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Begonia Species
Begonia acida
Begonia albopicta
Begonia exotica
Begonia pustulata
Begonia semperflorens
Begonia tuberhybrida
The Begonia is a lovely, easy to grow flowering plant. It got its name Begonia in 1690 from Charles Plumier, a French botanist monk, who named the genus after his patron, Michel Bégon. With over 1000 species, Begonia is one of the largest flowering plant genera. Begonias come from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. They can be found from the humid Amazonia to the forests in the Andes and the Himalayas.
As mentioned, the genus Begonia includes many species. They vary in height, habit, colour of flowers and foliage, size, and shape of leaves. Nevertheless, begonias can be recognised for having asymmetrical leaves. Begonia flowers are unisexual. Both male and female flowers may occur on the same plant.
Botanically, begonias can be divided into three groups: those with fibrous roots, tuberous roots, and those with rhizomes. They can also be divided into those grown for their ornamental leaves, and those grown for their flowers.
Begonias need plenty of light, but not full sun. If insufficient light, their stems become limp and they become susceptible to mildew. Foliage begonias need half shady spot while begonias grown for their flowers need more light. Begonia semperflorens tolerate sun and needs the light to flower well.
Care
During winter, begonias need a moderately heated room. Excess heat in winter may cause leaves to curl.
Watering
Water regularly during growing season. Don't allow the soil ball to dry out. On the other hand, do not keep them too damp, as the roots will rot. Never spray water directly on the foliage or flowers, this encourages mildew.
Repotting
Give them light and nutritious mixture rich in humus. Use wide rather than deep pots, and ensure good drainage.
Propagation
Begonias grow adventitious beds on parts that have been cut, including the leaves, shoots and tubers. These will result in new plants, and is preferred, as begonias don't grow true to type from seed.
Pests and diseases
Begonias are prone to attack by eelworms, aphids, begonia mites, grey mould, weevils, mildew, thrips, root rot and virus. Plants affected by disease should be destroyed immediately to prevent spreading.
