Hello, fellow sun-catcher! You've chosen us, begonias, for your hanging baskets? A splendid choice! We promise a cascade of vibrant colors and lush foliage if you listen to our needs. From our leafy perspective, here is what we require to thrive for you.
Not all of us are suited for the aerial life. For hanging baskets, you must select trailing or cascading varieties. My cousins from the Begonia boliviensis lineage, like the ‘Santa Cruz’ or ‘Bonfire’, are exceptional, with their elegant, downward-pointing flowers. The hardy Dragon Wing types have strong, arching canes that spill over edges beautifully. And let's not forget the prolific tuberous types, specifically the pendulous varieties, bred to create a magnificent floral curtain. Please, avoid the upright, cane-type varieties; they prefer to stand tall and will look awkward in your basket.
Our roots despise waterlogged conditions. They need to breathe! Plant us in a high-quality, lightweight, and well-draining potting mix. A blend containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal. It holds just enough moisture but allows excess water to drain away freely. Ensure our new home, the basket itself, has adequate drainage holes. When potting, be gentle. Place us at the same soil level we were in our nursery pots; burying our crowns is an invitation for rot to set in.
We enjoy bright, filtered light. Think of the dappled sunlight that reaches the forest floor, our natural habitat. Morning sun is wonderful, but harsh afternoon rays will scorch our delicate leaves and fade our beautiful flowers. A spot with bright, indirect light for most of the day is perfect. As for temperature, we are not fans of extremes. We thrive in consistent, moderate temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C). Protect us from strong, drying winds and sudden frosts, which we find utterly dreadful.
Our thirst is consistent but moderate. Water us thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch. Soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes, then allow us to drain completely. Never let our roots sit in a saucer of water. In the heat of summer, we may need a drink daily. To support our constant show of flowers, we are hungry plants. Feed us every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. This gives us the energy to keep blooming profusely for you.
To keep us looking lush and full, a little grooming is appreciated. Regularly pinch off the tips of our stems; this encourages us to branch out instead of growing long and leggy. Please deadhead our spent flowers by snipping them off at the base of the flower stem. This tells us to put our energy into producing new blooms rather than setting seed. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves and remove them to maintain good air circulation and prevent disease.
