How to Look After a Begonia
Begonias consist of over 1,000 different species of flowering plants that grow in low mounds near the ground. The plants produce masses of brightly colored flower blossoms in the early spring and are commonly used as bedding plants or placed in containers. The begonia is native to Mexico, Central and South America, South Africa and Asia, but grows well in most locations of the U.S. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Water the begonia when the top 2 inches of soil is completely dry to the touch. Dig your finger down into it to determine the moisture level. When needed, water the soil until it is wet to a 5- or 6-inch depth. If the begonia is in a pot, water until it runs out of the bottom.
-
2
Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to the begonia plant starting in the early spring and every two weeks thereafter until the flowers start to die back for the year. If desired, you can use a time-release fertilizer that requires less frequent application.
-
-
3
Place the begonia in a location that receives bright, filtered sunlight or partial shade. Do not place it in full sun, since the rays will burn the leaves.
-
4
Check the temperature in the location using a thermometer to ensure it stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For outdoor plants, cover them with a frost blanket if late-season cold snaps threaten to drop below this temperature.
-
5
Wait until the begonia is between 4 and 6 inches tall and insert a 1- to 2-foot high wooden stake into the soil behind the plant using your hands to push it down. You can use a trellis or simple bamboo rods to act as stakes.
-
6
Examine the begonia plant daily and pull off any flower blooms that have wilted. This keeps the plant looking attractive and promotes additional blooming.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
