Grown more for foliage than for flowers, the begonia family is among the most satisfying of house plants. The leaves remain attractive year-round, and if you give begonias bright light, they will bloom in winter.

Of the three major categories of begonias,the rhizomatous and fibrous are most often grown as house plants. Sketches of leaf types at right give you some notion of the numerous variations that are obtainable. Tuberous begonias can be cultivated as house plants, too, but they’re most often seen in hanging baskets on a porch, or planted out in shaded flower beds.

Rex begonias, two examples of which are pictured across the page, are usually rhizomatous but are often considered a separate class because their jewel-toned foliage demands more warmth and greater humidity than do other kinds of rhizomatous begonias.

While begonias appreciate humidity, they do not like the soil that is constantly moist. Don’t water them until the topsoil is dry to the touch. Also, make certain that excess water can drain out of the pot.

During the winter, begonias need a lot of sunlight; indirect but bright light is best the rest of the year, for the foliage will pale if the sun is too brilliant. They grow best in 65 to 70 temperatures.

Take Precautions When Potting Begonias
When potting begonias, set each plant with its crown barely above the soil and not in a depression where water can collect. The soil should be porous and slightly acid- containing some peat moss and leaf mold.

The most common type of fibrous begonia is B. semperflorens. The blooms of these begonias range from white through pale pink, coral, and red, and the foliage colors vary from bright green to bronzy and a dark blood red. The newer fibrous begonia varieties have semidouble as well as double flowers that resemble tiny rosebuds.

For continued bloom, these begonias need a sunny window, a standard potting soil mixture, ample water (when you water), and good drainage. You can have more plants by cutting back the tall branches and rooting them.

Tuberous Begonias
To brighten up a porch or a patio that is protected from direct sun, why not select one or more tuberous begonias? Their requirement of partial shade makes them ideal choices for pots and hanging baskets.

Flower sizes run from two to as eight inches in width. In shape, some resemble rosebuds, carnations, or the smooth semidouble and double camellias. Others remind you of giant crape-myrtle blooms. All but the Picotee type, which have deeper color in the margins of petals, are in solid colors.

Partial shade, a loose, rich soil, protection from wind, and moisture in both air and soil are the four requirements for success.

Tubers that are started in very early spring can be enjoyed as house plants for several weeks before you set them outdoors. When the blooming period is over, the tubers can be dried out, stored in plastic bags in a cool spot, and saved. The following year you can plant them again.

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