During the winter months , potted begonia require special care to ensure their survival and health . Here are some elaborated steps to trace for overwintering potted begonias :
1 . value the Type of Begonia : The first step is to fix the case of begonia you have . There are unlike varieties , including tuberous begonias , sinewy begonias , and rhizomatous begonias . Each type may have somewhat different overwintering requirements .
2 . Prepare the Begonia for Winter : Before bringing the begonia indoors , it is authoritative to prepare it for the transition . Start by removing any dead or perish leave-taking or efflorescence . This not only improves the works ’s show but also slenderize the hazard of pest or diseases being brought indoors .
3 . Choose an Indoor Location : take a worthy indoor location for your potted begonia . It should be a cool , well - ventilated area with shining , collateral sparkle . Avoid place the begonia near drafts , heating vents , or other author of direct heat .
4 . Adjust Watering : During winter , begonias enter a period of dormancy and require less water . abridge watering frequency and only water when the top inch of grunge feels dry . Overwatering can result to origin bunk , so it is essential to strike a balance and provide tolerable wet without saturating the soil .
5 . Maintain Humidity : Begonias expand in gamey humidness , so it is beneficial to increase the humidity levels around your potted begonia . you could achieve this by placing a tray filled with pee and pebble beneath the pot . As the water evaporates , it increases the humidness around the plant life .
6 . Monitor Temperature : begonia favor cooler temperatures during quiescence . take to keep the indoor temperature between 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° C ) . forefend exposing the plant to utmost cold or hot temperatures , as it can get stress and damage to the begonia .
7 . Prune and Fertilize : In late wintertime or former spring , when the begonia start show signs of new emergence , you may prune back any leggy or overgrown stems . This encourage bushier increment and meliorate the overall appearance of the plant . Additionally , you may lightly fertilise the begonia with a balanced , water - soluble fertiliser to provide essential nutrients for sizable growth .
8 . Pest and Disease Control : While indoors , keep a close optic on your begonia for any sign of pests or disease . uncouth pests that may dissemble begonia let in aphid , mealybugs , and wanderer mites . If you comment any infestation , promptly treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or neem crude solvent .
9 . Gradual Transition open air : Once the menace of frost has pass and the weather starts to warm up up , you’re able to bit by bit transition your potted begonia back outside . commence by placing it in a shaded arena for a few hours each day , gradually increase the exposure to direct sunlight over a week or two . This help the plant acclimate to the outside conditions without experiencing shock .
By follow these elaborated steps , you may successfully overwinter your potted begonia and assure they flourish when spring arrive . Remember to tailor-make the forethought to the specific case of begonia you have and adjust consequently ground on the flora ’s indigence .
Caroline Bates
