Begonias Care: Smart Tips for Growing Hardy Begonias

Hardy begonias are one of the most popular plants in the world and for good reason. They are easy to care for, come in a variety of colors and shapes, and can be planted year-round. Hardy begonia plants also have some tricks that make them even easier to grow! In this blog post, we’ll cover some tips on how you can easily take care of your hardy begonias.

Origin and Species

The begonia genus consists of over 2000 species with about 200 commercially available. Hardy begonias are part of the Begoniaceae family and most common as house plants. The name “Begonia” is derived from the Portuguese word for BEGONE!, which became a popular exclamation in 16th century England when it was used to ward off the devil.

The begonias are native to Eastern and South America but most species have been introduced elsewhere in the world, especially as an ornamental plants. The Spanish first brought it back from Central America on ships to Europe where it was given its current scientific name, Begoniaceae Ventenat, in 1837.

Hardiness

Many begonia species are only hardy to USDA Zones 11 and 12, though some can be grown as far north as Zone six.

Some varieties of Begonias such as Fimbriata have been bred for colder climates and will survive down to zone four or five with some extra care.

Types of Hardy Begonias

There are many different types of hardy begonias that can be grown outdoors in most climates, but some are better than others for colder weather and these will help you choose the right variety to plant. Here is a list of those most commonly used as house plants by gardeners:

Begoniaceae

• Begoniaceae hybrids like the popular Fimbriata, which can be grown in USDA Zone four with some extra care.

Warneckii

• Warneckii is a scarlet or reddish variety that is hardy down to zone nine and has dark green leaves.

Alba

• Alba is a white flowering variety of begonia, is hardy to USDA Zone six.

• Begonias that have variegated leaves, like the Begonia x semperflorens and the begonias in the Biserrula group are also popular because they add a splash of color without requiring much care.

Sunlight Requirement

Begonias do best in full sun or bright, filtered light. They will not survive if left in the dark for long periods of time (more than twelve hours per day). Full-sun exposure to hardy begonias is essential and must be available year-round.

Soil Requirements

Begonias enjoy well-drained soil and should be planted in pots with a hole that is at least six to eight inches deep. This will give the roots more room for growth, as can happen with shallow or clay soils, which often stunt the plant’s root systems.

Watering

Hardy Begonia plants should be watered when the soil becomes dry. They should be allowed to go through a water-starved period at least twice per year and this will promote blooming in most varieties.

Humidity

Begonias should be grown in humid environments, anywhere with 50% humidity or higher. They will not tolerate low-humidity conditions for long periods of time and this can lead to brown spots on the leaves that are both unsightly and harmful.

Fertilizing

This plant does’nt need much fertilizer, but they do require a high Nitrogen level for healthy foliage growth. Use a fertilizer with a high N-P-K ratio or one that is specially formulated for foliage plants.

Temperature

Fertilizing and water will be less effective if temperatures are too cold, so it’s important to know what zone you live in before planting your hardy begonias outdoors. The ideal temperature range varies widely depending on the zone you live in.

• Hardy begonias should be planted outdoors when the night temperature is above 40°F, and it can drop down to below freezing during periods of dormancy without being harmed.

Pruning

Pruning your hardy begonia plants will encourage new growth by making room for new flowers or leaves on the plant. Use a pair of pruning shears to cut off the dead, dried-out stems or any excess foliage from your plants. The more you trim, the easier it will be for new life to grow!

Repotting

Pots should be replaced every two or three years to give the roots room to grow. Choose a pot that is at least one and a half times as large as the old one, but make sure that it has drainage holes in the bottom for water to escape easily.

Potting Soil

Different brands of soil will have different ingredients so it’s important to buy soil that is specifically formulated for begonias. It should have calcium, phosphorus, and potash mixed in with the peat moss or perlite so it will provide all of the nutrients they need.

Seasonal Care

The best time to plant hardy begonias is in the spring before temperatures warm up. Make sure that your plants are getting enough water, fertilizer, and humidity during this period because it can be difficult for them to thrive after going dormant in a cold climate.

Propagation

The first step is to take off a leaf from the plant and allow it dry for a few days before planting in moist soil or potting mix. Make sure that you keep an eye out after watering so as not to overwater it; doing so may lead to the begonia developing root rot.

After two weeks, you should notice small roots coming out of the leaf and then it’s ready for planting in a pot or garden bed! Keep an eye on your new plant as they can be sensitive to drought during their first few months after propagation–be sure to water once every other day.

Propagation by seeds

Cut off the seed heads from your hardy begonias in fall after they have gone to sleep for the winter. Keep them dry and store them in a container with good ventilation until spring.

Make sure it is not too hot or cold, but rather somewhere around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (about 15 Celsius). Once morning temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (about 16 Celsius) or so, it is safe to sow the seeds in containers with sterile potting soil.

Planting Hardy Begonias

You can plant your begonias from seedlings or starter plants and they are very versatile when it comes to where you put them- They do well planted alongside other flowers, in containers, or even in urns. Hardy begonias have a reputation for being short and bushy plants that can easily be grown indoors because they require little care but are also rugged enough to grow outdoors!

Leaves

The leaves need to be kept dry. If you’ve been dealing with fallen leaves or rain, make sure to clean the soil away from the base of your plant and use a board or something similar to cover it until all the water is off the top layer of soil. This will keep any moisture that may have gotten onto your leaf surfaces from rotting them prematurely!

