Begonia

Begonia is an abundant and long flowering plant when it's taken care of properly, Begonia represents 'full of fantasy and imagination', but also warns you to be on guard and to protect yourself. For lovers, the plant also represents 'our love is discovered'. And in mourning pieces Begonia has the meaning of 'being in balance'.

The Begonia originates from the rainforests of Asia, Africa and America, especially in the tropical areas where there is lots of light and moist. There are about 1000 different species. The name ‘Begonia’ is due to Michel Bégon (1638-1710), a former governor of the then French colony San Domingo. However, he is not the one who discovered the plant and described it. That was Charles Plumier, French botanist an Monk, who named the plant in 1690 after his patron Bégon, who was also the patron of the Botanical Science. Because Begonia carries both male and female flowers, 

she is very popular in the alternative scene where she is known as ‘Queen M/F’. The over-the-top blooming and the campy colors fit this title.

  •   Properties
    Scientific name
    Begonia
    Family
    Begoniaceae
    Origin
    Rainforests of Asia, Africa and America.
    Meaning
    Begonia represents 'full of fantasy and imagination'
    Shelf life
    Minimal 6 - 8 weeks
    Season
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
                           
  •   Care tips florists
    • Begonia cannot be kept at a lower temperature than 12-15° C. Therefore, keep the plant in the cover or box during the transport and storage phase to prevent cold damage.
    • Water, if required, multiple times a week, preferably from below or dip the root ball in water. Allow the root ball to dry again completely. Begonia does not like a root ball that is too wet or too dry.
    • Check the plant for faded flowers and unsightly foliage and take this out from the heart of the plant with the entire stem.
    • Make sure it is not in the bright sun, but still gets sufficient light. 
    • Ensure that flowers and leaves do not get humid or wet by watering, condensation or too high atmospheric humidity.
    • Do not place the plants too close to each other.
    • Taking out of the covers is important to prevent Botrytis.
    • Never place the plants near ethylene sources like vegetables and fruit, this will cause bud drop.
    • Watch out! The sap of Begonia can cause irritation upon contact.
  •   Care tips consumers
    • Begonia is an abundant and long flowering plant when it's taken care of properly. It likes to be inside at a bright location and in the garden at a moderately sunny location.
    • Begonias can blossom both in summer and in winter, as long as they are not in a position that it too dark. If that is the case, then the plant will show this by dropping buds.
    • Bud drop is also caused by not enough humidity, draft, large temperature differences or relocation during the blossoming.
    • Mark the pot or place a matchstick in the earth, so that this sedentary type can always be placed back in the same position.
    • Make sure the root ball never dried out and water regularly.
    • To keep the plant well it is required to provide plant nutrition once every 3 weeks.
    • Faded flowers and old leaves can be removed carefully.
    • Never place the plants near ethylene sources such as vegetables and fruits, this will cause bud drop