Begonias are typically grown as indoor plants and in shady summer gardens. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions. Some are cultivated for their patterned, asymmetrical, and variegated foliage, while others are grown for the vivid blossoms they produce to provide colour to shaded garden regions. Begonia plants online, despite being normally on the smaller side, are incredibly colourful and interesting.
Zones: Most types grow in zones 9 to 11, but they are frequently cultivated as annuals or indoor plants.
Height/Spread: The varieties range from bushy plants 5 feet tall or more to 6- to 12-inch houseplants.
Sunlight: Sun-to-shadow exposure varies according to the type.
Bloom Time: Variable; the most popular varieties, wax and tuberous begonias, bloom from the beginning of summer until the first frost. If planted inside, blooming times may also vary, and some varieties bloom all year.
Are they poisonous?
The tubers of begonias are the most poisonous portion, making them hazardous to animals. Despite the possibility of allergic reactions, they are not hazardous to people. view more common plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats.
Characteristics of Begonias
- Succulent stems, lustrous, rounded, green or reddish-brown leaves, and a mounded habit are all characteristics of wax begonias. They produce single or double flowers that are 1-1/2 inches long and come in red, pink, or white hues.
- The trailing and upright varieties of tuberous begonia feature leaves that are either green or burgundy. Their pink, orange, yellow, red, or white flowers can be solitary, double, or ruffled.
- The foliage of angel wing begonias is lovely year-round and features dark green leaves with specks or streaks. Typically, the underside of the leaves is dark crimson.
Different Types of Begonia Plant
Wax Begonias:
Begonia semperflorens cultivars, sometimes known as annual, wax, or bedding begonias, are the most popular. When placed in pots, hanging baskets, window boxes, or under trees, these shade-loving plants provide mounds of colour. Wax begonias are normally grown as annuals, growing to a height and width of 6 to 12 inches. Study up on wax begonias.
Tuberous Begonias:
Another common kind, tuberous begonias are stunningly vibrant and look especially stunning in hanging baskets and other containers. They also have a bigger growth habit than wax begonias, reaching heights of up to 3 feet or more in outdoor containers and 12 to 18 inches tall as houseplants.
Cane Begonias:
Cane kinds feature lovely foliage and bloom in a variety of hues. They have an upright segmented stem and growth habit. This group also includes angel wing begonias, so named for their wing-like leaves. They are well-liked and suitable as indoor plants, but they can also be cultivated outdoors. Depending on the growing environment, they can be as small as 6- to 12-inch houseplants or as large as 5-foot-tall bushy plants.
Rhizomatous Begonias:
The biggest class of begonias, rhizomatous begonias stand out for their relatively thick stems, or rhizomes, which spread out horizontally towards the soil surface and produce new roots and leaves. They are frequently grown as houseplants and have some of the most fascinating leaves and stems. Small plants that are only a few inches long can grow to be three feet tall and wide.
Rex Begonias:
A subgroup of rhizomatous begonias, are widely available, offered year-round by florists and garden centres, and typically grow to a height and width of 12 to 18 inches. They are well-liked indoor plants because of their distinctive foliage, although they can be fussy. They look great in flower beds or containers for the summer, especially when paired with ferns and other semi-shady plants.
How to Plant Begonia
Wax begonia transplants should be spaced 6 to 8 inches apart, with others being planted according to their mature size. You can start tubers indoors by spacing them 1 inch apart in a shallow tray filled with moist potting soil with the hollow side facing up. Place the dish in a dimly lit area and mist the potting mix just enough to keep it moist but not drenched. In about 4 weeks, tubers should begin to sprout; once the sprouts are an inch tall, they should be transferred to a brightly lit room. When there is no longer a risk of frost, only plant outdoors.