Cane begonias are a type of popular flowering plant that can be found in a variety of places around the world. These plants have green, glossy leaves and large sprays of pink, white, or red flowers with protruding yellow centers.
The stems of these plants are upright and woody, giving them the name “cane. ” Cane begonias need bright, indirect light and soil that’s well-drained, with slightly lower temperatures and less light during winter months.
Fertilize periodically during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. With the right care, cane begonias can bloom a few times a year and be a beautiful addition to any garden.
What is a cane type begonia?
A cane type begonia is a type of begonia that grows thick, woody stems that are cane-like in appearance. They are commonly referred to by their scientific name, Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum. These begonias have bright, glossy, heart-shaped leaves and showy clustered flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and orange.
Cane type begonias are great for growing indoors where they do well in warm, humid conditions and indirect light. They are perfect for growing in hanging baskets as well as in container gardens. When caring for a cane type begonia, make sure to keep the soil moist but not overly-saturated, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
Additionally, it is important to trim off dead flower spikes and to pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth. With the right care, cane type begonias will grow lush and provide beautiful blooms throughout the year.
How do you get a cane begonias to flower?
In order to get your cane begonias to flower, there are a few steps you will need to take. First, it’s important to ensure that the plant is getting enough light. At least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal for cane begonias, so if possible, move your plant to a spot with good indirect light.
Beyond the light needs, you need to make sure that the plant is receiving the correct amount of water and nutrients. Water your begonias when the top of the soil feels dry, generally 1-3 days depending on humidity, and make sure not to over-water.
Feed your begonias a balanced fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer, and a slow-release once a month in the fall. Finally, don’t forget to pinch off the old flowers before the new ones come in to ensure high quality blooms.
When you follow these steps, your cane begonias should start flowering no problem!.
How do I tell what kind of begonia I have?
To figure out what kind of begonia you have, start by examining the shape and size of the leaves. Many begonias have distinct foliage, so you should be able to identify the species just by taking a good look at the leaves.
Additionally, many of the more popular varieties of begonias have variegated foliage, so look for color patterns or distinct markings. Then, look at the flowers of your begonia. Some begonias have large colorful blooms, while others have smaller, cluster-like blossoms.
Once you’ve identified the type of foliage and flower, use an online guide or ask an expert to determine the species of begonia you have.
How many cane begonias are there?
And it is difficult to say how many there are. According to Royal Horticultural Society, there are around 150 different species and varieties of begonias, and a small portion of those are cane begonias.
Cane begonias are rhizomatous and can grow anywhere from 6-24 inches tall. There is a wide variety of cane begonias in terms of their leaves, with many of them being heart-shaped, round, or strap-like.
The flowers on cane begonias come in a huge range of colors, including pink, white, red, orange, and yellow. While it is difficult to say with certainty how many cane begonias are out there, it is safe to say that there is a wide variety to choose from and they can make a great addition to any garden.
Are there different types of angel wing begonias?
Yes, there are different types of angel wing begonias. The most common type of angel wing begonia is Begonia cucullata, which originates from the tropical countries of Central and South America and features large glossy foliage and pink, white, or red flowers.
Other varieties include Begonia corallina, Begonia rubella, and Begonia hemsleyana, which are similar in appearance but can have bright, speckled foliage and a variety of differently colored flowers.
All of these begonias are extremely easy-to-care-for, they thrive in warm, shady spots indoors and prefer regular watering and feedings every two weeks. In addition to the more common species of angel wing begonia, there are numerous hybrid varieties, each of which has unique coloration, foliage, and flower shape.
Take your time to explore the available varieties to find the one that best suits your gardening needs.
Are cane like begonias toxic to cats?
No, cane like begonias are not generally considered to be toxic to cats. While they do produce a sap when damaged that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, it is not considered to be toxic or to pose any serious risk to cats.
It is advisable to keep these plants out of reach of cats, though, as ingesting large amounts of the leaves could cause stomach irritation and vomiting. If a cat does ingest some of the sap or leaves from a cane like begonia, seek veterinary advice to make sure there is no serious health risk.
Are begonia leaves poisonous to humans?
