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How do I keep a potted begonia to reflower?

13 years ago

We bought a huge potted begonia for my wife's mother's 94th birthday. The flowers are now nearly over and the leaves are beginning to crisp. She says we can keep it to reflower next year, however. I imagine it will need to be repotted. Do I cut back the top? Help please....

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Comments (5)

chloeasha
13 years ago
First we'll need to know what kind of begonia it is. Do you have a picture?
ianbrazil
Original Author
13 years ago
Begonia tuberhybrida.
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chloeasha
13 years ago
OK, tuberous begonias-- let the little guys go dormant naturally. Then you can lift the tuber and store them (although some people leave them in the pots and bring the pots in). The tubers will sprout and start up again on their own time. At that point you plant them (if they are lifted) and begin to water some, give them light, and then if you have any issues with frost wait to set them out until frost is passed.
ianbrazil
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you. We don't have any frost issues so I can keep this anywhere. Is it OK to cut off the top part of the plant, which is dying anyway and just keep the root or tuber part?
chloeasha
13 years ago
I would wait for it to die back naturally.

Where ever you store it, make sure it isn't in the rain-- you don't want it to rot while dormant.

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