Begonias in My Greenhouse
There are so many beautiful begonias in my greenhouse.
Begonia is a genus in the family Begoniaceae. It contains at least 1500 different plant species and numerous hybrids. They are native to Mexico, Central and South America, Asia and South Africa - regions with tropical and subtropical climates. Rhizomatous begonias are grown for their interesting and spectacular leaves. They come in an array of sizes, colors and textures, and can be small or large, smooth or veiny, decorated in bold accents of red, copper and silver or subtle shades of green. I’m certain there’s one begonia, if not more, that could inspire and captivate any gardener.
Enjoy these photos.
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- My growing collection of begonias is among the first one sees when entering my main greenhouse. I keep my begonias on a long, sliding table, so each plant is within easy reach.
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- Some of these begonias were purchased from various nurseries over the years, but many were also grown from leaf cuttings and then nurtured right here at the farm.
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- One can root rhizome pieces in a mixture of half peat moss, half perlite.
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- Most rhizomatous begonias are grown for their interesting leaves – there are so many great shapes, sizes, and colors.
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- They range from small, delicate plants with one-inch wide leaves to large, robust specimens with 12-inch wide leaves or more.
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- All begonias have oval-shaped leaves that can be spade-like with a pointed tip in some varieties. The leaves grow from the main stem in an “alternate” structure. This means they never grow opposite one another, but instead, each individual leaf emerges slightly higher on the stem than the previous one.
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- And, because these plants store water in the rhizomes, which are their thick, fuzzy stems, it is important not to overwater them – water when the top-inch of soil feels dry.
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- Between waterings, let the soil dry out slightly. And for the best results, place pots in a warm room with bright indirect light.
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- The stems of the begonia carolineifolia are exceptionally thick, and show the scars of felled leaves. As a houseplant, this variety is highly decorative and easy to grow.
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- To successfully grow rhizomatous begonias, It’s a good idea to use clay pots as they are more porous and allow the roots to breathe. And only repot one size up when the roots have filled their current vessel.
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- Begonias grow best in light, well-drained soil.
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- This is Begonia ‘soli-mutata’. It is a compact medium-sized species from Brazil. The heart-shaped leaf colors vary depending on its exposure to bright light, which is why its common name is “Sun tan” Begonia.
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- Begonias are considered cool temperature plants and prefer temperatures ranging from 58- to 72-degrees Fahrenheit.
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- They are remarkably resistant to pests primarily because their leaves are rich in oxalic acid – a natural insect repellent.
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- While the leaves are very interesting, right now these begonias are starting to display clusters of small lovely blooms that grow like clouds above the foliage.
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- The flowers bloom now to early spring and can range from shades of pink blush to bright white.
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- Mature rhizomatous begonias sometimes have extended periods of flowering, providing weeks of color.
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- Begonias should be fed a general purpose fertilizer every other week during spring and summer.
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- This variety has bold magenta leaves with dark chocolate markings.
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- This one has dark green leaves with spirals of silver outlining the flower edges.
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- And this begonia is among my favorites – Begonia ‘Martha Stewart’ – I got my first one about five years ago from Logee’s Plants for Home and Garden in Danielson, Connecticut. It was during one of my visits to Logee’s when owner, Byron Martin, had me select one of the unnamed specimens to be named after me. This begonia has a compact growth habit and is about eight inches in height with a mounding display of beautiful bronze-green leaves. There is no end to the variety of leaf shape, color and texture in the begonia. Begonias make wonderful year-round houseplants. I hope you are inspired to get one for your windowsill.
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