COMMON NAME:
► Rhizomatous begonias
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
► Begonias Rhizomatous
GROWERS HINTS:
► One of the prettiest and easiest of the foliage begonias to grow. They are called Rhizomatous begonias because they grow from a modified stem called a rhizome Rhizomes creep along the ground and are funny looking brown hairy things. To grow rhizomatous begonias well, use a shallow pot, and a standard loose, fast-draining planting mix. Don’t overwater or overpot.
GROWTH HABITS:
► They range in size from tiny miniatures to plants that can grow very large across but don’t reach great height. Don’t overpot. Move a plant up to a pot only one to two sizes larger at a time and only when the roots have filled the present pot. Pruning usually consists of replanting an old plant that is crowding itself. Rhizomes often will grow over the pot edge. This forms a nicely rounded plant and unless you find it unattractive, need not prompt pruning. Some rhizomes grow upward and may require pruning to keep the plant in bounds. In any case pruning yields rhizome cuttings which can be rooted in soil to create new plants.
SHADE/SUN:
► Bright shade
FEEDING AND WATERING:
► Water during spring through fall, the time of active growth. Water only when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. In winter when some varieties become dormant (growth stops or slows), water very sparingly until growth resumes. Fertilize with any good liquid fertilizer like Weidners Good Stuff. Feed every two weeks in spring and summer. Be sure to leach your plants (run clear water through the pot 3 – 4 times) once every two months. No fertilizer in winter when your plant is resting.
FLOWER/FOLIAGE COLOR(S):
► The Rhizomatous types are known for their interesting leaves and compact growth, but they have the added bonus of a massive display of flowers that can cover the whole plant in springtime.
SEASON(S) CARRIED AT WEIDNERS:
► Intermittently during the spring/summer season.
CONTAINER OR GROUND:
► Container
PARTICULAR PESTS:
►
