The begonia family is an extremely diverse genus of perennials, normally herbaceous and mainly from tropical America and Asia. The begonia family is rich in beauty and varies from miniature plants to towering bushes. Some species produce tuber-like corms, some are fibrous rooted, while some develope a heavy rhizome. While most begonias are grown for their flowers others are grown for their showy and colourful leaves that often have a metallic sheen. There are literally thousands of different kinds to choose from.
Tuberous rooted begonias.
Tuberous rooted begonias require a high humus, rich, moist and porous soil and thrive on warm days, cool and moist nights and generally require some protection from hot dry winds. When bedding out in shaded areas, mix in generous amounts of compost, peat moss, leafmold and well decayed animal manures. When growing in pots add double the amount of peat to the potting mix and also mix in some animal manure. Fertilise bi-weekly during the growing season to encourage vigorous growth and water sparingly during the dormant season.
Fibrous rooted begonias.
The rather common wax begonias have fine, brown, fibrous root systems and send up roundish, cupped leaves on fleshy stems which remain rather crisp. Pot in equal parts sand, soil and peat moss and allow to almost dry out between waterings. To keep wax begonias in bloom indoors, make sure they have plenty of sunlight. With age these plants may become too large and have long and weak branches at which time you can cut them completely down to the soil level. The newer varieties are quite sun tolerant when planted in deep and rich soil while the older varieties generally require semi to full shade.
Cane begonias.
Cane begonias combine attractive foliage with blooms of flowers in clusters. They have fibrous root systems and cane-like stems which are swollen at the joints. Culture is the same as for the wax begonias and these are propagated by taking leaf cuttings or by sowing seeds.
Ornamental-leaf begonias.
Ornamental begonias have hairy leaves and downy foliage and are often silvery or red-plush in colour and texture. Culture is the same as for the wax begonias and these can be propagated by stem cuttings inserted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Cover the cuttings with glass or plastic to raise the humidity until the roots have formed.
Rhizomatous begonias.
These are quite valuable for pot culture indoors and range from miniature plants to large and striking accent plants. Generally they bloom once a year with white or pink sprays. The best potting mix is one of equal parts of soil, sand, leafmold and peat moss. Allow this to almost dry out between waterings and allow sun in the winter and provide shade in the summer. Propagate from seeds, leaf or stem cuttings or by division in spring and summer.
Rex begonias.
Rex begonias are grown for their rich textured foliage in many hues.They require humidity to thrive and are aften placed in terrariums which are partially closed. They require warmth in a semi shaded position and will grow in bright light without direct sun. For pot culture use a mixture of equal parts of soil, peat moss, sand and leafmold. Maintain an even moist soil at all times. Propagate with seeds sown in spring or summer.
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