| The Plant:
Fleshy green, heart-shaped leaves, with strongly coloured
flowers borne on brittle fleshy stems. Begonia flower colours
range from deep scarlet, through orange, pink to creamy white. Its needs:
Strong light, a little morning sun. Good air circulation. Good rich
potting compost to support heavy top-growth, and provide anchorage for
fibrous root system.
Care: Potting compost
should be kept damp from beginning of spring, but avoid watering
foliage, (leaves), as this could promote mildew growth on fleshy parts
of the plant. Water compost regularly to avoid drying out. Feed weekly
or fortnightly depending on size of plant and rate of growth. To
increase humidity in hot dry conditions, place pot in a water-filled
saucer of small pebbles. As this plant tends to become top-heavy, it
will need support, e.g. short slender canes, and green twine, (string
will do, but more noticeable!). Susceptible to powdery mildew. Pinch off
dead flowers to promote new blooms. Can be placed outside once all
danger of frost has passed, but Begonias tend to scorch easily in full
sun.
Good for: Excellent, easy care plant for giving
as it has good flowering season; generally a good ‘cheerful’ plant in
variety of colours. Not too expensive! Very popular.
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