Begonia - A Plant of the Begoniaceac Family
Published · Flower Resource
Begonia is a genus that belongs to Begoniaceac family. Begonia has over 1400 species and are terrestrial herbs or under shrubs. They are native to Mexico, Central and South America, South Africa and Asia. These are showy flowers available in different colors like white, pink, scarlet and yellow. Begonias are available in too many variations and that’s why they have strongly appealed the collectors. Begonias grow in tropical and sub tropical climate.
The flowers are not used as greetings and hardly in flower bouquets as it symbolizes future misfortunes and challenges. You can use this flowers to convey your gratitude to someone who has given you a favor in past. It also showcases different attributes like standing out from the crowd and individuality.
Uses of Begonia
- Begonias were used to polish swords in the past.
- They can make a colorful, compact edging for flower beds.
- They also look quite good in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets in trailing and mounding varieties.
- The juice of this plant is used to relieve headaches.
- The root juice of begonia is used an eyewash to treat conjunctivitis.
- The crushes leaves in form of poultice also used to cure sore nipples.
Interesting Facts
- One of the very popular begonia plant called Tuberous begonia is a green house plant and also a bedding plant.
- There are numberless hybrids and variations of Begonia.
- They were first introduced in 1777 in England.
- Fruit of begonia is dry, winged capsule that splits up lengthwise to release the seeds.
- Before we get out the plant in spring, get the pruning so they have a chance for new growth.
- Different varieties of begonia are tuberous begonia the ones with large flowers, semperflorens begonias the one of wax type and uncommon perennials that has interesting leaves and flowers.
Soil Needed
- They grow well in light well drained soil.
- To improve your soil, plant them in raised beds and large pots.
- They also require red wood mulch or other humus type of amendments into the soil.
- Water them properly if you dug begonias, also begonias do not like to be over watered.
How to Plant?
- Begonias are propagated from seed and leaf and stem cuttings.
- They can also be propagated via tuberous roots.
- Transplant the plant once the frost has passed.
- Plant the wax begonias some 6 to 8 inches apart and 1 inch deep.
- Tubers will sprout in about 4 weeks and you can move them in an area with bright light once they are an inch tall.
Maintenance and Care
- To prevent the plant from catching disease, replace them with fresh flowering stock.
- Over watering is also one of the most common problems with begonias.
- Make sure always plant begonias in wide and shallow pots.
- When you provide the plant bright light through a window they will grow so well as houseplant.
- Begonias grow well in high humidity so keep the plant misting with spray bottle.