Cultivation
of Begonias
Growing
conditions are varied depending on original
habitat of species; the best way to learn how
to grow them is by studying their natural habitats.
Begonias
occur in the tropical region, and they require
warm temperatures to grow well but there are
also cool growing species from highland montane
forests.
Most
are forest understory plants and they cannot
tolerate full sunlight. They can be grown in
bright places or under filtered light. The color
of the leaves sometimes provide some hints to
their preferred light conditions. Species with
bright green leaves and stems usually indicate
they are light tolerant whereas species with
darker green leaves or decorated with dark pigments
will prefer to be shaded.
Generally
begonias grow on slopes of limestone and on
leaf litter. They require a humid environment
to grow well and with a well-drained growing
medium that is not too wet and not too dry.
They also require a air movement to keep their
leaves healthy.
Many
begonias will grow and flower year-round but
tuberous begonias usually have a dormant period,
during which the tubers can be stored in a cool
and dry place.
