Begonias in my greenhouse, have a look at my photos!

Although there are thousands of species and varieties of begonias, they’re usually divided into groups based on the differing root structures of the plants.  Some are classified as tuberous, and others as fibrous.  But it’s the rhizomatous begonias that make stunning houseplants all year long because of the amazing colors, shapes, sizes, and textures of their foliage.  Leaves can be a half-inch across or measure more than a full foot.  They can be rounded, star-shaped, or look like bird wings.  Their texture can be smooth and glossy, or soft and fuzzy.  And although the foliage is often green and red, it can be splashed with silver, purple, and even pink.

These begonias are called rhizomatous because of their thick, fleshy stems, called rhizomes, which either spread out over the soil, or rise up in short gnarled trunks.  And new leaves can grow from every joint of the rhizome to form a solid canopy of foliage.  During the winter months, the plants will flower, but compared to the extravagant foliage, the blooms are modest.  Rhizomatous begonias are remarkably pest resistant, and thrive in warm temperatures, in bright, indirect sunlight.  And because the rhizomes store up quite a bit of moisture, the biggest mistake people make with these plants is over-watering.

I took these shots a few days ago with my Canon EOS-1D, I had some great light to work with!

B. Masoniana – ‘Iron Cross’

B. Maculata var. – ‘Wightii’

B. ‘Pawlensis’

B. ‘Curly Fire Flush’

B. ‘China Girl’

B. ‘Escargot’

B. ‘New York Swirl’

This is a flat of leaf cuttings for rooting purposes.

HOW TO ROOT BEGONIAS – Cut off a mature leaf leaving a 2-inch stem.  Dip the stem in rooting hormone and gently tap off the excess powder.  Make a pencil hole in a sandy potting mix and place the stem in the hole.  Mist the potting mix daily so it doesn’t dry out.  After about 1 month, the stems should have formed roots.  Check by gently tugging on the leaf.  If there are roots, you will feel a bit of resistance.  You can then carefully dig the leaves and their roots out and place each new plant in individual pots filled with new potting soil.  Keep the soil moist and new leaves should eventually sprout and grow into a full-size begonia.   

Comments

[Pam]

The Polka Dot leaves look just like Fairy Wings:-) Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures.
Pam

[Donna89]

I didn't know you could root some plants by just the leaf. Nice clear pics. What beautiful colors!
I just started some beef steak tomatoes, today. I have the most colorful azalea that just flowered . It is a salmon color. Everything is budding or flowering, here in NC. Martha thanks for the info. Donna

[JBrennan]

Martha:

I really enjoyed your begonia pictures, as well as the information on how to root them from cuttings. I remember you teaching us how to do that on one of the old MSL shows.

You're correct in saying that you had good light: the pictures are fantastic!

I can't wait for this chilly weather to pass!

[Nan Ashby]

Hi Martha,How beautiful the begonias are. The colors are so pretty from the 'New York Swirl','Escargot','Curly Fire Flush', Wighti', 'Iron Cross', 'Chins Girl' and 'Pawlensis'. Their foliage is beautiful and the variety is awesome Your Canon EOS-1D really picks up the colors. Wish I had one.

[KellySchwark.com]

Once again, your post is an offering of beauty and helpful information to your readers! I just love the deep rich colors of the leaves, especially the fanciful China Girl! (Although the native New Yorker in me was begging me to love the NY Swirl as well!)From this artist, thanks, Martha, for the inspiring photos!
Kelly

[Hardboiledegg]

Indeed your blog merely is the tip of a begonia iceberg floating on the sea of the surf able internet --- those interested should GOOGLE begonia and click on the Begonia Society web site

be prepared, pack a lunch, it could take all day to read all the fantastic info available

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Thanks so much for the Medicating Pets with Dr. Marty Becker segment on your show. Last night we had a thunderstorm, so I tried wiping a dryer sheet on my almost 11 year old Miniature Pinscher who has been terrified of thunderstorms since she was about 2. It worked! Thank you so much.
Your begonia photos are beautiful. Thanks for the glimpse at these greenhouse wonders. I can't wait to grow some this summer.
Kathy

[PAULINE MUCCIACCIO]

Hi Martha,
The begonias I grew were just your solid green leaf varity.
I never saw Begonias like the ones pictured. Wow!!
Best,
Pauline

[Milena]

I love begonias!

