Begonia Plant Care & Propagation Guide

Begonia plant originated in central and South America and has been planted in Europe since the 18th century. It soon became popular there because it is easy to grow and reproduce. Begonia plant has a variety of flower and leaf shapes, colors and sizes. The colors from summer to winter can be different, such as white, pink, coral, salmon and red.

Begonia Plant Quick Info

Botanical/Scientific Name	Begoniaceae
Common Name	Wax Begonia
Varieties	Tuberous, Fibrous, Hardy, Rhizomatous
Uses	The juice of the plant is drunk to relieve headaches
Origin	Brazil
Light Care	Bright, indirect light
Soil Care	Well draining soil
Temperature Care	75 degrees Fahrenheit and overnight lows in the mid-60s
Humidity Care	Around 50 percent at all times
Watering	Not let the soil dry out completely
Pruning Care	Cut back to within 3 inches of the soil
Fertilizer Care	10-10-10 liquid fertilizer
Propagation	Press rhizome gently into moistened potting soil
Toxic	Over 1000 species of begonia are toxic to pets

Begonia Plant Care in Detail

Begonia Plant Watering

In daily life, we should always keep the Begonia plant fully watered, but be careful not to over water. In our humid and sometimes rainy summer, the stems and roots of over watered Begonia plant often rot and are watered more frequently when growing in hanging baskets or containers.
Begonia plant likes to live in a humid environment, so pay attention to watering in time. When watering, we should pay attention to maintaining high air humidity. If we want to maintain high air humidity, we can often spray water mist on the leaf surface and around the flower pot. It should also be noted that the soil in the basin should not be too wet during watering. If the soil in the basin is too wet, it will lead to rotten roots and even the death of the whole plant of Begonia plant.

Begonia Plant Soil

Begonia plant grows better in garden mixed soil than in specific soil. Prepare a mixture of 2 / 3 peat soil and 1 / 3 free potted soil (available in horticultural stores and nurseries). Begonia plant likes the acidic environment with good drainage provided by peat soil. If you must use another soil, you can mix peat soil and organic matter in the soil of Begonia plant to provide the best environment for your Begonia.
If you use a mixture of peat soil, soak the mud in boiling water and cool it before planting begonias. You can add 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer to the soil or mixed soil to increase nutrition for Begonia plant.

Begonia Plant Light

Begonia plant is very sensitive to light. Direct strong light is easy to burn leaves. Begonia plant likes to grow in a semi shady environment. If it is suitable to irradiate astigmatism in the season with high temperature, and ensure sufficient light in the winter with low temperature.
Begonia plant loves light and should be placed on the balcony where the light shines directly. If it is placed indoors, it may not be ventilated. In places with insufficient light and ventilation, it will grow slowly and the color of flowers is not bright enough.

Begonia Plant Temperature

Begonia plant is suitable for growing in the temperature environment of 19-24 ℃, and the minimum temperature in winter should also be kept above 10 ℃. If it is lower than 10 ℃, the leaves are very vulnerable to cold, but its roots are relatively cold resistant. Therefore, when we breed Begonia plant, we must create a warm enough environment for it. Only in a warm environment can Begonia plant grow healthily and quickly and grow beautiful flowers and fresh branches and leaves.
Begonia plant is afraid of the cold, so we should move the potted plants into the house before winter, so as to prevent them from being frostbitten and keep them warm. We should ensure that the indoor temperature is better than 15 degrees, so that Begonia plant can grow, blossom and bear fruit better. Begonia plant is afraid of heat. In hot summer, Begonia should be placed in a cool indoor place for maintenance. In summer, when the indoor air conditioner is turned on, the temperature should not be lower than 15 ℃.
 

Begonia Plant Humidity

The traditional Begonia plant grows best in a cool and humid environment. However, for new heat-resistant and sun resistant varieties, many people grow well in sufficient sunlight. Begonia plant needs well drained soil, otherwise it is easy to rot. Block Begonia is best planted in a hanging basket in a protected position. Rain and wind will destroy leaves and delicate flowers. Begonia plant makes good indoor plants for their gorgeous leaves.

