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Begonia is a genus and common name of flowering plant life from the category Begoniaceae . begonia are believed to have originated in Brazil , but some are also found sooner in Mexico and even China .
The name “ Begonia ” was given by a Franciscan Monk who named it after Michel Begon , a former governor of Haiti .
What is a Begonia Plant?
Begonia is one of the largest genera offlowering plantswith over 1900 species . They are pantropical plants which intend they are find of course in tropical and semitropical regions around the world , except in Australia .
Begonias are terrene plants . In the wilderness , they can either produce in stems , rhizomes , or in tubers . Begonia plants have distinct dark immature leafage . Their leaves are declamatory and asymmetric with various patterns and big venation .
Another distinct feature of begonias is their flowers . Begonias are monoecious , which means the flowers are unisexual with both manly and distaff flower blooming separately on the same plant .
The flower have sepals that vary in colour depending on the diversity . Begonias blossom yr - round , except some tuberous species .
Where Do Begonias Grow?
begonia are a character of efflorescence flora that is native to tropical and subtropical regions .
They can be found develop in the state of nature in Africa , Asia , and South America . In these areas , begonias typically grow in shady , moist locations such as forests and besotted meadows . However , they can also be grow as houseplant in more temperate climates .
Begonias require lovesome temperature and gamy humidity levels to thrive . As a issue , they are typically only set outdoors in usda hardiness zone 10 and 11 .
However , there are some kind of begonia that can tolerate nerveless temperatures . These varieties are often grown as annual in areas with colder winters .
What Are the Different Kinds of Begonia Flowers?
There are over 1,300 species of begonia , and they come in a wide variety of build , size , and color . Some begonias have round leaves , while others have rumple or feathery leaves . Somebegonia varietiesproduce large flower , while others have small-scale , delicate flower .
Begonias are aboriginal to tropic and subtropical regions around the world , and they have been widely cultivated as decorative plants for hundred . However , they are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a wide-eyed range of clime .
As a result , begonias have become one of the most popular houseplants in the world .
There are hundreds of unlike kinds of begonia . If you ’re looking for a versatile and colorful plant to tot to your home , begonia are a great alternative . These popular plants come in a broad range of varieties , each with its own discrete appearance . Here are some of the most pop begonia diversity :
With so many dissimilar kinds to opt from , there is sure to be a begonia that is consummate for any rest home .
How to Plant Begonias
When planting begonias , it is important to choose a position that encounter partial sunlight and has well - drained soil . Full sun can be support by some begonia cane eccentric , but not all , so ensure you check into this .
Begonias should be implant in early spring , after the last frost . The best agency to plant begonia is to dig a hole that is double as wide as the works ’s base orchis . After send the works in the hole , fill up it with soil and H2O deeply .
Begonias require unconstipated watering , particularly during periods of hot , ironical weather . More on begonia fear steer are below !
With just a little care , begonias can add coloring material and peach to any garden .
How To Care For Begonias
Begonias are a democratic option for indoor plants because they are relatively easy to worry for and come in a wide mountain chain of colour and size . While there are many different varieties of begonia , most can be give care for in a alike way . Here are a few peak to help you keep your begonia healthy and vivacious .
Sunlight
Despite beingtropical and subtropic plant , begonia are shade - get it on plants . Their leave can be damaged when expose to unmediated sun .
Some mintage , such as wax begonias , can tolerate verbatim sunlight , but some , like tuberous begonias , choose more spook . Angel annexe begonias ( also cognise as cane begonias ) thrive in dappled shaded area but can also tolerate heavy shade .
In world-wide , begonia plants can be placed in gay area with collateral light . Keep this growing condition in judgement when choosingbegonia companion plant .
Temp and Humidity
begonia are specially raw to cold temperatures . They should be keep in temperatures ranging from 75 - 85F ( 23 - 29C ) . There are hardy begonia , but even many of these ca n’t handle a dense first frost and should be moved inwardly once the danger of freeze come out . If you do n’t need to bring your begonias inside , planting them in a nursery for the winter is always an option !
Begonias also have sex high humidity . Manybegonia rex varieties , in finical , are fuzzy when it comes to its humidity requirements so make certain to keep air humidness luxuriously while making indisputable not to encourage the growing of powdery mildew .
How Much Water Does Begonia Need?
These plants maturate best in damp grime , but they are susceptible to root rot with too frequent watering . To avoid this , watering should be done regularly once the top inch dirt is nearly juiceless .
Begonias prefer evenly moist land , so it ’s important to irrigate them regularly . When water begonia , use tepid water rather than inhuman water . moth-eaten body of water can shock the plant life and damage their leaf .
Soil and Fertilizer
Since begonia plants are susceptible to root decomposition , it is authoritative to use well - draining pot / mature media .
A mixture of peat with a small amount of garden soil and perlite would be thoroughgoing for begonias . They do not necessitate a lot of fertilizer . A half - enduringness mixture of oecumenical plant food apply every two weeks would be enough .
If you want gross blooms during the unfolding time of year , you’re able to exchange the general fertilizer with a high phosphorus one .
Propagation Methods
There are different method acting of propagating begonias based on their group category . Wax begonia are propagated with root word cuttings and folio cuttings .
Tuberous and rhizomatous begonias can be propagated through their tubers and rhizome . Begonias can also be spread directly through source .
Propagation by cutting is done by obtaining a leaf , take out some vein on the undersurface , and identify them on a moist medium such as sand .
Common Begonia Pests and Diseases
Begonia works are comparatively well-to-do to give care for , but they can be susceptible to a compass of pests and diseases .
Some of the most vulgar begonia cuss let in aphid , mealybugs , and whiteflies . These low louse can give on the plant ’s sap , do stunted growth and yellow leaves . Slugs and snails can also be problematic , specially for a tender newfangled plant during wet weather .
Overwatering can make ascendant rotting , as well as stem rot and powdery mildew .
This include watering them regularly , keeping them in a smart location , and ensuring that the dirt drains well . If you do discover any pests or disease on your begonias , be sure to treat them promptly so as to prevent further legal injury .
Can You Grow Begonias as Houseplants?
Begonias are one ofthe most popular houseplantsbecause they are comparatively soft to care for and get along in a broad assortment of colors and shapes . Though they are typically grown as annuals outdoors , begonia can also be successfully grown as houseplants .
you could grow begonias indoors level-headed by providing bright filter light and consistent moisture .
Potted begonias should be watered on a regular basis , but allowed to dry out out slightly between lacrimation . They also benefit from high humidity , so it is a skilful thought to set them on a pebble tray or becloud them regularly .
Also , verify to select a potty that is appropriate for the size of your plant . Begonias can quickly become rootbound , so it is crucial to provide them with enough way to uprise .
With proper care , begonias make lovely houseplants that add colouring material and life to any way . They ’re also great for places like window box and hang basket !
Are Begonias Toxic to Pets and Humans?
begonia arrest oxalate crystal in their roots and some on the root . These crystals are thorn and can cause inflammation of the mouth and throat when ingested . Since the roots are underground , photo to these crystal is unusual , but cautiousness should still be observed if you have nestling and pets .
Begonia as a Culinary and Medicinal Plant
away from their exercise asornamental plants , begonias also have food and medicative value . Tuberous begonias are known to have edible leafage and pale pinkish flowers . The parts are used in paste , fall , and salads . Some species of begonia are also used in folkloric music .
In India , one species of Begonia , B. malabrica , is used by tribal biotic community as a cure to arthritis and plebeian joint striving . Another species , B. cucullate , is cover to have anti - incendiary , antimalarial , and diuretic properties .
Where to Buy Begonias for Sale
The good position to buy begonias is at a local nursery or garden center . This means , you may see the works in individual and choose the single that best suit your demand . you could also ask the staff for advice on care and planting .
If you ’re buying begonias online , be sure to do your research and purchase from a reputable source . This will ensure that you receive healthy plants that will thrive in your garden .
FAQs
How do you care for potted begonias ?
Care for potted begonias by providing well - drain potting soil , keeping systematically moist grime but not soggy territory , and placing them in a location with filter light or indirect sunlight .
How do you keep begonia blooming ?
Keep begonias bloom by deadheading pass flowers regularly to further the production of new blooms . to boot , ensure they get appropriate light , water , and occasional fertilize with a balanced fertilizer .
Do begonias like morning or evening sunlight ?
Begonias generally favor dayspring sun or filtered visible light rather than direct evening sun , which can be harsh . Providing them with bright , collateral luminousness or dappled sun see optimum growing begonia conditions and blooming .
terminal Thoughts
Begonia are a beautiful plus to any garden , and with a little bit of care they can supply old age of delectation . conceive these baksheesh when growing and deal for your begonias , and you ’ll be able to bask their beauty for time of year to total .
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References
Reference leaning
( 1 ) Hvoslef - Eide A.K. , Munster C. “ Begonia ” . In : Anderson N.O. ( eds ) “ Flower Breeding and Genetics ” . Springer , Dordrecht . 2007 .
( 2 ) Ellis B.W. et al . “ The Organic Gardener ’s Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control : A Complete Problem - Solving Guide to preserve Your Garden and Yard Healthy Without Chemicals” . Rodale Press . Penn . 1996.PP 39 - 41 .
( 3 ) Lim T.K. “ Edible Medicinal and Non - medicative Plants . ” Vol 7 . Springer Science and Business Media . 2013 . PP 551 - 557 .
( 4 ) Suresh M. et al . “ A scant review on Ethnomedicinal uses , phytochemistry and pharmacology of Begonia malabarica Lam . ” International Journal of Botany Studies . 1(6 ) . 2016 . PP 16 - 17 .
( 5 ) Knight A. “ A Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants ” . CRC Press . 2007 . PP 45 - 46 .
( 6 ) Murphy D.M. Duea A.W. “ The Complete Guide to Growing Windowsill plant : Everything You Need to roll in the hay Explained Simply ” . Atlantic Publishing Company . 2011 . PP 106 - 112 .
( 7 ) Wyman D. “ Wyman ’s Gardening Encyclopedia ” . Simon and Schuster . 1986 . P 112 .
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