When caring for begonias, please pay attention to the following:
- Light: Light requirements vary from breed to breed, with some varieties suitable for sunny areas and others for shaded environments.
- Flowering time: Flowering time varies from variety to variety, the most common varieties are wax begonias and bulbous begonias, which bloom from early summer until frost falls. If grown indoors, the flowering time can vary, while some varieties bloom throughout the year.
- Toxicity: Begonias are toxic to pets, especially the bulb part. But it is not toxic to humans, although it may cause allergic reactions.
- Transplantation: After the frost has fallen, transplant begonias outdoors, as begonias are very sensitive to cold and can cause damage even in temperatures below 50 degrees.
- Light and air circulation: Choose a location with sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon, preferably with some shade. If the sun is strong, choose dark-leaved varieties or varieties that are marked with improved sun tolerance. Good air circulation should be ensured at the planting location to prevent powdery mildew.
- Planting Precautions - Bulb Cultivation: According to the mature size of different varieties, the wax begonia seedlings are spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Bulbs can be started indoors by placing the bulbs in a concave side up fashion, 1 inch apart, in a shallow dish and covered with moist potting soil. Place the tray in a dark room and keep the potting soil moist but not too moist. After about 4 weeks, the bulbs should germinate, at which point move them to a brightly lit place. It can be transplanted outdoors only when there is no longer a threat of frost.
- Pruning: There are different pruning methods for different types of begonias. Wax begonias and tuber begonias often need to be pruned to maintain healthy and compact growth. Angel winged begonias and Rex begonias can also be pruned, and young plants can be pruned to a position of 1-2 nodes from the soil. All types of begonias should be pruned with dead flowers to keep the plant neat and healthy and promote more flowering.
