In their native habitat, Rex begonias are understory plants in shady to partially shady areas of jungles and considered tropical and subtropical plants. There are over a thousand different kinds of begonias, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Although they have a reputation of being hard to get along with, by giving it the continued care and conditions it prefers, your Rex should experience few, if any problems. Rex begonias are classified as florist begonias, due to their elaborate foliage. Anthurium Clarinervium Care (The Complete Guide), Why Does My Money Tree Have Yellow Leaves? So you may want to shop around if you are looking for the fragrant kind. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, and use it to kill and remove the bugs. Since begonias originate from the tropics, they impose high requirements for humidity. In regard to watering, begonia plants tend to prefer well-drained soil that is given adequate time to dry between watering. Rex begonia ceases growing if the temperatures fall below 58 °F – be mindful in the winter months. Allow the pods to dry on the plant, then collect them in a small bowl. Begonias are a fun and enjoyable plant to have around your home. This plant makes attractive plants in the garden with its beautiful foliages that can bloom all year round. Rex Begonia Care Indoors (Simple Tips For Success), Why Is My Money Tree Dropping Leaves? In this article, I’m going to give you tons of care and maintenance tips, show you how to fix common problems, answer your FAQs, and much more! This only relates to perennial begonia. However, if  you are growing smaller varieties, mixing the begonias with plants having more of a slim, upright habit like certain palms or dracaenas, or are using a 3-gallon or larger container, planting several together works. Th… Innumerable flats of these sturdy plants are poked into the soil every spring to create lush beds of flowers. In this section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about begonia care. Pots or hanging baskets of any material work well, as long as there are bottom drain holes. That will encourage your begonia to grow new leaves along the bottom part of the stem, and become bushy again. When it’s time for repotting begonias, be certain to choose a container that is only one size larger than the current one. To help the soil retain moisture, or if you tend to under water, add peat moss and/or vermiculite to the mix before planting. Rex begonias are known for their colorful and textured leaves. “They evolved in areas of … Using clean pruning snips simply cut the stem back to the base and the remaining portion should sprout new leaves and stems. Just line them up on a windowsill until they sprout, then plant them in small pots. When it comes to soil, any peat-based potting mix that is lightweight and well-drained works well. A good quality organic compost fertilizer is always a great choice. Wick watering (used with African Violets) and self-watering pots are other options that work well with Begonias. Here’s how to overwinter tuberous begonias. Spring is the best time to trim them for shape and size. Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil. If given proper care and growing conditions, all types of Rex begonias mature into plants with a dense habit of growth. Instead of watering begonias daily – for instance, every morning or evening; you should check soil moisture. You can use bottom watering, but empty the water out of the saucer after a couple of hours. While Begonias don’t like swimming in wet soil, they do enjoy a particularly humid environment. They can be a bit difficult to grow from seed, but it’s fun to experiment. Gently remove the Rex begonia from its nursery pot, handling the root system with care, and place in the middle of the new container. They seem to demand very exacting conditions in soil moisture to really look their best! It’ll show you everything you need to know in order to keep them thriving all year round! So to avoid any issues, it’s a good idea to water begonias from the bottom. Foliage Begonias My giant begonia leaves are turning a pale reddish pink all of a sudden and then getting holes in the leaves, then dying, turning brown. Plant the angel wing begonia in a soil or soilless mix high in organic material. For tuberous begonias to reach their full flowering potential, they should be started indoors, 8 to 12 weeks before you move them outside. They will stop growing when temperatures dip below 58°F (14.4°C). Rex begonias perform best with indoor temperatures ranging between 60°F to 85°F (15.5°C to 29.4°C). Just be sure to wait until all chance of frost is gone before putting them outdoors in the spring. Begonias can be dug up in fall once foliage has faded or just after the first light frost. Unless humidity in your home is above average already, you’ll need to increase humidity manually. Refer to the directions from the manufacturer and avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause too much foliage growth. They can survive in full shade, but might not bloom very well if they don’t get enough sunlight. Cease fertilizing in fall or early winter when the Rex begonia is dormant (when its growth slows). Dump out any water that hasn’t been absorbed after 20 minutes. This how to guide teaches the