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Hanging basket begonias are beautiful and delicate plants that require proper care to thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for your hanging basket begonias:
1. Watering: Begonias prefer moist soil, so water them regularly but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
2. Light: Hang your begonias in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
3. Fertilizing: Feed your begonias every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This will promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
4. Pruning: Regularly remove faded flowers and leggy growth to encourage bushier and more compact plants.
5. Temperature: Begonias prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Protect them from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of your hanging basket begonias for a long time.
There are few plants as versatile as begonias (Begonia spp.), which come in various types, each requiring specific care. One group is particularly suited for growing in hanging planters or baskets, whether outdoors or indoors. This type of begonia is known as trailing or scadent —scadent means “climbing” — because its branches can grow quite long, reaching up to 8 feet in some varieties, making them perfect for hanging baskets. For instance, certain hybrid tuberous begonias (Begonia [Tuberosa Group]) exhibit this growth habit and thrive as hanging plants. They can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, but they can also be grown as annuals or houseplants with basic care and occasional pruning.
Light Requirements for Hanging Basket Begonias
To encourage a full, multistemmed plant with abundant flowers, provide trailing begonias with bright light. If you are growing the plant outdoors, place it in an area that receives filtered sunlight in the morning, but avoid direct sunlight during midday and afternoon hours as this can scorch the plant. Ideally, position the plant under a tree with dense branches that provide shifting sunlight and partial shade. For indoor plants, choose a bright spot, such as an east-facing window that receives morning sun.
If the leaves start to appear faded and light green, it indicates that the begonia is receiving too much light, so move it to a shadier location. On the other hand, if the stems become excessively long with large gaps between leaf nodes, it means the plant needs more light; in this case, relocate it to a brighter spot.
Watering Needs for Hanging Basket Begonias
Hanging begonias thrive when their soil is consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to constantly soggy soil, which can harm the plant and potentially kill it if not addressed. For indoor plants, water whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring that the pot drains completely. Avoid keeping the pot in a saucer filled with water as this can cause root rot.
An outdoor hanging begonia should be watered whenever the top layer of soil feels dry. During the summer months, it is advisable to check the soil moisture every few days as hot weather can cause the soil to dry out rapidly.
Whether grown indoors or in the garden, begonias slow down their growth during winter when they enter a resting phase, so reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilizing Guidelines for Hanging Basket Begonias
To promote growth and flowering throughout the active season, which typically extends from spring to early fall, fertilize a hanging begonia every other time you water it. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, but dilute it to half-strength or approximately 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water. However, always refer to the product label for specific instructions.
To encourage more blooming, switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer just before the flowering period begins, usually in early summer. For instance, use a 15-30-15 formula, diluting 1 tablespoon in 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants and 1/2 teaspoon per gallon for indoor plants. Again, consult the product label for additional details. Continue feeding the plant every one or two weeks until the end of the blooming season, typically in fall. Withhold fertilizer during winter to allow the plant to rest.
Caring for Begonias in Hanging Baskets
As the season progresses, trailing begonias in hanging planters may start to look leggy with longer stems. To encourage fuller growth and lateral branching, it is recommended to frequently pinch back the growing tips. This can be done using your fingertips or pruning shears that have been wiped with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of plant diseases. By trimming the stems to varying lengths, you can also shape the plant more effectively. For older plants, removing some old stems occasionally can stimulate new growth from the base of the plant.
Begonias generally do not have major issues with diseases, but they can attract various pests, such as fluffy white mealybugs. To control these pests, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to touch and destroy each one. Spider mites may also be a problem, as they create visible web-like coverings on the leaves and flowers. To eliminate spider mites, it is recommended to thoroughly spray the plant with insecticidal soap diluted at a rate of 5 tablespoons per gallon of water. Repeat this treatment every two weeks as necessary.
Protecting Hanging Basket Begonias from Frost
If you have hanging begonias growing outdoors all year round and anticipate unusually cold weather or even frost, it is advisable to bring the plant indoors until the temperatures warm up, as freezing temperatures can kill the plant. Alternatively, you can leave the plant outdoors but provide protection by hanging a light cloth over the entire plant from the planter’s hook. Another option is to place the planter inside a large plastic bag that can enclose the entire plant, and then tie the open ends of the bag to the planter’s hook. When removing any coverings, be cautious not to damage the stems or flower buds.
