with spider mites. If you notice signs of houseplant pests, treat the infestation with neem oil.
How long does it take for wax begonias to germinate?
The seeds should germinate in around 20 days. When to plant wax begonia: Plant wax begonias in the ground when the threat of frost has passed. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) will kill the tender annuals. Where to plant wax begonia: The best place to plant wax begonias is in partial shade or dappled sunlight.
What is the name of the waxy begonia?
The botanical name semperflorens means “everblooming.” The begonia’s common name—wax begon ia—refers to the waxy gloss of the rounded or ovate leaves.
Why are my wax begonias leggy?
If you notice that the wax begonia stems become leggy, it’s a sign that the plant needs more light. Wax begonias don’t grow well or bloom regularly in low light or full shade. So try moving the plant to a brighter location to encourage compact, bushy growth.