Botanical Name: Begonia Elatior Hybrids

Other names: room begonia, begonia, elatior begonia, flowering begonia, slate leaf

Use: flowering houseplant, balcony plant (from May to September), bedding plant and also suitable for bowls

Origin: tropical and subtropical regions in Central America

Flower colors: red, yellow, pink, orange, white, bicolor

Flowering time: all year round, but the plant blooms more profusely from March to September.

Special features: classic from the indoor plant sector with an overly long flowering period. Also as a flowering plant outdoors from May to September, where it should be protected from the rain.

Indoor begonias are grateful and robust permanent bloomers. Flowering begonias have been known and rightly popular as indoor plants for over 100 years. The latest breeds are constantly expanding the range, so there are interesting combinations of delicate flower colors and dark foliage, single-flowering varieties, alongside double-flowering and varieties with fringed flowers or jagged foliage. The use is just as versatile as the variety selection. In addition to the classic plant for the windowsill, begonias can be used for planting in bowls or as a splash of color in the summer garden design.

In which location does begonia feel most comfortable?

Place your begonia in a light spot, but not in direct sunlight. If there is too much sun, brown spots will appear on the petals and foliage. Temperatures between 15 and 20 °C are ideal, at higher temperatures the water requirement is greater and the houseplant withers faster. From May to September, begonias are also decorative plants for balconies and gardens. In partially shaded locations, they bring color and loosen up plantings. An even water supply and weekly fertilization are important here. Most varieties of the genus Begonia are suitable for outdoor use.

How do I water my begonia correctly?

Water your indoor begonias regularly, the interval between watering depends on the air temperature and the volume of the soil. The soil of the plant should always be slightly damp, but not waterlogged. Drain off excess water after 15 to 20 minutes to make sure your begonia is comfortable.

Fertilizing your begonia weekly during the flowering period will prolong flowering.

Our gardening tip: break off the faded flower stalks regularly so that new flowers form and you can enjoy the lush flowers for a long time.

What types of begonia are there?

Kölle’s Best Begonia Selection

Our begonia selection consists of 5 varieties, which are characterized by their special flower shapes, bright colors with double and single flowers and the best gardener quality. Special scented begonias enchant with their sweet scent of lemon aromas and have impressively large flowers.

leafy begonias

An attractive houseplant species is the group of leafy begonias. Mainly because of their strikingly colored and beautifully shaped leaves, leaf begonias are valued as long-lasting houseplants. You can buy plants online from us.

General information about leaf begonias

As undemanding plants for the room, leaf begonias are also ideal for beginners and people with little time. Some species surprise with small, colorful flowers. But essentially, leaf begonias are so popular because of their external shape. Be inspired by the variety of species and become a collector. Leaf begonias come into their own especially as a group with different leaf types and become the center of attention on the windowsill. The plants, also known as Rex or royal begonia, are becoming more and more popular.

Care of leaf begonias

Water your leaf begonias regularly. How often you water depends heavily on the room temperature and the volume of the soil. Remove excess irrigation water from the saucer or planter, because waterlogging is not tolerated.

Our gardening tip: Also suitable for partially shaded locations ; Avoid direct midday sun to avoid sunburn on leaves. The root area should dry well between waterings so that plants do not stand too wet for too long and become susceptible to fungal diseases. After a heavy rain, it is advisable to carefully shake out the water from the flowers of double-flowered varieties.

What pests and diseases can the leaf begonia get?

With the right site conditions, indoor begonias are decorative indoor plants. Here are some possible problems:

powdery mildew

A white, mealy coating has formed on the upper side of the leaf. At the beginning of the infestation, the surface can still be easily wiped off. Remove the affected leaves in good time and ensure an even water supply. It’s not worth fighting.

aphids

Especially in winter, when there is less light and dry air, begonias are attacked by aphids. Remove the affected shoots and strengthen the potted plants with plant strengthener.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the begonia

Can indoor begonias be propagated by cuttings?

Begonias are easy to propagate from cuttings. Use sharp scissors to cut the cuttings only from healthy plants, which should not yet have flowers. The young plants develop optimally in seed trays or in a seed set with a transparent cover. After 3 to 4 weeks the first roots have formed and the young plants can be repotted in pots with potting soil. Depending on the variety, specific amounts of light are required for flowering. It is therefore not easy to cultivate flowering indoor begonias as a hobby.