How much sunshine and water is needed for begonias to thrive?
How much sunshine and water is needed for begonias to thrive?
- Derdriuposted 12 years ago
0It depends upon the particular kind (species) of begonia. But generally, 4 to 6 hours of light and an always slightly moist soil are what begonias need.
The light can be filtered through light curtains or reflected if the begonia is inside. It must not be the most intense, drying heat of the evaporation-rich hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. if the begonia is outside.
A probe or sharp object inserted into the potting or ground soil should come out with scattered freckles of dirt. That indicates the soil is moist, not dried out or running like mud. Most likely, that means watering every 7 to 10 days. These are some instruction that you can follow to take care of your begonias
1.Give all begonias the bright sunlight of an eastern or southern window. For begonias grown for their foliage, such as rex begonias, the light should not be direct, but rather filtered with a transparent curtain or shaded by a tree outside the window. Flowering begonias, however, need several hours of direct sunlight each day.
2.Provide a stable temperature for begonias. Begonias are sensitive to rapid fluctuations in temperature and therefore must be kept away from drafts. As long as the temperature is constant and above 60 degrees Fahrenheit begonias can thrive.
3.Water begonias between once a week and once every two weeks. You must take care not to over water a begonia because too much water can cause the plants to rot. Monitor the dampness of the potting mix and when you can stick your finger into the potting mix and not feel any moisture, it's time to water.
4.Keep begonias in small pots. Begonias have small root systems and do not need repotting frequently. However, every spring pull the root ball out of the pot and check to see if the roots have completely wrapped around the bottom of the pot. If they have, upgrade the begonia plant to the next size pot.
5.Move flowering begonias outside during the spring, summer and fall months if you can create the right conditions for them. Flowering begonias enjoy a shady porch as long as the temperature does not fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Begonias growing outside do need more frequent watering, so take care to check the soil often.
Read more: How to Care for a Begonia http://www.ifloweryou.com
Reference: http://www.ifloweryou.com
