Nonstop Begonia Begonia Nonstop Series (T/d)

Water

Water the tuberous begonia, which is what the Begonia Nonstop Series is commonly known as, thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the active growing season, this may translate to watering approximately once a week, but always check the moisture level first as frequency can vary depending on temperature and humidity. Provide enough water to moisten the soil all the way through to the drainage hole—this might be around half a gallon for a standard pot size. Be careful to not let the plant sit in water as this can lead to root rot, and reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.

Light

The tuberous begonia thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be placed in an area that receives plenty of diffused light but protected from the harsh midday sun which can scorch its leaves. An east or west-facing window is ideal, offering the plant gentle morning or evening sunlight which is perfect for its growth.

Temperature

Tuberous begonias prefer a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F for ideal growth. They can survive temporarily outside this range but generally should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F or above 86°F to prevent stress or damage to the plant. Remember to avoid placing your begonia in locations with drafts or rapid temperature changes.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for the tuberous begonia to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or diseased foliage. Lightly prune throughout the growing season as needed, and perform a more thorough pruning in the late winter or early spring. The best time for heavy pruning is just before the new growth starts, which helps stimulate the plant and leads to lush, healthy foliage and blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Begonias in the Nonstop Series thrive in a well-draining, fertile potting mix with a slight acidity to neutral pH, around 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for maintaining the right balance of moisture and aeration.

Repotting

Nonstop Begonias should be repotted every one to two years or when they outgrow their containers. This encourages renewed growth and provides fresh nutrients.

Humidity & Misting

Nonstop Begonias prefer a moderate humidity level, around 50-60%, mimicking their native tropical environment. Avoid excessively dry air which can cause leaf drop.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Nonstop Begonia in bright, indirect light with warm temps.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, protect from strong winds and heavy rain.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA.

Life cycle

The Begonia Nonstop Series (commonly referred to as Tuberous Begonia) begins its life cycle as a tuber, a storage organ containing the embryonic plant. Upon the arrival of favorable growing conditions, typically in spring, the tuber will sprout and produce shoots, which then develop into stems and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase during which it grows leaves and stems aggressively. Following the vegetative stage, the plant transitions to the reproductive phase, characterized by the formation of distinctive, vibrant flowers that can bloom continuously throughout the summer months. After the flowering period, as day length shortens and temperatures drop in the approach of autumn, the Tuberous Begonia starts to prepare for dormancy; foliage begins to yellow and wither as the plant withdraws nutrients back into the tuber. Lastly, the plant enters full dormancy during the winter, where the tuber rests until the cycle begins anew with the return of warm weather in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Begonia Nonstop Series, commonly known as Begonia, is typically propagated by seed or through division. The most popular method of propagation for Begonias is by seed. To do this, start by sowing the seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix in early spring, as they need warmth and light to germinate. Avoid covering the seeds with soil since they require light for germination. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Seedlings usually appear within 15 to 30 days, and once they've grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots.