How to Make Begonias Bloom

Begonia is a type of perennial flowering plant. Once it started to blooms, the flowers retains for about a year. It comes in different colors and varieties. It is one of the many beautiful plants that is easily grown and be taken cared of. It can be grown n flowerbeds, indoor houseplants, container plants or hanging baskets. Begonias has become a favourite of the many because of its beautiful colorful flowers. However when they are not in bloom, their leaves can still steal your attention. Its waxy green or chocolate colored leaves can equally show off.

There are two main types of begonias, the tuberous and the semperflorens or also called wax begonias:

1.Tuberous begonias

Tuberous begonias are the one usually grown in our homes. It is usually planted in tubers as the name indicates. This type is the most popular and can be seen commonly all over the world. It has a beautiful flower and interesting foliage. Plant this type during the start of spring time. The soil must be loose and well-drained. Though it is important that it is moist, just see to it that it is not soggy. It must not contain any fertilizers not even manure. Don’t grow this type outside not until the winter season is over.

2. Semperflorens or wax begonias.

This type on the other hand is usually used as bedding plants. It has small flowers that usually appear single or double and has rounded leaves. The soil of choice for this variety must be a made of a good garden soil, peat moss and sand. It doesn’t need extensive care especially when it started to bloom. It continuously produce flower until the the harsh weather of fall and winter will come around. This type is usually grown outdoors especially on those areas where winter is not experienced.

Propagation:

Begonias can be propagated either from seeds or cuttings. The seed takes around two to three weeks to germinate. It is fine and has a dust like appearance. Most people opted for seedlings rather than grow these fine seeds themselves. For an easier way, cuttings this plant may also be used. Just make sure to cut correctly and plant appropriately to ensure growth. For tuberous begonia, separating and replanting the roots are commonly practiced for it to multiply.

Tips in taking care of your Begonia:

1. Select a perfect location for your begonia

Begonia is not a water loving plant. It is best to plant this in a place where water will not settle for long or in swampy areas. Consider also the ray of sunlight in that area. Begonias can’t tolerate extreme heat but needs a little sunlight. So choose an area where full morning or late afternoon sun can be acquired. When exposed in a mid day sunlight, see to it that I has a shade because extreme temperature can’t be handled by this plant. Also, make sure to plant begonias after the winter season because it can’t tolerate frost.

2. Water your begonias

Though this is not a water loving plant, still it needs water. Water it one a week or once every two weeks, it depends. Make sure that the soil top soil has dried up before watering it again. Too much water can lead to the rotting of the plant. However during spring time, regular watering must be done.

3. Make use of a fertilizer

In any plant, fertilizers can really work wonders. The fertilizer must be high in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are the key ingredients that begonias need. This fertilizer can enhance and help begonias to blossom beautifully. This fertilizer is widely available in the different gardening store. Just simply follow then the instructions in the package on how to apply it. Usually this is applied once a month and highly recommended in the early spring.

4. Deadheading

Deadheading is the process of removing the dead or spent flowers or leaves to pave the way for flowering and to enhance the total appearance of the plant. Deadheading may be done through shearing, pruning or just by pinching with the use of your fingers. It is very important to remove this dead stems, flowers or leaves to make way for a blossoming bud to come out.

5. Choose your pot

In planting begonias in a pot, make sure that these pots have holes below to ensure proper drainage. It is very necessary that these pots have holes to make sure that the excess water will have an exit because begonias tend to rot in a very moist environment.