Yes, there are blue begonias. Begonias come in a wide range of colors and blue is one of them. Blue begonias have a unique look and will add an interesting accent to any garden. They are a stunning complement to green foliage, and look stunning when mixed with other colors.
Blue begonias also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from dwarf varieties to large shrub varieties. They look great when planted in containers, mixed borders, and beds, and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Why do begonias shine blue?
Begonias don’t actually shine blue, though they may appear to do so under certain lighting conditions. One explanation is that certain species of begonias with dramatic markings may create an optical illusion that makes them appear to be glowing blue.
When light hits the leaves, it hits the “bumps” or outcroppings at different angles, causing red, green, and blue to be reflected. When all three colors are combined, the eye may interpret this as a blue color, creating a natural, blue glow.
Additionally, some begonias plants have specialized cells that can refract light. This creates a blue hue when viewed from the side of the leaf, more so than from any other angle. All of these things, combined with the particular light source used to view begonias, can cause them to appear to shine blue.
What colors do begonias come in?
Begonias come in a wide variety of colors, making them a vibrant choice as a flower. The most common colors of begonias are shades of pink and red, with salmon and orange being popular as well. However, begonias come in a range of colors, so it is possible to find them in shades of purples, blues, and yellows.
Some varieties of begonias have flower petals with multiple colors, from white to dark purple, red, pink, and orange. Begonias also come in other colors, such as green, brown, bronze and black. Leaf colors vary as well, with some of the most popular being green, bronze, purple, and copper.
In some species, the centers of the begonia flower petals become a different color than the outer edge.
What is the rarest begonia?
The rarest begonia is Begonia dregei, which is found in the wild only in two populations in South Africa. It is part of the Begonia rizomatosa group, which is made up of around 40 species. This species of begonia was originally described in 1827, but then went missing until 2011 when it was rediscovered.
A unique feature of Begonia dregei is its smaller than usual size and solitary habit. The upper surfaces of the leaves are dark green and glossy, often with a mottled pattern, while the undersides are pale green.
The white flowers are quite distinctive, bearing a folded flower tube, each ending in three red lobes. Because of its rarity, this begonia is now classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.
As part of its conservation efforts, a team of horticulturists, botanists and conservationists are working to cultivate the species in it native habitat and to promote the sustainable cultivation of Begonia dregei.
What does a begonia symbolize?
The begonia flower is often considered to be a symbol of wealth, luxury, and abundance. This could be because of its delicate petals, which are often associated with beauty and grandeur. The flower is said to bring good luck and prosperity, making it a popular choice for those wanting to welcome some abundance into their home or garden.
The begonia flower is also often seen as a symbol of comfort, protection, and courage. It is believed by some to offer protection against negative energies and fear, while it can also represent a willingness to start fresh and explore new adventures.
It is also seen as a sign of deep devotion, kindness and sensuality.
How many colors of begonias are there?
There are over 1,000 species of begonia and more than 10,000 varieties and cultivars of begonia plants, and as a result there are a variety of colors available to choose from. These colors range from bright pinks to deep reds, from oranges to yellows, from vibrant greens to whites and purples.
Begonia is a great plant for both indoors and outdoors, so you can find some really unique colors that will really liven up a space. While the exact number of colors available may vary, you can find a wide range of colors that will surely fit any decor and garden space.
Do begonias like sun or shade?
Begonias generally prefer bright indirect sunlight or shade. They can tolerate some direct morning or late afternoon sunlight, but can’t usually handle the full sun during the hottest part of the day.
Therefore, it’s best to select a location that offers bright indirect sunlight or bright dappled shade. Too much intense sunlight can result in scorched leaves and stems. In the garden, this could be under a tree or beneath tall shrubbery.
Indoors, a sheer curtain or window screen can help diffuse the sunlight. Avoid too much direct sunlight right around midday. Additionally, begonias appreciate being sheltered from wind, which can cause wilting.
Will begonias come back year after year?
Yes, begonias are a hardy and resilient flower and can come back year after year. This is particularly true of the tuberous begonia, which is winter-hardy and withstands cold temperatures. By cutting back the dying stems and leaves in the fall, the tuberous begonia plant can survive the winter and sprout new growth in the spring.
Other begonia varieties may not be as winter-hardy, but if planted in a sheltered spot where they are protected from extreme cold and wind, they will likely also return year after year. In general, begonias do an excellent job of re-flowering, provided they receive ample humidity, well-drained soil, and plenty of indirect sunlight.
How do you grow rare begonias?
Growing rare begonias can be an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. Although the process can be quite more involved than growing other houseplants, with proper care and maintenance, many of these plants can thrive in homes and greenhouses.
To successfully grow rare begonias, begin by providing them with the right type of soil. A soil that is well-draining, yet holds moisture is best, so mix in some perlite, vermiculite or sphagnum moss to ensure good drainage.
Be sure to test the soil to determine its pH. While many varieties of begonias can tolerate a broader pH range, some species prefer acidic or alkaline soils. Alternatively, you can find pre-mixed potting mixes specifically designed for begonias.
Next, choose a container suitable for the begonia. When selecting a pot, keep in mind that begonias grown in small pots tend to flower more often than those grown in large pots. Be sure to pick a container with drain holes in the bottom for good drainage.
When it comes to sunlight, most indoor varieties of rare begonias thrive in indirect light. Find a location where the plant will get plenty of bright, indirect light without any direct exposure to the sun.
The optimal temperature for indoor begonias hovers between 60 and 70°F (16-21°C), so try to find a warm, sunny spot that won’t get too hot during the day.
For optimal growth, be sure to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering. Too much water can lead to root rot and other diseases, so be sure to check the top 1” of soil before each watering.
You can also mist the leaves of the begonia from time to time to add extra humidity in the air.
Finally, fertilize rare begonias with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks, following the instructions provided on the label. With proper care and a little bit of TLC, you can have a beautiful and healthy rare begonia plant for years to come.
Is Begonia Maculata a rare plant?
Begonia Maculata is not a particularly rare plant, though they are not as common as some other varieties of Begonia. They’re known for their attractive dark green, almost black foliage decorated with silver polka dots throughout, and are native to tropical regions of Central and South America.
Although they aren’t particularly rare, a very specific subspecies known as Begonia Maculata ‘dregei’ is a bit rarer. This particular subspecies is native to Southern Africa, and is known for its bright green or purple foliage and white flowers.
You can find some specimens of Begonia Maculata for sale in many garden centers or greenhouses, though the rarity of the ‘dregei’ subspecies may make them a bit more difficult to find.
Are polka dot begonias rare?
Polka dot begonias are not particularly rare. They are a type of tuberous begonia, commonly called ‘Angel Wing’ begonias due to their unique, angel-like shape. While they are not overly common in most nurseries, they are readily available in most garden centers and online.
They come in a variety of vibrant colors, including red, pink, and white, and their polka dot patterns add a bit of pizzazz to any garden. While they are not considered rare, they can be difficult to find in certain areas or in certain times of the year.
However, with a bit of persistence you should be able to find polka dot begonias for your garden.
How long does it take for begonias to root in water?
It typically takes begonias anywhere from one week to four weeks to root in water. Some begonias will root more quickly, while others may take longer. The method of propagation, the type of begonia, and the size of the cutting all play a role in the amount of time it takes for a begonia to root in water.
For quicker results, use small cuttings that come from young and healthy plants and place the cuttings in a jar or container with fresh water. Make sure the container is kept at room temperature and the water is changed regularly, every other day or so.
Roots should begin to form within a week or so. Don’t allow the water level to get too low as it can cause the roots to dry out. Once roots are established, you can begin to transplant the cuttings into soil.
Can you start a begonia from a cutting?
Yes, you can start a begonia from a cutting. While different types of begonia have different growth habits, the most common way of propagating begonias is by taking cuttings. Cut a 3-inch piece of stem with leaves just below a leaf joint.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a small container filled with moist potting soil. Place the container in bright yet indirect sunlight or under a grow light and keep the soil lightly moist.
Roots should form in about two to four weeks. Once the new plant shows signs of active growth, you can transfer it to a larger pot filled with regular potting soil. Alternatively, you can also root a cutting in water.
