Begonias are amazing plants to have in your garden, known for their ornamental leaves and beautiful flowers. With around 2,000 varieties, they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. This article focuses on one popular variety: the wax begonia, along with some insights into other types like tuberous.
Types of Begonias
Wax Begonias
- Appearance: Wax have shiny, green or bronze leaves and small, colorful flowers.
- Uses: Ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Care: Easy to maintain and perfect for warm climates.
Tuberous Begonias
- Appearance: Known for their large, showy flowers that come in various colors.
- Uses: Great for hanging baskets, window boxes, and shaded garden beds.
- Care: Require more care than wax due to their moisture-rich flowers.
Rex Begonias
- Appearance: Famous for their striking foliage with intricate patterns and colors.
- Uses: Excellent as indoor houseplants or in shaded garden areas.
- Care: Need high humidity and indirect light.
Angel Wing Begonias
- Appearance: Named for their wing-shaped leaves, they produce clusters of flowers in various colors.
- Uses: Suitable for indoor and outdoor growth, especially in containers.
- Care: Thrive in bright, indirect light and require regular pruning.
Rhizomatous
- Appearance: Have thick, rhizome-like stems and a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors.
- Uses: Perfect for ground cover or indoor pots.
- Care: Prefer high humidity and indirect light.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Light Requirements: Begonias cannot tolerate full sun and prefer partial shade to almost full shade. They do well under overhangs, on porches, or in any area where direct sunlight is minimal. Varieties with dark reddish leaves are great for sunny locations during summer. Indoors, they need indirect light, so placing them near a window or balcony is ideal.
- Containers: Choose containers that are about 8 inches in size to fit small spaces perfectly. They look fantastic in hanging baskets too. For a 12-inch basket, you can plant around five plant, while a 10-inch basket can hold three.
Propagation
- Stem Cuttings: Wax can be easily propagated from stem cuttings.
- Seeds: Growing from seeds can be challenging, so it’s better to start with a healthy plant from a nursery.
Soil and Fertilization
- Soil Mix: Use a well-draining soil mix with some compost and a tablespoon of powder fertilizer. Adding some river sand can improve drainage.
- Fertilization: They do not need heavy fertilization. Use a liquid fertilizer monthly and weekly during the heavy flowering season. Adding compost from time to time will keep the soil nutritious.
Watering and Maintenance
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering, especially on the leaves, to prevent fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plant. In shaded areas, it don’t require as much water as those in full sun. Use your finger or a moisture meter to check soil moisture before watering.
- Pruning and Cleaning:
- For tuberous, their large flowers contain a lot of moisture. When these flowers start to wilt, prune them to prevent them from falling into the soil. Simply nip off the spent flowers.
- Regularly check the foliage for any signs of damage or disease. Remove any leaves that look unhealthy to keep the plant thriving.
Decorating with Begonias
- Creative Planters: Begonia can add charm to any space, including whimsical planters. For example, a small size flower in a cute planter, like a hippo-shaped pot on your pool deck under a pergola, can make a delightful addition to your garden decor.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of them in your shaded or partially shaded garden areas. Their versatility and ease of care make them a fantastic choice for any gardener.
