How do you prune begonia young plants?
Begonias are easy to grow as long as you give them the proper care. They thrive in a variety of growing conditions, including containers, hanging baskets and borders.
They’re also easily propagated by stem cuttings, leaf cuttings and division. To root a stem cutting, cut off two to four inches of healthy foliage from a stem.
Pruning
If you have begonia young plants that are leggy, there is a simple solution to get them back in shape. It is called pruning, and it is one of the best things you can do for your plants.
Begonias tend to become leggy when they start growing too many stems and not enough leaves. Pruning allows them to produce more branches and leaves.
It also encourages the production of new buds that will bear fruit and flowers. This is especially useful if you want to produce large-scale flowers for your garden.
To prune begonia young plants, you can use sterilized hand pruners or shears. Be sure to clean them after each use. Wipe them with a rag that is soaked in isopropyl or rubbing alcohol.
Another method for pruning young begonias is pinching the tips off the stems when they reach 3 to 6 inches long. Repeat this process two or three times at four-week intervals to maximize the growth of your begonia.
When you are pinching off the tips, make sure to hold the stem between your thumb and forefinger above the leaf node. Do not pinch too deeply, as this could harm your begonia and its blooms.
Begonias are also prone to rot if they are exposed to water that is too hot, so you should always water them carefully to avoid burning the roots. Once you have watered the plant, wait a couple of hours to allow it to dry out thoroughly before watering again.
Polka Dot begonias are very sensitive to getting too much water, so it is best to stick your finger a few inches into the soil to feel for moisture and then water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are moist. You can also use a moisture meter to check the soil moisture.
Most types of begonias can be propagated using cuttings. Stem or tip cuttings are the most common, but some types can be started from rhizome cuttings, which are a little harder to root. Some begonias can even be started from leaf cuttings, but some varieties won’t do so unless they are rooted in special conditions.
Watering
If you have begonia young plants, it’s important to keep them well-watered but not overly wet. Overwatering can lead to rot and other fungal problems, including powdery mildew, Botrytis blight (gray mold) and root and stem rot.
Begonias are tropical perennials that do best in a moist but not too wet environment, so water them when the soil feels dry. Allow the top inch or so of the potting mix to dry out before giving your plant a drink, says Amanda Spangler, a University of Tennessee horticulturist and lecturer.
Most begonias need annual pruning to control their growth, shape and keep their foliage thick. Depending on the variety, this may include general trimming or bud pruning to produce full flowers and long, trailing stems.
Some types, such as angel wing begonias (Begonia “Angel Wing”), need to be pruned more often than other begonia varieties for maximum bloom size and color. Other begonias, like tuberous begonias, can be more difficult to prune because they require bud pinching to encourage larger flowers and longer stems.
When you’re ready to repot begonias, use a pot that’s no more than an inch or so bigger than their current container. Putting them into a pot too big, or repotting before they’re mature enough to need an upgrade, may cause root rot and other fungal problems, warns Spangler.
To propagate a begonia from stem cuttings, trim the stems to four inches and insert them in a moist growing medium. This method is particularly effective for wax begonias and other fibrous-rooted varieties, since they can easily root in a wet environment, Spangler notes.
Once the cuttings are rooted, it’s time to plant them. Tubers should be started indoors by placing them in a shallow tray with a moist potting mix and left to grow for a few weeks, then planted into an area with bright light when they sprout.
In colder climates, you can winter tuberous begonias inside by storing them in a cool, dark place and then moving them to an outdoor area when the danger of frost has passed. Then, in the spring, repot them into their new home.
Fertilizing
Begonias grow best in light soil that’s rich in nutrients. To boost their nutrient supply, add compost or a granular fertilizer to the soil before planting. Then, apply a water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the garden plant’s active growing season and bi-weekly during flowering.
A slow-release 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer is the perfect choice, as it provides plenty of nutrients without being too harsh on the plants’ leaves and flowers. Follow the label instructions for how much fertilizer to use each time.
Keep weeds under control by either cultivating the soil or using a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Mulches also help to retain soil moisture and maintain an even temperature. They’re especially useful for annuals and perennials.
Fertilize young plants monthly after seeing their first flower buds to promote lush growth and blooms. A weak solution of a low-nitrogen/high-phosphorus fertilizer works well for many begonia varieties, but you can choose one that’s especially suited to the type of plant you have.
Tuberous begonias have both male and female flowers, so it’s important to pinch out the single female blooms as they form in order to give your plants the energy they need for petal-filled double flowers. A good rule of thumb is to pinch out both female and male buds when the begonias are a few inches tall, and continue this trim until the plants are about 2 in.
You can also cut back older begonia stems to encourage more bushy growth and fewer blooms, but don’t prune the plants too much because the foliage may become spindly. Be sure to deadhead your begonias regularly, as old or rotting blooms can wilt and damage the next batch of leaves.
Lastly, you should consider adding an artificial lighting system to your garden to ensure that your begonias receive the proper amount of light for their needs. Most begonias prefer morning or late-afternoon sun, but they will also thrive in a shady spot.
While begonias aren’t particularly fussy about their soil, a potting mix with fast drainage and moisture retention is ideal. An African violet potting mix is a popular choice because it’s lightweight, easy to work with and offers a range of beneficial nutrients that begonias love.
Pests
Begonias are easy to grow and can bloom all year round, but they require pruning in order to control their spread and keep their foliage thick. Pruning can help a begonia become more attractive, and it also helps them thrive in the garden or indoors.
The first step to pruning is to remove any leggy growth from the plant. This can be done by cutting above a node (where leaves and roots grow out of the stem) using sharp, clean scissors. Cut the leggy stems to about 2/3 of the total length, then move the plant to where it will receive more light.
Another important step to pruning is to remove dead flowers and leaves from the plant. These dead parts can be a source of pests like fungus gnats and mealybugs, so it is a good idea to prune them away when the plants are dormant.
Once the plant has been completely pruned, it will be much easier to take care of. You should also consider repotting the begonia in a smaller pot to allow for root-binding, which is an essential part of begonia planting.
When repotting, use a small pot that is only about an inch (2.5cm) wide across the top. This will give the plant enough room to stay compact and lush.
Taking stem or tip cuttings from a begonia can be an easy way to start new plants. These can be started directly in potting soil for some types, while others may need more specialized conditions.
You can also try rhizome and whole leaf cuttings that are not enclosed in a container, or even pots filled with perlite set in a shallow tray of water. This method of propagation is especially useful for sturdier varieties.
Propagating begonias can be a fun way to grow them and add a colorful touch to your yard or garden. It’s a good idea to try several different ways of propagating a begonia in order to find out which one works best for your plant. Aside from a few specific types of begonias, most can be started by either stem cuttings or portions of leaves.