However, rooting cuttings in soil is preferable for better survival.
Can begonia grow in water?
Yes, begonias can grow in water. Begonias need a lot of light and moist soil, and they can do just fine in water as well. When growing begonias in water, choose a pot that’s specifically made for water-growing plants, such as a hydroponic tray or water pot.
Also, it’s important to use the right kind of water for your begonias. Tap water with added nutrients and minerals is best for golden begonias, whereas rainwater without any added ingredients is best for silver and green varieties.
You should also make sure to keep your water clean; this is key for keeping your begonias healthy and thriving. When the top inch of soil feels dry, it’s typically time to add more water to your begonia’s pot.
Change your water every week or two, and use a weak solution of fertilizer to provide the begonia with the nutrients it needs to keep growing.
How long do it take to propagate begonias?
On average, it takes begonias from 10-16 weeks from seed to flower. Since the growth rate depends on a number of factors such as temperature, light, and moisture, the exact timing may vary. Additionally, some new hybrid varieties may require more time.
To ensure the best results, it is important to start begonia seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost of the season. After germination, it is important to provide 8-10 hours of light every day in order to encourage proper growth.
With proper tending and fertilizing, begonias usually flower within 10-16 weeks of seed sowing.
Can you propagate begonia from leaf?
Yes, it is possible to propagate begonia from leaf. The process is known as leaf cuttings. When a begonia leaf is removed from the stem, there are stem cells in the leaf that can be used to start a new plant.
Start the process by snipping a healthy leaf off the begonia plant with pruning shears. To promote good root growth from the leaf, dip the bottom of the leaf in a rooting hormone and place the base in moist potting soil.
Keep the soil moist and a new begonia should start to sprout within weeks. Keep the newly planted begonia out of direct sunlight until it’s established to prevent any damage to the delicate leaves.
When should I take cuttings?
Taking cuttings is a great way to propagate plants and it can be done at various times of the year, depending on the type of plant that you are propagating. Generally speaking, the best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and has plenty of new, young growth.
This will give the cutting the greatest chance of success. When selecting cuttings, always choose healthy, disease-free plants with no apparent damage or signs of disease. Although some plants can be taken at other times of the year, such as in the fall, it is best to avoid taking cuttings during this time as the plant may not have enough energy reserves to take root.
When taking the cutting, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors that has been sterilized and take a small amount of the stem, leaves, and roots away from the plant. Be sure to cut off any leaves or flower buds that may have already formed.
Place the cutting in a sterilized potting mix and provide a consistent moisture level and warm temperatures until the cutting has taken root and is actively growing.
Can you put cuttings straight into soil?
Yes, you can put cuttings directly into soil, but it is not always the best method for propagating plants. Depending on the type of cutting, you may want to try a different method to ensure successful rooting.
For instance, softwood cuttings are often placed in a rooting medium like moist sand until they form roots, whereas hardwood cuttings can go directly into the soil. If you choose to direct sow the cuttings, you should prepare the soil before hand to create the optimal growing environment.
This means fortifying the soil with nutrient-rich compost or fertilizers. You should also make sure the soil is well-draining, as roots can quickly rot in soggy soil. Additionally, you can reduce the chances of disease by sterilizing the soil before introducing your cuttings.
After planting, water the cuttings thoroughly and make sure to keep the soil moist until the cuttings form stable, healthy roots.
Why are my cuttings not rooting?
Some of the most common issues include inadequate moisture or incorrect moisture levels, low temperatures, or a lack of air circulation. It is also possible that the cutting may have been taken from a plant that was not mature enough or that the rooting hormone was not applied correctly.
Other factors such as too much fertilizer, planting the cutting too deeply, or too much sun exposure may also be affecting rooting. To avoid any of these issues, make sure you use sharp scissors to take the cutting from the parent plant, and prepare the cutting for planting immediately.
Plant the cutting in the soil in a warm, well-drained spot with indirect sunlight, and water it regularly. To help encourage rooting, use rooting hormones and/or a rooting medium like vermiculite or perlite, and when temperatures are warm enough, consider using a bottom heat source, misting the cutting, and providing adequate air circulation.