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Back to Houseplants    |   Begonia Tuberous

Begonia species - Tuberous Begonia Light Medium to bright indirect Soil Well drained Water Let potting mix dry between waterings Habit 18 inches (46 cm) tall, 2 feet (.61 m) wide Flowers Single or double flowers come in red, orange, pink, white, and yellow Possible Problems Very hardy, but may develop stem and root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spots Comments: The best known are the Rieger and elatior begonias (Begonia x hiemalis) that are prized for their colorful winter flowers. Rieger Begonias are sometimes called "Winter Flowering Begonias." This doesn't mean that you can only get them during the winter, they are available year round at your local Floral Shop or Garden Center. Rieger Begonias are easy to grow and can be re-flowered after the initial flowers decline. They plant will thrive in bright indirect light. Full hot sun will burn the leaves. Water your plant when the soil has dried down about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) from the surface. Do not allow your Begonia to sit in a saucer of water, this is sure to cause root rot. Avoid splashing water on the foliage to help prevent the occurrence of powdery mildew. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Remove spent flowers as they appear. When your plant stops flowering, and begins to fade, stop watering for a week or so. Then cut it back to 3 or 4 leaf nodes. Let it stay dry for another week, then water slowly and thoroughly to completely soak the plant. Sprouts will grow around the base of the plant and then it will eventually bloom again. If you are successful and do get a second bloom cycle, try it again for a third time. Riegers don't like to be root-bound, you may need to repot it in the next size pot.

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