care requirements for growing tuberous and fibrous begonias indoors without a greenhouse. Angel Wing Begonias produce beautiful flowers in a range of colors from white, pink, orange, and red, but they also require plenty of water and warm temperatures. These tuberous begonias are not dying, they’re going dormant. Signs of a problem show up as a white powdery substance covering the leaves. Then gradually increase the dose, so you’re feeding them weekly as part of your regular begonia plant care routine during the summer. See the “Growing Begonias Indoors” section above for more details. You can even let the leaf runners scatter on the floor, similar to the outdoor gardeners who use them as ground cover. Also, if the type you’re growing have tubers (aka bulbs), then they will naturally die back in the fall, and go dormant for the winter. Here’s how… How To Overwinter Tuberous Begonias. An African violet potting mix also works well for growing begonias. How to Winterize Begonia Bulbs. Clay wicks moisture out of the soil, and it ends up being too dry for growing begonias. All there is to know about begonia Can I nick it’s stems to get new leaves to grow? smartgardenguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other Amazon stores worldwide. Like most other plants that don’t like heavy watering, just let the plant dry out to down about the first finger joint when inserted into the soil. In any climate where the temperature drops low enough to cause a frost, you'll need to start the begonias indoors. Also, pots that are made out of plastic or ceramic are better choices than terracotta. Begonias can not fill. Rex begonia ceases growing if the temperatures fall below 58 °F – be mindful in the winter months. They can start to suffer if they’re planted in a pot that’s too large. It will also describe how to restart your plant from tubers in the spring, as well as provide additional information about tuberous begonias in general. This will allow your growing begonias to get the humidity they need indoors without water logging the soil or exposing the leaves to excess moisture that could cause disease. Watering is important in the care of begonias, as is the right location. If you keep your potted begonia on a dish, water will collect in the dish after watering. But most will suffer if they get too much sunlight, and it can burn their tender leaves. Indoors they do have a greater risk for fungal problems and rot if the leaves get wet. Those require a period of winter dormancy each year. Outdoors, you can amend your garden soil with compost, worm casting, or peat moss. Don’t worry, what they lack in flowers, these begonias more than make up for in unique and colorful leaves. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. I’ve covered 10 great ways for increasing humidity in another article. 🙂. To do that, simply fill the plant tray or cache pot, and allow the soil to soak it up through the drainage holes. This video covers all you need to know about growing Begonia Rex houseplants. Watch out with watering begonias. In 1856, in a shipment of orchids to England, someone noticed an exotic and mysterious plant with elaborate foliage growing at one of the orchid’s bases. Angel Wing Begonia Care. Wrong watering – the most common mistake in their cultivation. In order to achieve the kind of humidity that makes these potted plants thrive, you can mist them regularly or purchase a humidifier. The flowering types struggle in dark or very poorly lit areas where as the Begonias grown purely for foliage fair a little better. One look at the foliage and it’s easy to see why they are known as the “kings” of the begonia world. Wax begonias are excellent candidates for being overwintered, whether as bedding plants brought in for protection from the cold or as houseplants returning inside after a summer season. Use liquid fertilizer weekly at quarter strength or biweekly at half stre… Like most other plants that don’t like heavy watering, just let the plant dry out to down about the first finger joint when inserted into the soil. I will give you tons of information about them, including the different types, hardiness, growing them indoors or outside, fixing common problems, and more! For best results, take cuttings that are a couple of inches long, and include a few leaf nodes. If it is dry there, feel free to water. Growing begonias is easy, and you can enjoy their beauty year round. Expert Tip: Flush the container’s soil with fresh water about every three to four months. First, there are tons of different kinds that you can grow (and collect!). What could be the reason and how to help her out? During the winter, when the Rex begonia isn’t actively growing, cut back watering to about once every two to three weeks. Yaaaas! Begonias are tender perennials that can survive outside during the winter in the right growing zone. Begonia Maculata does very well in a mixture of sand, clay, and loamy soil inside a pot with good drainage. Turn the container weekly so all sides of the Rex begonia receive the same amount of light. The only types you can’t grow indoors are the tuberous ones. These are a bit more difficult to grow and require more careful attention to watering and temperature (in general, lower is better). They are the most fussy about water and humidity, which can