begonia
Begonia 'Casper'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Stem Propagation,Leaf Cutting,Division,Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
10 - 11
Flowers:
Pink-red Flowers
Sun:
part shade,part sun/part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Indoors:
Yes
watering
Begonias are generally quite drought tolerant, but require regular watering to keep them looking their best. For a Begonia 'Casper', water thoroughly whenever the top inch of the soil is dry – usually every 5-7 days. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. During periods of extreme heat or dryness, you may need to water more frequently. Always water at the base of the plant and not on the foliage to prevent fungal infections.
sunlight
Begonia 'Casper' does best in medium to bright indirect light. When providing light indoors keep the plant 3 to 4 feet from the nearest window so it has more consistent light during the day. Generally, 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day is ideal for this specific type of begonia. During the summer and spring, place outdoors in a shady or partially sunny spot to give the plant a rest from the indoor light. In the winter, when the daylight hours are limited, supplement natural sunlight with fluorescent or other grow lights that are specifically designed for plants.
pruning
Deadheading & pruning Begonia 'Casper' should be done throughout the growing season to encourage blooms, remove dead or damaged leaves, and maintain an attractive shape. Pruning should begin in late spring or early summer when new growths appear, but waiting until after flowering has completed will ensure that you don't remove flowering buds. When pruning, it's important to remove only the dead and damaged leaves and not to over-prune, as this may reduce bloom production. To encourage a second flowering, light pruning can be done in late summer.
FAQ
Could Begonias be grown indoors?
Yes, Begonias can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny area. Begonias do best in temperatures between 60-70F and require a lot of moisture for healthy growth so consistent watering is key. They prefer indirect light and should be placed in a spot where they will receive indirect sunlight from a window or artificial lights that are around 12-14 hours each day. Begonias should also be fertilized with a house plant fertilizer once every 2 weeks and have their soil monitored to ensure proper drainage.
Are Begonias frost-tolerant?
Begonias are not typically very frost tolerant plants. While they can tolerate temperatures that dip slightly below the freezing mark, they cannot handle sustained cold temperatures or extended periods of frost. If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, it is best to treat your begonias as annuals and replant them in the spring and summer months.
Should Begonias be deadheaded regularly?
Yes, Begonias should be deadheaded regularly to support lush blooming and encourage healthy plants. Deadheading involves trimming off dead flowers and foliage and can be done with scissors or by pinching stems between your fingers. This helps promote new blooms and ensures Begonias remain healthy and vigorous. While the act itself is simple, it is important to deadhead regularly and consistently to keep your Begonia looking its best.
Could Begonias be propagated by stem cuttings?
Yes, begonias can be propagated by stem cuttings. To do so, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stem just below a node - that is the place on the stem where the leaves are growing. Make sure you have at least two set of leaves on each cutting and a few centimetres of stem above each node. Once you have your cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then place the cutting into a moist peat moss and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag. Keep the pot in bright indirect light and make sure it's kept moist, misting it occasionally. After a few weeks, you should see roots beginning to form. Once the roots are established, you can transfer the plant to a pot with its permanent home.
Do Begonias have a strong scent?
No, Begonias do not have a strong scent. They have a thin, mild scent that is not especially overpowering or noticeable, especially when compared to other flowers such as roses or jasmine. Begonias are primarily known for their wide variety of colors, textures and sizes, rather than their scent.
Are Begonias invasive?
No, Begonias are not invasive. Begonias are classified as "tender perennials" and they remain in the same place year-round. While they can spread in favorable growing conditions, they are not considered an invasive species, as they are not capable of forming large colonies that can out-compete native vegetation. Begonias require consistent and frequent care as they do not survive heavy pruning, drought, or extreme heat or cold.
Could Begonias be grown from seeds?
Yes, begonias can be grown from seeds. They are easy to sow, and can be started indoors or outdoors. Starting begonia seeds indoors is recommended since they take a while to germinate and grow. Begonias need light to germinate, so keep in mind to sow the seeds shallowly and not to cover them with soil. Additionally, water the soil regularly to ensure it doesn't dry out and be sure to use a soilless seed starting mix for optimum germination.
Is Begonia a good plant for a shady garden?
Yes, Begonia is indeed a great plant for a shady garden. Its showy, brightly colored blooms will add some brightness to the area, and its easy-to-care-for nature means you won't have to worry about maintenance. Its shallow roots and bushy nature makes it the perfect plant for adding texture and interest to a garden. With its delicate leaves and vibrant blooms, the Begonia is perfect for providing a surprising pop of color to a shady garden.