Begonia Plant Fertilizer

Begonia plant needs more water and fertilizer during the growth period, so as to ensure the healthy and rapid growth of Begonia. We should apply rotten cake fertilizer and water half a month after planting in Begonia plant, and then apply light fertilizer and water every 20-30 days during the growth period. After the first flowering, we should increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer.
During the vigorous growth period, we should apply thin chemical fertilizer to Begonia plant three times a month. In addition, we should increase fertilizer according to its leaves and growth rate. If we apply too much fertilizer, it will affect its flowering. In the slow growth period in winter and summer, the resistance of Begonia plant is not particularly strong. In order to prevent changes in its rhizomes and buds, we'd better apply less or no fertilizer.

Begonia Plant Pruning

Begonia plant pruning is actually very simple. There is no fixed method. After pruning, Begonia will continue to send new branches. The more branches, the more flowers. The cut branches can continue to be used for cutting propagation. Sometimes you can also hit the top directly, which also helps to make new branches.
We must pay attention to the Begonia plant repotting in spring, because summer is the most vigorous season for the growth of Begonia plant repotting, which requires more nutrients and water. And pruning should be done in spring. Prune all the branches and leaves with weak rise, eroded by diseases and pests, dead branches and leaves, etc. At the same time, too dense parts shall be thinned. Clean up all after pruning, especially in autumn, and turn the soil properly after pruning in autumn. Prevent some pests from overwintering in the soil. Although summer is the peak growth season, it is not the pruning season. If you want to prune, you can only prune some parts with serious diseases and insect pests or dead branches. In fact, Begonia plant repotting has no technology to speak of, and we should be bold to trim it, because it has strong growth speed and sprouting force, which can be recovered easily.

Begonia Plant Repotting

We'd better choose sandy soil or special flower planting soil when we are in Begonia plant repotting. First, we should gently pat around the flower pot of Begonia to separate the flower pot from the soil. Then, Begonia plant takes out the soil together and puts it into the flower pot prepared in advance. Then fill the surrounding soil and flatten it. Finally, we can add a layer of soil on the surface of the flower pot, After flattening, pour water.
During the maintenance of Begonia plant, pay attention to ventilation and put it outdoors or on the balcony. Attention should be paid to pruning branches and leaves in early spring to promote its germination of new branches. Don't water too much in daily watering, just keep the soil moist. When we fertilize it, we should pay attention not to splash the fertilizer liquid on the leaves. Fertilization is not suitable during flowering, summer and winter of Begonia plant.

Begonia Plant Pest & Disease Control

Begonia plant is vulnerable to aphids, pink scale and red spider pests, powdery mildew and bacterial wilt. In order to prevent the infection and spread of diseases and pests, we usually adopt the method of improving the ventilation conditions of Begonia plant and avoiding close planting during cultivation. If we find that Begonia plant is attacked by diseases and insect pests, infected plants and leaves should be removed immediately. If your Begonia plant has diseases, we can use various fungicides to inhibit the spread of diseases and pests.

Begonia Plant Propagation

Begonia Plant Cutting Propagation

For Begonia plant cutting propagation, we can choose branches with a length of 15cm. The branches must have more than two branches, preferably one bud. We also need to prepare fertile soil for it to take root quickly; In the process of Begonia plant cutting propagation, we should insert the lower end of the branch into the soil to a depth of 5cm; Water once every three days and poke about two small holes in the film covered by Begonia plant. After 20 days, Begonia plant can grow new roots.
I can cut a two-year-old hard branch on the plant. The branch must have more than two branches. The branch length of Begonia plant should be about 15cm, and it is best to have one bud on the branch of Begonia plant. We can cut off all the leaves on the branches of Begonia plant and put them in a cool place.
In the Begonia plant cutting propagation, we also need to prepare fertile soil for the Begonia plant, which can make the Begonia plant take root quickly; Select one part of humus soil, three parts of pastoral soil and appropriate organic fertilizer, mix them evenly, and disinfect them under light.
In the process of Begonia plant cutting propagation, we should pay attention to the depth of cutting. Insert the lower end of the branch of Begonia plant into the soil at a depth of 5cm to expose the top of the branch to the air; Then compact the soil around the branches by hand, water the soil to wet it, and cover the soil with thermal insulation plastic film.
We can place the cutting flower pot of Begonia plant in the bright place for maintenance, water it every three days, and poke about two small holes on the film covered by Begonia plant to facilitate the ventilation of branches, control the temperature of branch growth at about 22 ℃, and it can grow new roots in 20 days.