be a struggle to get right for some. Don’t let the soak for too long though, only to the point where the soil is moist again. I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). When allowed to hang over a sill or edge, they form a very interesting display of hairy, red-hued leaves. On these somewhat dismal days of winter gardeners are anxious to get dirt under their fingernails and the scent of soil in their nostrils. Yes, and begonias make excellent houseplants! The variety on offer is huge and thankfully the modern varieties that are commonly sold are often a little more compact and less "leggy". Plus it’s fun to collect different varieties, and they are all sure to add tons of color to your home and garden. Watering washes away the nutrients that are essential for the survival of begonias. Even though the light is dimmer indoors, be careful of too much sun exposure, especially if your begonias are used to growing in the shade. But if the problem affects the entire plant, you better start with the treatment. Planto [Last edited by Plantomaniac08 - Sep 24, 2014 10:03 PM ()] Growing begonias in African violet pots is a great way to make bottom watering easy, and it will also help prevent overwatering. 4. Probably one of the biggest problems with growing Rex begonias indoors is making sure you create humid conditions for them. Most begonias will also grow well using wick watering such as is used for African violets and gesneriads. Trim Begonias. Alternatively, start the tubers indoors at 10 °C, pot one tuber to a 10cm (4in) container Plant out once danger of frost has passed As the leaves turn yellow in autumn dry the tubers and overwinter at a minimum of 2-4°C (35-40°F) You can lift the tubers and store them indoors, if that is the case. Begonias add color to shaded areas of the garden where other flowers refuse to bloom. You can easily replace it with the use of the right fertilizers. I just read your post on wintering tuberous begonias which was very helpful and answered all my questions! Choose a spot in your garden that has rich, well-draining soil. Once the Rex begonia starts growing again in spring, fertilize with an all-purpose, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer applied at quarter strength. Growing begonias is fun, and you can enjoy them both in your garden or indoors. Learn everything there is to know about them in this detailed begonia plant care guide. If so, then it sounds to me like it’s going dormant, which is totally normal. Regular pruning is a great way to keep begonias growing and looking their best. Prevent the problem by following a correct watering schedule, not getting water on the leaves, and watering early in the day so the foliage has time to dry before nightfall. They make attractive, eye-catching plants dressing up mixed containers, hanging baskets, and situated in an entranceway, covered porch or patio area, balcony or rooftop garden, and even used in a shade garden in the landscape. You can also treat the fungus by spraying it with the homemade baking soda fungicide mixture described in the botrytis section above. Fill the remainder of the container with the potting mix, carefully firming it up around the begonia and being sure not to plant any deeper than it was growing in its nursery pot. The reasons for this heavy use are obvious—they're a durable, ever-blooming plant that provides sweeping color in single or double blooms. Bring them indoors for the winter. Indoors, you should grow begonias in a spot where they get bright, indirect light. How To Water A Rex Begonia Indoors. Control the problem by removing infected leaves, watering correctly and not getting the foliage wet. Provide it with light shade, rich well-drained soil, ample water, and plenty of fertilizer—and you’ll be rewarded with stunning flowers and foliage. Signs the Rex begonia isn’t getting enough humidity is burned, brown areas on the edges of the foliage. Potting in containers that don’t drain promote root rot and eventual plant death. Begonias growing indoors should be moved to a partly sunny location outdoors during the summer. So it’s best to figure out what type you have so you know if it requires any special treatment. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone, then stick it into a light propagation soil mix (made with peat moss, vermiculite and perlite or pumice). You can simply pinch out the spent flowers, but be sure to use a sharp pair of precision pruners to avoid damaging the plant while trimming the leaves and stems. When considering the best location indoors for your Rex begonias, you can safely situate them by an east or west facing window and they will perform equally well. If irrigating a potted begonia, water until it begins draining from the pot. Organic African violet fertilizer also works great for feeding begonias. My husband bought me another four plants at a local nursery and I planted them in the same area. For begonias to look their best indoors, they need high humidity, which is difficult to achieve indoors. For growing begonias indoors, use a soil-less mix – one that is mostly peat-moss based with additional perlite and/or vermiculite to improve aeration around the roots. I’m here to share my experience and help you have more success and enjoyment growing plants. Q: I planted 'Dragon