The
name Begonia refers to the genus of flowering plants that are grown for their
colorful, showy blooms and ornamental foliage. Begonia are both annual and
perennial and available in a range of varieties literally. You can grow them in
containers to give your home a pinch of color. Below are tips for growing
annual begonia indoors.
Propagation
Cuttings are easiest
way to start begonia. Take stem cuttings from existing Begonia. Make cut just
above a leaf node. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone / gel or honey. Cover
the container having cuttings with zipped plastic bag to retain moisture around
the begonia. You can cut all the leaves except 2-3 leaves or just trim the
leaves to avoid transpiration shock.
Begonia can be
propagated from seeds too but it requires patience. Sow dustlike Begonia seeds
in fall or early winter ( Dec – Jan ) to get Begonia plant in spring. It takes
around 2-3 weeks to begonia seeds for germination.
Container
Choose a container
having adequate drainage holes such as hanging baskets or medium to large sized
flowering pots. Place pieces of bricks or stones over drainage hole to ensure
smooth drainage of water.
Soil
Use well drained
soil. You can use normal purpose
gardening soil too. Add dried leaves, compost, vermi culture or organic manure
to increase organic matter in it.
Sun
/ Temperature
Begonia grows in full
to partial sun. In full sunlight they will form tight compact plants and
increasingly looser form and fewer blooms in shaded area so continuous shaded
environment should be avoided too. Same with direct sunlight, it should be
avoided.
Watering
Begonia doesn’t like to
sit in water. Over watering is one of common reason of killing it. Allow soil to dry out before watering again.
Keep soil moist but not wet and soggy. Press fingers 1-2 inch deep in soil
before watering to check it really require it or not.
Begonia loves humidity.
Mist it every few days to maintain required humidity levels.
Fertilizer
Use a water diluted
liquid fertilizer once in a month during growing season and while plant is in
bloom. Or else buy a commercial Begonia mix.
Caring
You can prune Begonia
any time of the year, it will grow back. It can prone to mealy bugs. To get rid
of mealy bugs spray soap mixed water on plant directly or rub the mealy bug
infested area with alcohol dipped brush. They die on contact. For severe
conditions spray alcohol directly on plant. Avoid spraying the soil directly as
a precaution.
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