Begonia
Begoniaceae
There are a wide variety of begonias. They may be short and stout, drooping, or upright. They have largeflowers that range in color and size. Some are grown just for foilage and others for their flowers. They come from the tropics and subtropics.
Moisture - Keep the soil evenly moist for all begonias... average humidity is fine as long as they have good air circulation. Do not overwater it could lead to crown rot
Light - most like medium light... but some need higher light to bloom... foilage plants will do well in lower light
Temperature - average temps are best.... watch for drafts
Fertilize - use a dilute solution with every watering during active growth... do not fertilize in the winter... use a 10-20-10 if you want flowers and a 10-10-10 for foilage
Pests - Mealybugs, watch for leaf spots and prune problem leaves
Repotting - annually using average well draining potting mix
Propagation - depends on the type of begonia.... Fibrous-rooted and rhizome producing begonias can be easily propagated by division. Tuberous begonias may be propagated by tip or stem cuttings or by division of the tuber. The large leaved begonias propagate well by leaf cuttings or division.... beacause many types tend to look ragged after a few years... propagate often
Tips - they are prone to leaf spots... so avoid getting water on the leaves and provide good air circulation... they do not tolerate drying out or cold drafts... most should be pruned after flowering.... keep them attractive with regular pinching and pruning