[bpfster]

I think I might be trying to find new forms of begonias to plant. These are absolutely gorgeous.

[Margie]

I enjoy this blog so much because a person just never knowns what the subject will be. And the posters are terrific as well.

Wonderful learning experience.

[Catherine Kurczynski]

Your begonia photos are impressive! I'm especially fond of Escargot. Thanks for identifying and sharing, Martha.

With a good 4 inches of snow here in Western New York we need all the green help we can get.

I visit your blog daily for my info fix. Thanks again.

[Eileen]

It was wonderful seeing the photos of your beautiful begonias. I remember, growing up, aunts, grandmothers and my mother having these "old-fashioned" begonias, but I rarely see them for sale anymore.

Eileen

[Gina]

Wonderful photos...you have given me inspiration to garden this weekend! I have a small begonia collection including a miniature begonia basket that makes me smile whenever I see it.

If you ever come to Miami you need to visit Palm Hammock Orchid Estate. They have an incredible assortment of begonias, ferns and other rare plants. They will mail plants as well. Have a great weekend!

http://www.members.tripod.com/palmhammockorchidest/begmasterpage.html?

[Sherey]

Martha, the begonias are gorgeous and you have captured them so beautifully with your camera and the light. I particularly like New York Swirl.

Thanks again for sharing!

[Andrew Ritchie]

My grandmother always grew beautiful begonias. The foliage in these photos is just amazing!

Your show today was terrific! I learned so much and was so inspired by the "Three Chefs," who really ought to put a DVD collection together!

The show has been improving a lot lately. I've noticed a return to its root and a new commitment to teaching. The former mantra still holds true ("Learn Something New Everyday") while still being fresh and different.

-Andrew

[Liz Ness]

WOW! Beautiful! I love how textured the plants are; how varied!

[Linda Gail]

Martha:)
Thanks again for a wonderful blog. The begonia leaves are so beautiful. My mom used to grow several hanging baskets of them on her front porch. She would baby them through the hottest or coldest days and they would have the shiniest leaves and pretty blooms. Her leaves were not as fancy as the ones in your pictures but they were pretty and she had many years of joy from her plants and all the "cuttings" she gave to everyone who asked.
Thanks for the beautiful pictures and another wonderful memory.
Linda Gail

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Your photos of your beautiful begonias are absolutely stunning. I have never seen these types before. I have never grown any but may just try them after seeing yours. I used to propagate African violets through leaf cuttings and they always turned out beautifully. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Pam]

It is so wonderful to see something you haven't ever seen before! Beautiful begonias. I can't wait to root a begoina now.
Thanks so much for the information.

[Jeanie Curry]

Wow Martha your indoor plants look wonderful! I have a few that were my late husband Charlies. I now have to take over their growth and care. Speaking of care my gardens are over run with weeds. Since my husband has been so sick for the last few years, our house and yard wasn't the top priority. Now that he is gone I have to do everything by myself - if I can. So I had a great idea - or so I think! I'm going to invite my friends to my house to help me paint, and garden. I'll cook and barbeque while they help me. What do you think Martha?

[Joan Fluor Mason, OH]

Martha,

Beautiful Pictures of the begonias, your are becoming an expert with your Canon ESO-1D. As a matter of fact, I am going to look at one for myself.
And speaking of flowers, do you get into wild flowers?

There is a wild flower called "Dutchmen's Breeches", it looks just like a pair of breeches growing on the stem. I have checked some nurseries in my area and they said they know of the flower but due to construction, it may be gone.

Maybe someone on your blog might know. Thanks very much.
p.s. you may have it on your farm.
Joan Fluor, Mason, OH

[Kathy]

To Joan Fluor Mason, OH:

I believe Dutchman's Breeches is a kind of dicentra.

Kathy

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the inspiration on today's show with the three French chefs, Eric Ripert, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Daniel Boulud. Tonight I tried Jean-Georges Vongerichten's chicken, potatoes, and creamed spinach. All were delicious. I could not choose which tasted best. I liked all of these recipes.
Now I'll try the recipes of Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud.
Thanks to all of you!
Kathy

[John]

Nice showing Martha! I've had mixed luck with this type of begonia. I did learn from your magazine that watering is key. I think that the lack of moisture in my plant room could be the root of the problem. I keep trying though!