Rieger begonias typically bloom in spring and summer. The flowers can stay in bloom for three months or more under ideal conditions. Rieger begonias can re-bloom through the year as long as temperature and light requirements are favorable.
They do, however, tend to have a resting period in the winter months during which the flowers will not bloom.
How do you take care of a Rieger begonia?
To take care of a Rieger begonia, there are several important considerations. First, it is important to select a good location for the begonia that provides good indirect light conditions. Bright, indirect sunlight is best for these plants, so a south- or east-facing windowsill is ideal.
They also do well in artificial light, but be sure to avoid a location that is overly warm or sun-filled.
When it comes to watering, Rieger begonias need to be kept consistently and evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top three inches of soil to dry out, then water thoroughly until it comes out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Like other begonias, Rieger begonias are not heavy feeders. Provide a balanced, liquid fertilizer to the plant every other month.
Regular grooming is also important to promote healthy growth and lush flowers. Deadhead the plants regularly to promote new flower buds and remove any diseased leaves.
Lastly, these plants should be repotted every year or two to allow enough room for maximum root growth. Repot into a pot that is 1-3 inches larger than the current one and be sure to use a well-draining potting soil.
Do Rieger begonias bloom all summer?
No, Rieger begonias do not bloom all summer long. The blooms of Rieger begonia typically last anywhere from 3-5 weeks, and then the plant will go into a resting period. During the resting period, new buds will form and the plant will prepare for another round of blooms.
This cycle usually occurs from late spring to mid-autumn, depending on the climate and growing conditions of the plant. To get the best blooming performance from your Rieger begonia, make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and in a spot with partial shade and ample indirect light.
This will ensure that your Rieger begonia will have the best opportunity to thrive and bloom throughout the growing season.
Can you cut back Rieger begonias?
Yes, you can cut back Rieger begonias. In general, these plants should be pruned back once a year in the late winter or early spring when the weather is still cool. Cut the plant back to around three to five inches in height, reducing each stem anywhere from one-third to one-half its current length.
Doing so will encourage thicker growth, fuller flowers, and a more compact shape. After pruning, fertilize the soil to provide the necessary nutrients for regrowth and then water the newly-pruned begonia thoroughly.
How do you pinch back begonias?
Pinching back begonias is a great way to get the most out of your plants. It encourages fuller, bushier plants and can help to encourage the production of flowers. To pinch back a begonia, start by finding a stem that has at least two sets of leaves.
Using your fingers or pruners, pinch off the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the stem just above the first set of leaves. Be sure to pinch off all of the leaves as well as the stem. Once the stem is removed, new shoots will usually start to form just below the remaining set of leaves, resulting in a fuller, bushier plant.
Doing this once or twice each spring will help to keep your begonia compact and healthy throughout the growing season.
Why are the flowers on my begonia turning brown?
Brown flower buds on begonias may be caused by several different issues. Generally, browning may be caused by inadequate watering or improper light exposure. If your begonias are not receiving enough water, or being overwatered, the flower buds will begin to turn brown.
Additionally, if the begonias are in an area that receives too much sun, or not enough sun, the flower buds will start to turn brown. Lastly, brown buds can be a result of fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, or other issues caused by pests, such as aphids or spider mites.
To prevent browning it is important to make sure the begonias are in an area with the proper light exposure and being watered adequately. Additionally, check for any signs of fungal diseases or pests and take proper steps to correct the issue.
What do you do with begonias after flowering?
Once the flowering period of a begonia is finished, you should deadhead the spent blooms to prevent reseeding. You can also trim the plant back to promote a bushier growth and encourage more blooms. If your begonia is an indoor plant, move it to a spot in your home that gets bright, indirect sunlight, and provide it with adequate humidity.
Regularly feeding your begonia with a balanced liquid fertilizer can also help it produce more flowers. With proper care and maintenance, begonias should bloom continuously throughout the growing season.
During the winter, you can either keep your begonia in the same spot or move it to a darker spot, depending which type of begonia it is. In either instance, reduce the amount of water given and stop feeding your begonia as winter approaches.
Do begonias bloom more than once a year?
Yes, begonias can bloom more than once a year depending on the type of begonia and the climate in which it is grown. Tuberous begonias, for example, require frost-free temperatures and can bloom all summer if grown in a mild climate.
Conversely, wax begonias can flower continuously if temperatures do not dip below 55°F (12°C). Other begonias, such as rex begonias, will usually bloom once a year. The right environment and care can help a begonia to flower anytime during the year.
Year-round bloom can be achieved by pinching off spent blooms, providing fertilizer and controlling temperature and humidity. If temperatures drop too low, it can cause the flowers to fall off and will do permanent damage to the begonia.
Watering should be done and moderated—this ensures that the begonia is not overwatered, which could stunt the growth and inhibit further flowering.
Do you cut back begonias in the winter?
Generally speaking, begonias should be cut back during the winter months to help ensure they remain healthy and growing strong. This should be done when the leaves have died off and the soil is dry. If the weather is still quite mild, you can wait a bit longer before cutting them back.
Cut the stems down to about 6-8 inches from the ground and make sure not to leave any foliage on the stems. After cutting the stems, loosen the soil around the base of the plant and add a mulch layer to help protect the roots during any cold snaps.
If you chose to wait until spring to cut back your begonias, then you should wait until the new growth is a few inches tall. In that case, clip the previous year’s stems a few inches above the developing buds.
Do begonias come back every year?
No, begonias are not perennials and do not come back every year. Begonias are tender plants, meaning they are sensitive to cold temperatures and can’t usually withstand temperatures below 50-55°F. Therefore, most begonias must be planted on an annual basis in cold climates.
If you live in a mild climate, you can often overwinter your begonias indoors, or in a greenhouse or other protected space. Placing begonias in a very bright window, or in grow lights, can also help to keep them alive through the winter.
When should begonias be cut back?
Begonias should be cut back at the end of their bloom cycle, usually at the end of summer or early fall. They should also be cut back after a frost, as frost can cause them to die off. If your begonias are drooping, you should also consider cutting them back.
This will help encourage them to branch out and produce more blooms. If you want to keep your begonias looking healthy, it’s recommended that you prune them every two to three years. Pruning your begonias will help keep them in a compact shape and will also help them produce larger, thicker foliage.
Pruning should be done at the beginning of the growing season and this is when buds will be forming. You should use a sharp pair of pruning shears and make sure to remove any dead or diseased foliage.
If possible, you should also remove any blooms that are not producing healthy foliage.