Begonias' this year on the advice of a friend after complaining that NOTHING would flower in my shady yard. I have found that it’s much easier to use a propagation chamber to root begonia cuttings, and I’ve had the best success with that. There’s no doubt that they add tons of color to the garden, but many varieties can also be kept indoors as houseplants. Make a small indentation in the center. A self-watering pot, according the society, may be the way to go. If you want to give your Rex begonia a break from inside your home, just place it in a shady to partially shady location outdoors and care for it as usual. Sticking to one Rex begonia per pot is probably the healthiest option and alleviates the possibility of overcrowding. Water the container’s soil again and until it’s running from the bottom drain holes. If you are looking for a plant that adds robust color to indoor spaces, then look no further than the flamboyant Rex begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum). If the leaves start to turn white or faded, or look like they’re burning, then that means it’s getting too much sun. They have the basic leaf structure of a true begonia (although they are not true begonias), but as they mature, the plants send out long, thin runners that end in clusters of leaves. In recent years, however, the versatile begonias have been rediscovered and their stylishly patterned leaves now adorn even many a student apartment. The reasons for this heavy use are obviousthey're a durable, ever-blooming plant that provides sweeping color in single or double blooms. With the proper care, many types of flowering begonias will bloom year round. A comprehensive guide for growing begonias from seed indoors. In addition, you can also spray the entire begonia with alcohol, being sure not to spray the soil. If it feels wet, then let it dry out a bit more before watering again. So to avoid any issues, it’s a good idea to water begonias from the bottom. Planting and Growing Conditions. Continue reading because we take the mystery out of Rex begonia care indoors. Begonias also don’t always have a fragrance to them. When conditions are warm inside, Rex begonias are susceptible to a mealy bug infestation. Heck, many types will even grow great indoors all year round! Semperflorens begonias, commonly called wax begonias, are one of the most popular bedding plants in landscaping. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering. It’s best to discard the plant and start over with a healthy one. Best grown in warm humid temperate climates. In regard to watering, begonia plants tend to prefer well-drained soil that is given adequate time to dry between watering. When. Place them in a spot where they get bright, indirect light, and keep the soil consistently moist. I have a weeping orange begonia I’ve had for many years that I keep outside in the pot in a shade area. I’ve found that there is a delicate balance to strike in watering begonias indoors. Try running a humidifier near them, or place them on a pebble tray filled with water (don’t allow them to sit in the water though). Some are adored for their gorgeous flowers, and others for their amazing foliage colors and patterns. If you follow these begonia plant care tips, they will thrive for years to come. Why Are The Leaves On My Orchid Wrinkled? If you water early in the day, it gives the foliage time to dry before nightfall. If you want to try saving seeds from your begonia, then don’t deadhead the flowers. Your email address will not be published. Never allow the potted begonia to set in a dish of water. When watering, pay attention to the leaves. Learn how to overwinter tuberous begonias here. A soilless potting mix, made up of peat moss, along with a healthy dose of vermiculite and perlite, is ideal for begonias that are grown indoors, regardless of pot type. See the “Bringing Begonias Indoors For Winter” section above for details. Once you’ve selected the desired Rex begonia, an appropriate pot and soil, comes the next bit of fun – planting. I recommend pinching out the new growth on top. Growing begonia seeds is definitely the hardest (and slowest) form of propagation. Hi, I’m Andrew, and Smart Garden Guide is my website all about indoor gardening and houseplants. The main rule of thumb for watering begonias is to not let the soil dry out completely. Thus, was the first documented discovery of Rex begonias. We're back this week with Steve Rosenbaum of Steve’s Leaves to talk begonia propagation, which is easier than you think! That’s because they like to be kept evenly moist, but won’t tolerate being overwatered. Most begonias grow best outdoors in partial shade or dappled sunlight. That means you can grow your favorite varieties for years to come, either indoors or out. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. I also share my experience of growing two of my favorite Begonia Rex cultivars. Growing begonias indoors may require feeding in as soon as ten days to two weeks. Shake well and spray the Rex begonia. These are really eye-catching plants. please guide me. I bought a dozen plants mail order, put them in the ground in early spring and by Mother's day, all but one were thriving. You can also set a saucer of water near your plants, which will create humidity as it evaporates. Even though regular watering is vital for plants, begonia needs even watering. One look at an online plant catalog, you’ll be sure to find a Rex, or maybe several that are a must have. What should I do? Begonias for growing indoors are divided into four main groups. Beefsteak begonias need well draining soil, that needs to be kept moist at all times. While making sure to keep them indoors whenever it falls below 50 °F (10 °C), also bring the begonias in to their permanent indoor growing spot for increasing stretches over a period of about 2 weeks. Below I am going to show you exactly how to care for begonias. Begonia Maculata Care . Reduce watering to the point of only watering when the soil has dried deep down. How to grow begonias in a garden . It’s best to look up the exact variety you have if you’re unsure how hardy they are before planting begonias outside. Look at the container’s soil and if the top has just dried, water until it runs out of the pot’s bottom drain holes. You can also use a slow-release, all-purpose formula applied every three months. Reapply every two weeks while the plant is actively growing. Here’s what you’ll find in this comprehensive begonia plant care guide…. But, if you don’t know the variety you have, then it’s a good idea to protect them from frost to be safe. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. In desperation, I turned to Begonia rex breeder Jim Booman of Booman Floral, a wholesale nursery in California, for some specialist advice on how to reverse the fortunes of my begonias and get them looking lush and lovely. You can also treat the problem with a homemade fungicide made up of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 small squirt of a non-degreasing dishwashing liquid (helps the product stick to the begonia) into one quart of water. Once warm temperatures return, increase their watering and begin to move them back outdoors. Keep wax begonias in a bright window and gradually reduce the amount of light to help them adjust to an indoor environment. If you have poor-quality soil, you can amend it with worm castings, compost, or an organic all-purpose fertilizer before planting. Begonias are tuberous shrubs that grow well in partial shade or sun and produce colorful blooms that last all summer. If you struggle with getting it right, then I recommend using a soil moisture gauge to help you out. Signs of a problem usually show at the base of the plant first where black, mushy lesions develop on the lower leaves and stems. The problem is most prevalent when nighttime conditions are cool, daytime conditions are warm, the soil is too moist and there’s moisture on the foliage. Most begonias like shade, and will burn in the full sun. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to live in an area where winters are mild, you can still set Rex begonias outdoors during the warm-season and bring them indoors when old man winter decides to come visiting. Share your begonia plant care tips in the comments section below. Always use a container that has drainage holes to prevent overwatering. This plant is highly susceptible to root rot.As such, it is always best to add a layer of pebbles or broken pieces of terracotta pots to … Learning how to grow an angel wing begonia indoors provides a houseplant with attractive year round foliage. Humidity is the biggest problem with growing begonias indoors. Hi. If it starts growing long and gangly reaching towards the light, it’s not getting enough sunlight. Rex begonias require minimal pruning unless long, bare stems require cutting back, or you’d like to create a fuller plant. If watering begonias in the garden, allow the soil to … This group includes Begonia schargii and B. metallica. Rex begonias with good care are usually bothered by only a couple problems and keeping fallen leaf debris cleaned up, making sure it gets adequate circulation of air, and proper water goes a long way in prevention. They can be sensitive to chemicals tough. You can also use a yellow sticky trap to help control them. Indoors they do have a greater risk for fungal problems and rot if the leaves get wet. To do that, simply fill the plant tray or cache pot, and allow the soil to soak it up through the drainage holes. The presence of gnats in the soil is a sign that you’re overwatering. This article gives you all the tips you need to successfully grow Rex begonia as a houseplant. I’ll get it answered for you as soon as I can. The Cane Begonias (right) were likely the indoor plants grown by your Grandmother, with their brittle thick canes that had slightly hairy knobbly stems giving an almost arthritic appearance, which is not attractive by today's standards. Now that you’ve accomplished the first step in Rex begonia indoor care – proper planting, it’s time to start a program of continued care. Is this a fungus? In fact, many avid growers prefer the non-blooming types because you can’t beat their stunning foliage. Begonias aren’t super fussy about the type of soil they’re planted in. If they are yellowing, you are overwatering. An eastern or western exposure is a prime location; a south-facing window with protection from the hottest rays is another good choice. All Begonias types just need a good bright location out of direct sunlight and they're all set to grow, look beautiful and flower happily. Keep the soil consistently moist, and be sure the air around the cutting stays very humid. Therefore, the begonia will require more frequent watering. You can use fish emulsion or a liquid fertilizer, which needs to be applied more during the growing stages of the plant. To control an outbreak, simply soak a cotton ball, cotton swab, or artist’s paintbrush in alcohol and dab the mealy bugs off the plant. Enjoy your stay at Smart Garden Guide. If you think that begonias are only good for growing in your garden, think again! To help the plant on the way to summer bloom, place it in … If you don’t see the answer to your question here, then ask it in the comments below. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. Note: Even green-leaved varieties don’t bloom as abundantly in dim conditions. They … You might like to keep your begonia in the bathroom or kitchen where there’s likely to be more moisture in the air. Yes, that is totally normal for tuberous begonias (see How To Overwinter Tuberous Begonias). An east or west facing window would be the perfect spot. Humidity is especially important during the winter months, since heating our homes makes the air even dryer than normal. Growing the tubers is a fun late winter project. Start by giving them a weak dose of half or quarter strength liquid fertilizer in early spring. So, in this section, I’ve listed out some of the most common problems, along with the probable causes, and solutions. Begonias have been around for ages, and with good reason: This easy-to-grow annual does well in a variety of conditions and needs little to thrive. Angel Wing Begonia Flowers. Houseplants: Wax Begonias readapt quickly when brought indoors before the first frost. It sounds to me like your begonias are starting to go dormant. Water: Keep begonias evenly moist, neither soggy nor dried out. And it’s easier than you might think. Spread begonia clumps on newspaper and leave this in a sunny area until thoroughly dry, about a week. If you are creating a mixed container garden, or desire to plant several Rex begonias together, there several consideration to assure their continued health. The most frustrating thing about growing begonias is when they start having problems, and you have no idea what’s wrong. They are common outdoor varieties, but they are also usually transferred indoors during frost to protect them from the extreme cold. Colors of the differing types of Rex begonias include mixes of greens, silver, white, reds and pinks, maroon, purple, yellow and orange. Do not let your plant sit in water. For a long time, the begonia was considered old-fashioned and dusty. Fibrous rooted begonias are tender perennial evergreens with erect sometimes shrubby stems. An indoor humidity monitor is a good tool to use to keep track of how dry the air is. Yes, you can pinch your begonias to keep them growing bushy and fuller. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If watering a potted begonia, place the pot in the sink to catch the water. They do this in all climates and whether they grow indoors or out. These new begonias are great additions to my growing collection. To start with, you have to decide on how to grow the begonias. The steps for transplanting Rex begonias from their nursery container into a more permanent one are relatively basic. That definitely makes things much easier. My brand new book Vertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! Save money and fill your summer shade gardens with masses of beautiful begonias. This is important to understand, as otherwise you might be quite upset when your beloved begonia seems to start to fall apart in the late fall or even throw it out, thinking it has died! Tropical begonias will start to suffer when the temperature gets below 50 degrees F. when getting rid of dead flowers do you just pinch under the flower or cut to the stem. A soilless potting mix, made up of peat moss, along with a healthy dose of vermiculite and perlite, is ideal for begonias that are grown indoors, regardless of pot type. Begonias like to dry out a bit between watering. Although it’s doubtful you have a “jungle environment” in your own yard, those who live in frost-free locations can grow the begonia outdoors. You definitely could try repotting it if it’s been in the same pot for many years. Handle it as if you were holding a newborn baby, especially when removing it from its original container and placing in the new one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Container-grown begonias (Begonia spp.) Because of their humidity needs, begonias are ideal for growing indoors in terrariums. Expert Tip: When selecting companion plants that grow well with Rex begonias, be sure to choose ones that require the same growing conditions of cooler temperatures and moist soil. Proper watering is one of the most difficult parts of successful begonia plant care. 5.1 Watering begonias properly; 5.2 Fertilizing begonias correctly; 5.3 Begonias overwinter; Begonia: Origin and characteristics. Begonias like to dry out a bit between watering. Some are grown for their flowers but most are valued for their foliage, which may be of bold shapes or strikingly marked, often in silver. If you had a cold spell recently, that could have triggered it. As I’ve already mentioned, begonias can grow either outside