Begonia Plant Propagation in Water

We should select Begonia plant with better plant shape for hydroponic culture, wash the soil, cut off dead shoots, dead leaves and rotten roots, disinfect with 0.1% potassium permanganate solution for about 10 minutes, wash the roots with clean water, plant in a transparent container, and inject clean water to 2 / 3 of the roots. Fresh water is changed once every 1-2 days, and bacon can grow in 5-10 days. We can also dry the robust branches of Begonia plant for half a day or one day, directly insert them into clean water, change clean water once a day or two, and grow water bacon in 1-2 weeks.
If we want to carry out Begonia plant propagation in water, we should place it in a bright place for cultivation on weekdays and avoid direct sunlight. When the strong light is direct, the leaves will shrink, turn red and purple. When the temperature reaches 32 ℃, it grows slowly and enters dormancy. It should be moved to a cool and ventilated place and cultured with clean water. When the temperature drops in autumn, restore the culture with nutrient solution. In winter, it can continue to grow and blossom when placed in a bright place and kept at room temperature above 15 ℃. If the temperature above 5 ℃ can survive the winter safely, the application of nutrient solution shall be stopped.
Water exchange is also crucial for Begonia plant promotion in water. At the beginning of hydroponic culture, fresh water shall be changed every 2-3 days to grow new roots. The flower watching plant nutrient solution or comprehensive nutrient solution shall be used for culture, and the nutrient solution shall be changed once every 2-3 weeks.
In the growth stage of Begonia plant, we should pick the heart or short cut according to the growth trend to promote the development of lateral branches for flowering. After flowering, the flower branches shall be removed in time and trimmed.

Begonia Plant Types

Elatior Begonia

These Begonia plant types have plump plant shapes, huge flowers, varied flower shapes, colorful flowers, excellent posture, color, fragrance and rhyme. They are the best of Begonia. The flowers are large and beautiful, gorgeous and colorful, just like a changeable girl with excellent beauty. They have high ornamental value and are difficult to obtain greenhouse potted flowers.

Semperflorens-cultorum Begonia

These Begonia plant types are the most common and widely cultivated species of Begonia. It has a wide variety of colors and long flowering period, and can bloom almost all year round. Four seasons Begonia has beautiful plant shape, green leaves, delicate and exquisite flowers, gentle and moving, beautiful flowers and leaves. It is one of the main potted flowers for indoor and outdoor decoration.

Begonia Rex

These Begonia plant types are the most distinctive evergreen foliage varieties of Begonia. It has beautiful leaf shape, gorgeous leaf color and beautiful rainbow markings on the leaf surface. It is gorgeous but dignified, gorgeous and not vulgar. It is an Indoor Foliage potted plant loved by people all over the world.

Begonia MaculataRaddi

These Begonia plant types can be said to be the "flowering machine" in Begonia Begonia. Its stem has a section that looks like a bamboo section, so it is named "bamboo Begonia". It has beautiful branches and leaves, thick leaves, shallow wavy edges, white dots on the leaf surface, and beautiful flowers. It is a good product for viewing leaves and flowers.

Begonia Masoniana Irmsch

These Begonia plant types are the more valuable varieties of Begonia. Its yellow green leaves have reddish brown cross markings. It is chic, beautiful and charming. It is an excellent indoor leaf treasure.

Begonia Maculata

These Begonia plant types is a special new variety of Begonia. Its leaves are narrow and long, with large and small silver wave points on the leaf surface. The front of the leaves is matte green and the back is fluorescent red. It is full of personality and has a sense of fashion.

Begonia Plant Benefits

Begonia plant is a kind of flower with beautiful flowers and leaves. It has a long flowering period, many colors and rich changes. Potted Begonia is often used to decorate the living room, window or decorate the family windowsill, balcony, tea table and other places. The effect is particularly good-looking and makes the home environment full of vitality.
Begonia plant not only has a high decorative effect, but also has edible value. Europeans, such as the French, use the leaves of Begonia as soup, or burn it with fish, which tastes delicious.
The stems and leaves of Begonia plant have good medicinal value. Begonia can be used as a whole herb. It has a slightly bitter taste, cool nature, clearing heat and water. It has the effect of treating colds, swelling and pain. It can be used externally to treat bruises, swelling and boils. Brazilians in South America often take Begonia as an antipyretic and diuretic.
Begonia plant is a kind of flower plant loved by people. It has a long flowering period and colorful colors, giving people a sense of vitality. It is used to decorate the home and make the home more flexible. It is a very lecherous flower plant.

