How to Care Begonias in a Pot Outdoors Easily

Begonia is a wellknown plant thats so beautiful flowers and has charming leaves. Another interesting is that this plant is easy to care for indoor and outdoor plants, because not all plant can grow well in both place at the same time. In short, this plant is an amazing plant with several types of begonias that are gorgeous to have. Some types of begonias are planted by many due to of their colorful, while other begonias species are enjoyed for planters because their foliages are unique and beautiful. You can buy begonias at nurseries that has been labeled as indoor or outdoor plants.

Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants, it is included to Begoniaceae family. And begonia has the genus contains  around 1,795 different plant species. In humid subtropical climates and tropical areas that this plant grow well. Several species are commonly grown indoors as houseplants in cold climates. In cold climates some species can be cultivated outside in summer have bright colorful flowers, which have sepals but they do not have petals.

As one of the favorite flower, begonias can be a preperence and perfect to have. Expect to plant begonias as indoor hanging or home plants. although begonia is a perennial plant that you should always be replanted, growing begonias is easy.

The American Begonias Society classifies this plant into several types:

• Cane-like: Cane comes from a begonia that grows mostly for its heart-shaped, gray-green leaves
• Shrub-like: This type is can range in size from miniatures to giants, 12 feet tall and also very variable
• Rooted tuberous: The leaves are shiny and will die back when the temperature drops or the season changes.
• Rhizomatous: the leaves on rhizome begonias are sensitive to over watered and should be watered from below.
• Semperflorens leaf: the leaves are smooth like wax and are green, red or bronze in color
• Leafy Rex: Heart-shaped leaves and the most showy foliage producer
• Trailing-scandent
• Thick-stemmed

Two types of begonias

Grow from seeds and plants grown from tubers. Seed-derived begonias is difficult to grow and tend to be smaller. But type of begonia that comes from the tuber will be bigger and stronger than begonia from seeds. These both varieties can have a variety of colors, like pink, white, purple, yellow and red.

Begonia is one of the few plants that can be grown outdoors as well as indoors. This plant requires shade place. It is suitable for your collection addition of decorative plants. If you are going to plant it in a pot, point the pot facing the window so that it gets enough sunlight. Alternatively, point toward the direction of light lamps or other adequate light. if it is going to be planted in a pot outdoors, place the plant in a shaded area, this plant can withstand a little sunlight but avoid stinging direct light. If you put them in the direct sunlight, this plant can also grow but not optimal.

How to grow begonia well

Soil

Begonias grow best without regular soil. Mixed soil is needed. Provide peat moss, cocopeat or husk. Or else the soil in the garden can also be used. This plant prefer good acidity and drainage. Use fertilizer mix in liquid form to add nutrients to the begonia.

Watering

Begonia doesn’t like waterlog, because it will causes rot. So, do not overwater the plant. Although they do not tolerate wet soil well, but begonia plants survive very well in humidity areas. Try to misting them using spayer regularly or use a humidifier to create a preferable place for them. Let them to dry out slightly between waterings and then avoid giving them too much water .

Light

You are able to place the begonia that you have planted in a pot with a bright spot where it can get morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Dappled light and planted under a canopy of trees or larger shrubs to provide a bit of shade is what the begonias like actually . And they work well in the late summer, where tuberous begonias prefer less heat and more shade. Take a note that you might need to reduce the amount of light if you notice the leaves or flower growth or burning. and if the begonia plant begins to branch out, you may give them more light.

Pruning Begonias

The end of the growing season usually begonias can become scraggly or leggy. Well it’s time for you to prune the stems to just above a set of leaves. Use clean pruning shears in advance to prevent the spread of disease. Light pruning of deadhead flowers can promote additional begonia blooms.

Pest and disease

Indoor begonias can be have an issue that attact by pest such as mealy bugs, altough while mainly pest-free, then how to get rid of them? Well, just lightly spray the plant, but not the soil, then rub gently the affect area with alcohol.

You can simply remove damaged leaves and stems from the frostbitten plants, if frosts are only an occasional hazard where you live. This keeps the plants looking good, it prevents rot and minimizes the plants susceptibility to damage. During this stage, there is one thing you shouldn’t do is fertilize.

Once the temperatures get too low for your chosen cultivar, you can bring them indoors , because most begonia cultivars won’t successfully overwinter outside of zones 9 and 10. Or else let the plant dry out once you have brought it indoors. This way mimics their natural cycle of winter dormancy. Keep the begonia when they are dormant in a cool place and dark until spring, and then repot or replant it.

Those are some types of begonia plants and care tips that you could know. May this helps!