The Begonias in My Greenhouse
I have long loved begonias, and my large collection of specimens thrives in my greenhouse. I hope you have this month's issue of "Living" - it shows some of my most favorite varieties. If you don't, be sure to get a copy - it's on newsstands now.
Begonia is a genus in the family Begoniaceae. The genus contains at least 1500 different plant species and numerous hybrids. They are native to Mexico, Central and South America, Asia and South Africa - regions with tropical and subtropical climates.
There are different types of begonias, including tuberous begonias, semperflorens begonias, rex begonias, and rhizomatous begonias. Rhizomatous begonias are grown for their interesting and spectacular leaves. They come in an array of sizes, colors and textures, and can be small or large, smooth or veiny, decorated in bold accents of red, copper and silver or subtle shades of green. While the plants can grow very large horizontally, they don’t reach great heights because they grow from the rhizomes, which creep along the soil, or just above it in twisted trunks. Here are some photos - enjoy.
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- My growing collection of begonias is one of the first you see when entering my main greenhouse. I keep my begonias on a long, sliding table, so each plant is within easy reach.
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- Rhizomatous begonias range from small, delicate plants with one-inch wide leaves to large, robust specimens with 12-inch wide leaves or more.
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- Because these plants store water in the rhizomes, which are their thick, fuzzy stems, it is important not to overwater them. Only water these plants when the top one-inch of soil feels dry.
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- To successfully grow rhizomatous begonias, use clay pots and only repot one size up when the roots have filled their current vessel. This is Begonia ‘soli-mutata’. It is a compact medium-sized species from Brazil. The heart-shaped leaf colors vary depending on its exposure to bright light, which is why its common name is “Sun tan” Begonia.
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- Several of my ‘soli-mutata’ plants were grown from leaf cuttings off a parent plant.
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- Begonias grow best in light, well-drained soil. Any good light potting mix is okay for your containers.
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- This is Begonia ‘Othello’ – It has medium-small tightly spiraled leaves of dark olive green.
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- Begonias are propagated from seed or cuttings. You can root rhizome pieces in a mixture of half peat moss, half perlite.
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- I love this whimsical looking Begonia ‘Wightii’, Begonia maculata variegata, with its silver spotted leaves. Its nickname is “polka dot” and is a vigorous grower best suited for upright pots.
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- Learn more about this pretty plant in the January/February 2018 issue of “Living”.
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- Begonia ‘Royal Lustre’ has small silvery green leaves with tones of pink and green. Upon close inspection, you can see the small hairs that line the leaf margins.
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- Most rhizomatous begonias are grown for their interesting leaves – there are so many great shapes, sizes and colors.
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- They also display clusters of small lovely blooms that grow like clouds above the foliage.
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- Rhizomatous begonia flowers bloom in late winter to early spring and can range from shades of pink blush to bright white.
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- Begonia paulensis has very distinctive foliage. The leaves are large, and shiny green with an extremely textured surface. Keep this houseplant in a shady area during summer months to prevent leaf burn.
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- This is Begonia acetosa, also known as ‘Ruby Begonia’. It has velvet cupped leaves with bright red undersides. It tolerates much lower humidity than most.
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- Begonias are considered cool temperature plants and will do best in temperatures ranging from 58 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
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- Begonias should be fed a general purpose fertilizer every other week during spring and summer.
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- The foliage on this begonia is green on one side and bold pink on the other. The crinkled, hairy edges add great texture. Find out its name in the current issue of “Living”.
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- Begonia carolineifolia is an upright perennial native to Southern Mexico and Central America. It has a striking woody trunk with shiny green leaves. As a houseplant, Begonia carolineifolia is highly decorative and easy to grow.
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- Here’s a closer look at the exceptionally thick stems. It also has dense heads of light pink flowers on tall stems from late winter to spring.
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- Begonias are remarkably resistant to pests primarily because their leaves are rich in oxalic acid – a natural insect repellent.
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- There is no end to the variety of leaf shape, color and texture in the begonia. Begonias make wonderful year-round houseplants. I hope you are inspired to get one for your windowsill. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of our January/February issue of “Living” for more on the “Beauty of the Begonia”.
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