From our perspective as begonias, we are thrilled by the prospect of living in a hanging basket. It allows our beautiful foliage and blooms to cascade and be admired from all angles, fulfilling our deepest botanical purpose. To help you create the stunning display you envision, we will guide you through the process from our point of view.
Not all of us are suited for the aerial life of a hanging basket. For the most dramatic, cascading effect, you should look for our trailing or cane-type cousins. We, the fibrous-rooted begonias like the 'Dragon Wing' or 'Illumination' series, are exceptionally vigorous and will spill over the edges with an abundance of blooms. Our tuberous begonia relatives, especially the pendulous types, produce magnificent, rose-like flowers that drip elegantly from the basket. Avoid the upright, shrub-like begonias, as they prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground and won't provide the flowing form you desire.
Our root systems are delicate and despise sitting in water. A soggy, dense medium is a death sentence for us. Please provide a light, airy, and well-draining potting mix. We thrive in a blend that includes peat moss, perlite, and a small amount of compost. This mixture holds just enough moisture to keep us hydrated but allows excess water to drain away freely, giving our roots the oxygen they crave. A happy root system is the foundation of our stunning display.
Hanging baskets dry out much faster than pots on the ground due to increased air circulation. You must check our soil moisture frequently. The ideal method is to stick your finger into the soil; if the top inch feels dry, it's time for a deep, thorough drink. Please water us until it runs freely from the drainage holes. We are also heavy feeders to support our constant flowering. Feed us with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two weeks. This provides the essential nutrients we need to produce our vibrant leaves and prolific blooms for you.
Our light requirements vary by type, but most of us who excel in baskets prefer bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh afternoon sun can scorch our delicate leaves and fade our flowers. A spot with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade is perfect. It gives us the energy to bloom without the stress of sunburn. We are also tender plants and shudder at the thought of cold weather. Please only hang our basket outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. We enjoy temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C).
To keep us looking full and floriferous, a little grooming is necessary. Don't be afraid to pinch or snip off the tips of our stems, especially when we are young. This encourages us to branch out from the base, creating a bushier, more robust plant. As our flowers fade, please deadhead them by gently twisting them off. This tells us to redirect our energy from producing seeds to creating new buds, ensuring a continuous, stunning cascade of color throughout the season.
