How to Grow and Care for Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonia is a plant in the Begoniaceae family. Its flowers are large and beautiful, combining the grace, color and fragrance of famous flowers such as camellias, peonies and Chinese roses, making it the crown of the begonias. Below we introducethe growing methods for tuberous begonias.

1. Soil

Tuberous begonias require loose, fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. A mix of leaf mold, peat, river sand or rice hull ash can be blended and sifted, and some base fertilizer can be added to increase fertility.

2. Temperature

Tuberous begonias like a warm environment, with an optimum growing temperature of 16°C-21°C. They are not tolerant of high temperatures; when the temperature exceeds 32°C, the stems and leaves tend to wither and the flower buds drop; when the temperature is above 35°C, the underground tubers easily rot and die; in winter the temperature must not fall below 10°C, to avoid damage.

3. Light

Tuberous begonias like a semi-shaded environment, but need sufficient light for the plants to grow well, though the light must not be too strong. During the summer flowering period, if light is insufficient, the number of leaves and flowers will decrease, the plants will grow short, and the leaves will thicken, curl and turn purple. In winter, if light is insufficient, the leaves will grow thin and weak, and growth may even stop completely.

4. Watering

Tuberous begonias like a relatively moist environment, but the soil must not become waterlogged, to avoid root rot. During the budding and flowering periods, watering should be reduced; in summer, spraying water is needed to increase air humidity; in autumn and winter, the plants gradually enter dormancy and watering should be reduced.

5. Fertilizing

Fertilizing tuberous begonias requires light, frequent applications. During the growing period, some diluted, well-rotted fertilizer water can be applied every 10 days; during the flowering period, some fertilizer that promotes blooming should be applied; in summer and winter, no fertilizer is needed.

6. Pests and Diseases

When tuberous begonias encounter conditions of high temperature, high humidity and poor ventilation, stem rot and root rot often occur; room temperature and watering amount should be controlled, and a 1000-fold dilution of carbendazim wettable powder should be used as a drench regularly. Under conditions of high room temperature, they are easily attacked by pests such as aphids, tortricid larvae and thrips, which can be controlled with the appropriate pesticides.