Begonias, known for their diverse foliage and vibrant blooms, are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening. Their availability at retailers like Lowe’s makes them accessible to many plant enthusiasts. These ornamental plants add continuous color to various settings, from garden beds to hanging baskets and indoor displays.
Begonia Varieties at Lowe’s
When browsing for begonias at Lowe’s, you will encounter a few common categories. Wax Begonias (Begonia semperflorens) are often seen as bedding plants due to their compact, mounding growth and continuous small blooms in shades of red, pink, or white. Some varieties feature bronze-flushed foliage. Tuberous Begonias, which grow from underground tubers, are recognized for their larger, more dramatic flowers and are frequently used in hanging baskets or containers where their trailing habit can be showcased.
Another distinct group includes Rex Begonias, prized for their strikingly variegated and textured foliage rather than their flowers. Their leaves display an array of colors, including silvers, pinks, purples, reds, and bronzes, making them popular as indoor houseplants. Cane Begonias, like Angel Wing varieties, exhibit an upright growth habit with distinctive patterned leaves.
Choosing a Healthy Begonia
Selecting a healthy begonia plant ensures a better start. Inspect the foliage for vibrancy, looking for rich, consistent coloring without yellowing or browning. Healthy leaves should be free from spots, mold, or unusual discoloration, which can indicate disease. Examine both the top and underside of the leaves for signs of pests, such as sticky residue, webbing, or visible insects like whiteflies or spider mites.
The plant’s stems should appear firm and free from soft spots or rotting, which suggests overwatering or fungal issues. A well-developed root system is important; if possible, gently check that roots are white or light tan and not overly tangled, avoiding severely root-bound plants. Finally, look for new growth, such as fresh leaves or emerging flower buds, as this indicates an actively growing and thriving plant.
Essential Begonia Care
Light Requirements
Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat as understory plants in tropical regions. Direct, intense sunlight, especially hot afternoon sun, can scorch their delicate leaves and fade flower colors. If growing indoors, an east or south-facing window with filtered light is ideal. Varieties with darker foliage, such as some wax begonias, may tolerate more direct sun. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and reduced flowering, while too much sun causes wilting or crispy leaves.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important for begonia health, as they prefer consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot and yellowing leaves, so ensure adequate drainage in pots. When watering, apply water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. During winter, begonias require less water, especially during dormancy.
Soil Preferences
Begonias flourish in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic pH, between 5.5 and 6.5, is beneficial for optimal nutrient uptake. A suitable potting mix for container-grown begonias includes components such as peat moss for moisture retention, perlite or vermiculite for improved drainage and aeration, and compost for added nutrients. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that can lead to waterlogging and suffocate roots.
Temperature and Humidity
As tropical plants, begonias prefer warm and humid environments. Temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C) are ideal. They are sensitive to temperatures below 55°F and should be protected from cold drafts, which can stress the plant. Maintaining moderate to high humidity, around 50-60%, is beneficial. In dry indoor environments, placing plants on a pebble tray with water or using a humidifier helps increase ambient humidity.
Fertilization
Begonias benefit from regular fertilization during their active growing season, from spring through fall. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 NPK ratio, applied every two to four weeks, is recommended. For container-grown plants, a weaker solution applied more frequently, every other week, can be effective. Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn and follow product instructions carefully. Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy or slower growth.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Begonias can encounter several issues, with yellowing leaves being a common concern. This symptom is often caused by overwatering, which leads to soggy soil and root issues. Insufficient light also contributes to yellowing as the plant struggles to photosynthesize effectively. Checking soil moisture and adjusting light exposure helps resolve this.
Browning leaf edges signal low humidity or underwatering, where the plant is not receiving enough moisture. Increasing humidity around the plant and ensuring consistent soil moisture mitigates this problem. Wilting can result from both underwatering and overwatering; assessing the soil’s dryness is key to the correct response.
Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies, which can cause leaf discoloration or damage. Isolating affected plants and treating with insecticidal soap or neem oil manages infestations. Powdery mildew, a fungal issue appearing as white spots on leaves, can occur in humid conditions with poor air circulation; improving airflow and using a fungicide if necessary are recommended.