Begonia Plant Care FAQs

How to care begonia plant indoor?

Begonia plant can also be brought indoors for cultivation. Develop potted plants on hanging pots or balcony windowsills, and you can keep Begonia plant blooming all year round. You can place the Begonia plant on a ventilated and transparent balcony or windowsill. In summer, avoid exposure to the sun or excessive direct sunlight. They only need appropriate scattered light to grow well. The Begonia plant is not resistant to cold. It is easy to hang up if it experiences frost, and the minimum maintenance temperature should be kept above 7 degrees.
1. How to water the indoor Begonia plant correctly?
Potted maintenance Begonia plant is most afraid of over watering. The most common way to die for indoor maintenance of potted Begonia is to water too frequently. It should wait until the soil 3 ~ 5cm below the soil surface is completely dry before watering.
When watering, we should avoid watering the leaves of Begonia plant. If the leaves and branches are wet for a long time, the leaves are easy to rot and induce fungal diseases.
If we find water on the tray, we should pour it out in time, and don't spray water directly on the flowers.
2. Indoor humidity
Like most tropical plants, Begonia plant likes high air humidity. If the room is dry, it needs to be increased appropriately, especially in winter.
In winter, the indoor heating is usually dry, so we can take some measures to increase the indoor humidity and promote the growth of Begonia plant. We can turn on a humidifier around, or put the plants on the pebbles filled with water, which can be placed on the tray.
You can install a hygrometer at home, check the relative humidity indoors in time, spray water around the room, maintain a certain air humidity, but avoid spraying flowers and leaves directly.
3. Light demand
The cultivation of Begonia plant can be placed in a place where there are 3 ~ 8 hours of scattered light every day. The best thing is to place it next to the windowsill facing east or west to avoid exposure or direct sunlight, otherwise the young leaves are easy to be scorched.
Of course, we should not put Begonia plant in a dark place. Without proper scattered light, their leaves will easily fade. It's even harder to promote flowering.
4. Basin soil demand
When we cultivate Begonia plant, we should provide loose, breathable and well drained humus. The soil should be rich in humus. Peat soil can be mixed with perlite, and some slow-acting organic granular fertilizer can be appropriately added to the basin. Some vermiculite can also be appropriately added to the soil. The best time for changing pots of Begonia plant is in spring. It can be propagated separately after spring is warm.
For the indoor maintenance of Begonia plant, we just need to regularly give a little thin fertilizer in spring and summer. The fertilization concentration for Begonia must be small, half less than the usual concentration, or directly use 1 / 4 concentration of liquid fertilizer, usually once every 2 ~ 3 weeks. Fertilization should be stopped after the weather cools down in autumn.
5. Reproduction and pest management
Begonia plant usually propagates by cutting branches. The best cutting time is in spring and autumn. We should pay attention to maintaining high air humidity. It is best to cultivate with loose and well drained sandy soil, cut off a stem about 7 ~ 9 cm long, remove the leaves at the bottom, and stick a little rooting powder to cut in the soil to keep the soil moist, The temperature between 20 ~ 25 degrees is the easiest for germination and rooting.
Begonia plant is usually kept indoors and will not be infected with diseases and pests. Excessive frequent watering should be avoided. Too much water is not only easy to cause rotten roots. If we find that the branches and leaves of Begonia are infected with pests, we can directly soak alcohol with a cotton swab and apply it directly on the pests, which can remove all Begonia plant at one time.

When to plant begonia bulbs?

Begonia plant is an annual plant, so they won't grow again the next year. Therefore, you need to replant Begonia bulbs every year, usually in the middle of spring. Begonia bulbs cannot withstand low temperature and frost, so plant them at least a week after the last frost in winter. If there is no other way, you can plant them in an indoor pot in the early stage, and then transplant them when the weather gets warmer.