BEGONIA. 



45 



two parts leaf mould and one part sand, and require 

 a temperature from 65 to 70 degrees. 



A moderate supply of water and good drainage 

 is necessary. Many choice Begonias are killed by 

 trying to grow them in hanging baskets and pots not 

 properly drained. They need plenty of light and air, 

 but must not have the hot sun or be placed too near 

 the window. They are beautiful in hanging 

 baskets or vases, but should be kept in the shade. 



Begonias are easily propagated by cuttings placed 

 in water or damp sand, but root most readily in 

 water. Plants for winter blooming should be re- 

 potted in June and placed in a shaded location. 

 Pinch off all the flower buds and keep them trim- 

 med closely till the last of August, then allow them 

 to grow. If inclined to sucker, as some varieties 

 are, remove by cutting them out closely, and allow 

 the central branches to extend their growth. 



Begonias will not bear liquid manures, but may 

 be given an application of aqua ammonia, one tea- 

 spoonful in two quarts of water, once in two weeks. 



VARIETIES. 



Begonia Alba, flowers pure white, and produced very freely. 

 B. Argyrostygma Veitchi, flowers pink, leaves spotted white. 

 B. Carnea, flowers bright carmine. 



B. Foliosa, white, with neat drooping foliage, good for baskets. 



B. Fucha7-ides Alba, flowers pure white; finest wintei sort. 



B. Incamata, foliage dark green, beautifully marbled and 

 variegated with white, many of the leaves being entirely puie white, 

 and some of the younger ones tinged with pink, and occasionally a 

 stem upon which all the leaves are pure white. These variegated 



