Method and Management of Cultivating foliage Begonia
Compared to the common topics of foliage Begonia cultivation and indoor potted plants, the editor will introduce the topic next.
Having been into gardening for so long, I still have a fondness for foliage Begonias. Their colorful and beautiful leaves never seem to lose their appeal. There are many varieties with different leaf colors, patterns, shapes, sizes, and textures. While they are primarily admired for their foliage, they occasionally bloom, but their flowers are far less attractive than their leaves.
Foliage Begonia is an easy-to-care-for perennial herbaceous plant that is sensitive to cold and should be protected from frost. It is an excellent indoor plant, well-suited for placement on east or north-facing windowsills or balconies, and can thrive under artificial lighting even in completely dark indoor spaces.
When growing foliage Begonia indoors, it is important to provide adequate light, ensure good soil drainage, and water the plant only after the soil has completely dried out, which usually doesn't cause major issues.
Common Care Issues
1. Pay attention to increasing humidity
Foliage Begonia prefers higher air humidity. For example, in dry northern regions, it is necessary to increase environmental humidity by placing pebbles in a saucer and adding some water, then placing the potted plant on top of the pebbles to maintain increased humidity.
If that's too troublesome, you can simply turn on a humidifier nearby. If the environment is well-ventilated and the water sprayed on the leaves can evaporate quickly, you can frequently mist the plant with water.
2. Can it be planted outdoors?
Foliage Begonia can be planted outdoors without any issues. It is suitable for placement in areas with scattered light and is a good choice for shaded yards.
However, when planting outdoors, it is important to avoid direct sunlight and prolonged exposure to rain. For example, in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions, prolonged rain can easily lead to stem and root rot.
Foliage Begonia Cultivation Method and Management
When planted outdoors, it is also important to avoid frost, or it will become an annual plant. The minimum care temperature should be maintained above 5 degrees Celsius. When planted outdoors, the soil should dry quickly, which requires us to improve the soil in advance to ensure better drainage and aeration.
3. How to better avoid diseases?
To avoid various diseases in foliage Begonia, the most important thing to pay attention to is actually controlling watering. Do not add water until the soil is completely dry.
Especially in indoor environments with poor ventilation and light, if the soil remains moist, it can easily cause root rot.
When watering potted foliage Begonia, try to water slowly into the potting soil or directly soak the pot to replenish water, avoiding splashing water onto the stems and leaves, which can easily cause diseases.
4. Fertilization注意事项
When fertilizing foliage Begonia, it is important to consider whether it is growing. In excessively hot summers with temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius, or in cold winters with temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius, fertilization should be stopped. During the growing season, such as temperatures between 18 to 28 degrees Celsius, you can supplement every one to two weeks, and the concentration should be reduced to half when fertilizing indoors.
5. Potting Soil Combination
When growing potted foliage Begonia indoors, it is best to choose a pot and soil that are more loose and breathable. You can choose common root control pots or red peach pots, to ensure that the moisture in the soil dries quickly. Also, avoid using too large a pot for Begonia, as slow-drying soil can easily cause root rot.