Learn how to grow different types of begonias following this complete care guide. I love begonias because they are an incredibly diverse and popular group of plants, with over 1,000 different species and countless cultivars available.
How To Grow Different Types of Begonias
These plants are highly valued for their beautiful, colorful, showy flowers and foliage, and their versatility as both indoor and outdoor plants. They are also awesome perennial plants that will provide beautiful flowers for years. Check out these posts on the 40 best perennial flowers and plants.
Types of Begonias
With so many different types of begonias and varying care requirements, it can be difficult to know how to properly care for them.
In this post, I will provide a comprehensive guide to begonia types and care, covering everything you need to know from light and water requirements to common problems and how to solve them.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are among the most popular types of begonias and you will find them in most garden centers and nurseries. They are loved because of their large, showy flowers that come in a wide range of colors. They grow from tubers and are often used in containers or as bedding plants.
Characteristics Of Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias have distinct large, fleshy tubers. The tubers are useful because they store nutrients and water during the plant’s periods of dormancy. They are mostly grown as annuals and display a bushy, upright growth habit.
The leaves are generally green and often have a reddish or purplish tint. The flowers are large and showy, with single or double blooms in shades of white, pink, red, orange, and yellow.
Tuberous Begonia Care Guide
When growing tuberous begonias, you should provide them with bright, indirect light and keep them out of direct sunlight. They also need regular watering, but care should be taken not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
They also require high levels of humidity, which can be achieved by placing a tray of water near the plant. Tuberous begonias should also be fertilized regularly during the growing season. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.
Rhizomatous Begonias
Rhizomatous begonias are another popular group of begonias, known for their striking foliage and unique growth traits. They grow from rhizomes and are often used as houseplants or in shaded garden beds.
Characteristics Of Rhizomatous Begonias
Rhizomatous begonias are characterized by their thick, fleshy rhizomes, which store nutrients and water for the plant. They have a low, spreading growth habit and produce large, colorful leaves in different shades of green, red, silver, and pink.
However, their flowers are usually small and inconspicuous and are often hidden by the large foliage.
Rhizomatous Begonia Care Guide
Rhizomatous begonias prefer bright, indirect light and should be kept out of direct sunlight. They need regular watering, but care should be taken not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
They also require high humidity, which can be achieved through regular misting or by placing a tray of water near the plant. Rhizomatous begonias should be fertilized regularly during the growing season. Don’t over-fertilize, as this can damage the begonia plant.
Cane-like Begonias
Cane-like begonias are a group of begonias known for their tall, upright growth habit and showy flowers. They are often used as houseplants or in shaded garden beds.
Characteristics Of Cake-like Begonias
Cane-like begonias are characterized by their tall, upright stems, which resemble bamboo canes.
They also have large, asymmetrical leaves that can be found in shades of green, red, and silver. The begonias also produce large, showy flowers in different shades of white, pink, and red.
Cane-like Begonia Care Guide
Cane-like begonias prefer bright, indirect light and should be kept out of direct sunlight. They require regular watering. Just like for most plants, care should be taken not to overwater, as this can lead to irrecoverable root rot.
They also require high humidity, which can be achieved through regular misting or by placing a tray of water near the plant. Cane-like begonias should be fertilized regularly during the growing season.
Fibrous-rooted Begonias
Fibrous-rooted begonias are a group of begonias known for their small, delicate flowers and fern-like foliage. They are often used as houseplants or in shaded flower beds.
Characteristics Of Fibrous-rooted Begonias
Fibrous-rooted begonias are characterized by their fine, fibrous roots, which spread out horizontally from the base of the plant.
They have small, delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, and red, and produce fern-like foliage in shades of green and silver.
Fibrous-rooted Begonia Care Guide
Fibrous-rooted begonias prefer indirect light and should be kept out of direct sunlight. They require regular watering, but care should be taken not to overwater.
They also require high humidity, which can be achieved through regular misting or by placing a tray of water near the plant. Fibrous-rooted begonias should be fertilized regularly during the growing season, however, don’t over-fertilize.
General Begonia Care Guide
If you are not sure what type of begonia you have, you can follow this general begonia care guide and you will get healthy plants.
Begonia Light Requirements
Begonias prefer bright, indirect light and should be kept out of direct sunlight. They can be grown indoors near a sunny window or outside in a shaded area.
Watering Begonias
Begonias require regular watering, but care should be taken not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Water should be applied to the soil, not the leaves, and excess water should be allowed to drain away.
Best Humidity For Begonias
Begonias require high humidity, which can be achieved through regular misting or by placing a tray of water near the plant. They can also be grown in a humid environment, such as a greenhouse or bathroom.
Fertilizing Begonia Plants
Begonias should be fertilized regularly during the growing season, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.
Make sure to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Best Temperature for Begonia
Begonias prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Begonia Soil
Begonias prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is recommended.
Pruning Begonia Plants
Begonias should be pruned regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent legginess. Dead or damaged leaves and flowers should be removed promptly. This is because they sometimes harbor pests and diseases which can spread to the rest of the leaves.
Common Problems with Begonias
Begonia Pests
Begonias can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. These pests can be controlled through regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Begonia Diseases
Begonias can be susceptible to a variety of fungal and bacterial diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and stem rot. These diseases can be controlled through regular inspection and treatment with fungicides.
Environmental Stress On Begonias
Begonias can be stressed by a variety of environmental factors, including low humidity, temperature extremes, and over- or under-watering.
These stress factors can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. It is important to monitor and maintain the plant’s environment to prevent stress.
Final Thoughts On Growing Begonia
Begonias are a popular and versatile group of plants with a wide variety of types and cultivars to choose from. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors and require specific care to thrive.
By understanding the characteristics and care requirements of each type of begonia, you can choose the best variety for your space and ensure its long-term health and beauty.
Remember to monitor the plant’s environment, water, and fertilize regularly, and promptly address any pest or disease issues that may arise.
I hope this post on how to grow different types of begonias will help you have beautiful plants in your home or garden for years to come. Follow me on Flowerthings Pinterest for more awesome flower posts.
