- The begonia plant originates from the island of Santo Domingo, where it was discovered in 1690 by Charles Plumier. Named after Michael Begon, former governor of Santo Domingo, the begonia plant belongs to the Begoniaceae family. Begonias grow wild in South and Central America, Asia and Africa, flourishing year-round in these tropical countries. The begonia plant has adapted to other climates as well, but only as an outdoor annual or as an indoor houseplant.
- Thousands of species of begonias exist, commonly divided into three main groups: Tuberous, Begonia X Semperflorens and Rhizomatous. Tuberous begonias are a popular bedding plant also used in greenhouses, grown specifically for their beautiful blooms. The Begonia X Semperflorens is a perennial shrub characterized by flowers that bloom consistently and waxy-looking leaves. The third group, Rhizomatous, make up the largest group of begonias grown from stems called rhizomes. Mostly cultivated for their interesting leaves, Rhizomatous also produce colorful flowers in the spring. Depending on the type, begonias can produce red, pink, yellow or white blooms.
- Plant your annual begonias outside only after the danger of frost has past. Use container pots, hanging baskets or plant them in your flowerbed. You can grow begonias from seeds or cuttings. The seeds are very small and take two to three weeks to germinate. Begonia seeds grow in loose, fertile and well-drained soil, and also need plenty of air and light. Plant your begonias where they can get a few hours of sun each day. Water thoroughly, but allow the soil to become dry between watering. Keep your begonias healthy by removing dead flowers, leaves and stems, and fertilize once a month.
- The life of the begonia does not have to end at wintertime. Bring your begonias inside when weather starts to get cold. Begonias will die even in a light frost, so bring them in early enough. If your potted plants appear crowded, repot them in two or three separate containers. Help begonias adjust by keeping them by a window at first, and then gradually reduce the amount of direct sunlight. Whether you bring them in from outside or plant them indoors from seedlings, use rich potting soil. Don't water your plant more than necessary, and trim long stems to help retain its compact shape.
- Plant your begonias no less than 9 inches away from other plants to ensure they receive adequate ventilation. Overwatering can be dangerous to your plant, so only water begonias when the top soil is dry to the touch. Common problems with begonias include mealybugs, mites, whiteflies, powdery mildew, botrytis blight (also known as stem rot) and bacterial leaf spot. If you notice any signs of infection or disease, remove the affected flowers and leaves right away. Begonias cannot tolerate high temperatures, so don't place them in direct sunlight. Properly cared-for plants remain relatively problem-free and produce beautiful blooms.
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