or indoors. If you are planning on buying somebody a potted plant for Mother’s Day, as a house warming gift or any other occasion, it is also important to make sure that they are aware of these conditions. May 15, 2018 - Beautiful and perfect indoors, you can grow angel wing begonias with these tips on watering, fertilizing, repotting, and more. More information on moving indoor plants is available in HGIC 1454, Indoor Plants – Moving Plants Indoors & Outdoors. You can also fill the saucer with small pebbles and sit the pot on top, as it lifts it out of the wet conditions. How to Care for a Begonia: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Prevention is as easy as following a proper watering schedule and water only when the top of the soil is dry. Troubleshooting Common Begonia Care Problems, How To Grow Hydrangeas: Complete Care Guide, Bird Of Paradise Plant Care & Growing Guide, Here’s how to overwinter tuberous begonias, How To Care For A Pothos Plant (Devil’s Ivy), 17 Of The Best Office Plants For Your Workspace, 15 Easy Indoor Plants That Anyone Can Grow, How To Fertilize Houseplants: The Ultimate Guide, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. They are true drama queens if they don’t get enough and will fail to thrive. Bugs on the leaves are pretty rare. But if they do appear, it’s best to treat them by hand rather than spraying anything on your begonias. Knowing when to water your Rex begonia is easy, although you will probably have to water weekly, especially during the growing season. If you use a saucer under the pot to catch the water, empty it after the container has fully drained. Deadheading the faded flowers also helps to encourage new blooms. Warmth, light and a little moisture is all they need. This how to guide teaches the care requirements for growing tuberous and fibrous begonias indoors without a greenhouse. And that’s one of the most challenging parts about growing begonia indoors in pots or containers. Innumerable flats of these sturdy plants are poked into the soil every spring to create lush beds of flowers. Another awesome thing that makes begonia plant care even easier is that they don’t usually have much trouble with houseplant pests. Regular watering. Knowing when to water your Rex begonia is easy, although you will probably have to water weekly, especially during the growing season. From then to today, Rex begonias are still brightening indoor locations with their stunning displays of pattered foliage. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well. Keep it out of direct sunlight but ensure it gets plenty of indirect light. Empty the dish under the potted begonia after each watering. Thanks much! Houseplants do best when the temperatures range between 60 and 85 °F. Instead, you must bring the begonias in to a protected area to over-winter them. I cover all the important tips you need to keep your plants healthy and explain how to deal with common problems. Expert Tip: Don’t use a potting soil, as it’s heavier than potting mixes, has a tendency to retain too much water and doesn’t have good aeration, leading to the Rex begonia possibly developing root rot. Some are only hardy to zone 9, while others can survive in colder climates down to zone 6. It’s easy to identify a problem with these sapsuckers, as they leave a cottony mass where stems connect. It depends on where you live. This is the first important step in its care that assures your begonia gets off to the best start. Fertilizing Guidelines Fertilizing a hanging begonia every other time you give it water helps keep the plant growing and flowering during it active season, usually from spring until early fall. So in this section, I’ve broken it down to give you specific details about caring for them both outdoors and inside the house. Leaf roll disease: how to treat? In recent years, however, the versatile begonias have been rediscovered and their stylishly patterned leaves now adorn even many a student apartment. Whether grown indoors or in the garden, a begonia slows its growth during winter when it rests, so cut back watering during the winter months. Expert Tip: If the edges of the foliage turn brown and looks burned, the Rex begonia is too close to the window. For growing begonias indoors, use a soil-less mix ... After the initial watering, water these plants only when the top one-inch of soil feels dry. Although a Franciscan monk in Brazil noted the first documented discovery of fibrous begonias in 1690, the Rex begonia’s discovery was almost by accident. Problems associated with ingesting the plant, especially the underground portions, include kidney failure, drooling and vomiting. Begonias are wonderful for adding tons of color to a shade garden, or combined in mixed outdoor patio planters. Like most tropical plants, begonias like a lot of humidity. Begonias should be dug up and stored indoors during winter until the return of warmer weather in spring. Begonias like to be root-bound, and can struggle if repotted too often. Save money and fill your summer shade gardens with masses of beautiful begonias. They need a moist substrate, and high humidity. Begonia stem cuttings are pretty easy to root, as long as they get enough humidity. In that case, move it to a shadier location. 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