Flowers

Deadhead flowers once they fade to encourage more flowering stems – Hardy begonias are not typically self-sowing, but if you allow the seed pods on the plants to dry out and then shake them over a pot of moist soil in early spring, new plantlets will start growing from the seeds. Once planted, fertilize them to help them grow.

Think about your hardy begonias as perennials. They will not survive in a container for more than one year, but you can plant them out into the garden after they’ve grown a few inches tall or planted new plants each spring.

Dormancy

Hardy begonias are dormant in winter and need to go into a room with temperatures of 50 F or lower. This will make them tougher for the next season’s growth while also giving them time to develop new roots before becoming active again.

Life Span

Hardy begonias have the potential to live for up to forty years.

Disease and Pests

• In the event that your begonia is afflicted by disease, consider using a fungicide.

• If you have aphids, leafhoppers, or mealybugs: use soap and water to wash them off – if it’s scale insects, spray with horticultural oil. Be sure to follow all label instructions carefully as these chemicals could damage your plants.

• If you have a problem, consider contacting an expert or looking for information about the specific disease online. In general, make sure to keep your plant’s leaves dry and inspect them often so that any damage–whether due to pests or natural causes like rot–can be prevented early on.

Toxicity

Consider keeping your plant out of reach from children and pets to avoid the risk of accidental ingestion.

Can I touch it?

Hardy begonias are generally safe, but you should exercise caution. If there is any question about how well a specific animal or person will tolerate this type of plant, use caution when handling them so as not to cause any irritation or allergic reaction.

What are the Common problems with Trachyandra Tortilis?

Trachyandra Tortilis is a hybrid begonia. This type of plant can be difficult to grow because it prefers moist soil with a high pH level, and likes shade or partial light during the day. If you are having trouble growing your Trachydendra Tortilis plants, here are some tips that may help!

• If your plants are brown and wilted, they may need more water.

• If the leaves turn yellow or pale greenish colors, there is too much light for the plant. Move it to a shady area or place an umbrella over it.

• When soil gets low on nutrients from water drainage replace with well-draining potting mix (peat moss, perlite)

• The stems turn brown and brittle (Wilting), the soil is too dry or has poor drainage. Give it deep watering to replenish moisture levels.

Tips on how to keep Trachyandra Tortilis problem-free

Trachyandra Tortilis needs moist soil with a pH level of at least neutral, so be sure to use a well-draining potting mix. – The plant also prefers partial sun or shade during the day and temperatures that stay between 63 F and 80 F degrees Fahrenheit. If you are having trouble keeping your plants healthy, here are some tips that may help!

• If the leaves turn yellow or pale greenish colors, there is too much light. Move it to a shady area or place an umbrella over it.

• If your plants are brown and wilted, they may need more water – Trachyandra Tortilis is also susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, scale insects, and bacterial leaf spots.

• Consider your plant’s height when deciding on what type of pot to use so it can grow well – Hardy begonias like Trachyandra Tortilis also need their leaves dry, so make sure to inspect them often. If you are having problems with the health of your plants, consider asking a professional for help or looking up information about the specific disease online.

• Be sure to keep your plant out of reach from children and pets so that there is no risk of accidental ingestion – Consider keeping it away if you have small animals (like rabbits) because they may chew on the leaves for a tasty snack, but this could cause damage or even death to the animal.

• Lastly, make sure your plants have enough light and water when you get them home – Repotting may be necessary if roots have grown into the pot or are crowded with old soil.

Frequently asked questions about Trachyandra Tortilis

Q: Do I need to fertilize?

A: You will want to give a little extra fertilizer during the spring and summer months, but don’t overdo it. Most people do not need to fertilize their plants every month or even every season. It is usually best if you only use high-quality lawn fertilizer on your plants in the spring and summer months.

Q: What is the best way to water?

A: Watering can be tricky for hardy begonia plants because they do not like being left too wet or too dry. The best thing to do is wait until your plant starts wilting, then you know it’s time to give them a good soak.

Q: How should I store my plants over the winter?

A: The best way to keep your plant alive during this time is to pot it up in an area where you can protect them from freezing temperatures, such as a garage or shed. If you don’t have one of these areas available, then bring the potted plant into your home and place it in a shady area.

Q: What is the best time of day to water?

A: The best time of day to water begonias is the evening, but watering early in the morning is also good. It’s important not to give them too much or they will rot from sitting in soggy soil.

Q: How high should I plant my begonias?

A: You can grow your plants in a variety of different containers, but most people prefer to use something that is no more than 12-14 inches deep and makes sure the container has drainage holes at the bottom. This will prevent excess water from collecting on top of the plant.

Q: How do I know when it’s time to repot?

A: This will depend on how often you are fertilizing, watering, and maintaining your plants. It is best if they are potted in a good potting mix that drains well and every other year or so should be fine. But if you are feeling like your plant is looking a little droopy and not thriving, then it’s time for a new potting mix!

What are the benefits of having a Trachyandra Tortilis plant?

Some of the benefits of having a Trachyandra Tortilis plant are that it is an attractive houseplant and can help purify the air. This type of begonia also prefers cooler temperatures, so you won’t have to worry about them when they’re indoors in your home or office. They grow well with low lighting conditions which makes them perfect if you want to keep them alive in a dark corner of your home.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! You now know the benefits of a Trachyandra Tortilis plant and how to grow one with care so that it can thrive in your home. Keep these tips on hand for any future plants or flowers you may decide to bring into your life; they’ll be sure to make them happy too!