No, begonia leaves are not poisonous to humans and are safe to eat. Begonias belong to the Begoniaceae family and contain no toxic substances that could be hazardous to humans. As a result, ingesting them will do no harm, although they may taste unpleasant.
All parts of the begonia plant are edible and can be used to add flavor and color to salads and other dishes. In fact, begonia leaves are a source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fiber. Therefore, begonias can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
What part of begonia is poisonous?
The leaves and stems of begonias are considered to be poisonous when eaten. According to the ASPCA, all parts of the begonia plant contain insoluble calcium oxalates that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if ingested.
It’s important to keep begonias out of reach of both children and pets, as consuming even a small portion could be dangerous. Additionally, contact with the sap of the begonia can cause skin irritation in some people.
What happens if a cat eats a begonia?
If a cat eats a begonia, it is not necessarily life-threatening, but depending on the variety of begonia and the amount that the cat consumes, it can be potentially dangerous. Begonias contain insoluble calcium oxalates which can cause irritation to the mucous membranes and GI tract of cats.
Ingestion of these crystals can cause excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty breathing in cats. Symptoms of ingestion may not present immediately, so if you have noticed that your cat has eaten a begonia, you should monitor it closely and contact your veterinarian right away.
Treatment may involve providing your cat with IV fluids, medications, and hospitalization as needed.
Are begonias pet friendly?
No, begonias are not pet friendly. These plants are toxic to both dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, anorexia, and dermatitis if ingested. As begonias typically have large leaves with attractive flowers, they can be attractive to animals and not easily noticed when they are in the same area.
To keep your pets safe, it is best to avoid planting or displaying begonias anywhere in the house where they can be easily accessed by pets.
Are polka dot begonias safe for cats?
Polka dot begonias (Synes. ibericam)are usually safe for cats, however there may be individual variations in plants of this species, so it is always best to research particular plants before buying. The plants contain poisonous substances which are toxic when taken in large doses.
It is recommended to keep your cat away from any variety of Polka dot begonias as it could be fatal if ingested. It is important to place these plants in locations out of your cat’s reach or to take other measures such as enclosing them in covered baskets, to keep the plant safe from your furry friend.
Should begonias be cut back?
Yes, begonias should be cut back occasionally. Most types of begonias are not vigorous growers and may become overgrown with time, so pruning is important to keep the shape of the plant and maintain its health.
Pruning becomes especially important in winter or when the leaves of the begonia appear to be yellow or dull. Cutting back the stems of the begonia will help to promote vigorous new growth, which is essential to the health of the plant.
Additionally, pruning or deadheading the spent blooms on the plant will allow the plant to produce more flowers. When pruning back the begonia, be sure to use clean, sharp scissors and always make cuts just above an outward facing leaf bud.
Can I cut back leggy begonias?
Yes, you can cut back leggy begonias in order to promote more bushy and healthy foliage. Start by removing any weak, dead, brown, or discolored leaves. Then, use pruning shears or scissors to trim off the leggy stems.
Make sure to cut just above a leaf node which is the point where a leaf attaches to the stem. Doing this will encourage the plant to bush out and produce new growth. After pruning, fertilize the plant for best results.
Additionally, it is important to provide the plant with at least four hours of bright sunlight each day as this will help promote even more new growth.
Do you cut begonias back in the winter?
No, begonias should not be cut back in the winter. Begonias are most often grown as annuals, meaning they are treated as annual plants that are grown and then discarded after a single season. Pruning begonias in the winter months can cause them to die, as they are not generally hardy enough to survive winter temperatures.
In addition, pruning can also reduce the number of blooms produced. If a begonia needs reshaping or pruning, it should be done in early spring before the plant begins to form buds and blooms. Pruning should not be done after new buds or blooms form, as this can reduce the number of blooms the begonia produces.
Do begonias grow back?
Yes, begonias grow back and are relatively easy to propagate. Begonias have underground stems known as rhizomes and tubers, which can be divided during repotting or propagation to begin a new plant. When propagating begonias, be sure to choose healthy sections with both healthy roots and shoots and plant them in a quality potting soil and container.
Make sure the pot has holes in the bottom to drain excess water. Once they take root, water often and place the begonias in indirect light. By providing proper light and water, you can keep the beigonia continually flowering.