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Keeping Begonias in Shade Houses

last year

I have a good number of Begonias, and I would like to place as many as possible in my two shade houses. One shade house is at 60%, and the other 40%. So I have fibrous begonias, semi rhizomatous, rex, and semi-tuberous. For each of these three classifications, which should I place in 60% shade, and which in 40%, and which in full sun, for ideal conditions?

Also, I have heard that light and temperature can affect colors. I have a 'Pink Diamond' which can turn white, but has not yet indoors. Will more. light, or less light encourage lighter white coloration? And I have the same question for color intensity of colorful leafed species, does greater shade or greater light encourage color?

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (3)

hc mcdole
last year
I find that the cane varieties and wax begonias (semperflorens) can take full sun as long as they do not dry out. Rhizomatous can as well but I feel like they appreciate the shade during the late afternoon (after 2 PM until 6 PM in summer hours). Rexes probably like it like rhizomatous do - a mix of sun in morning, late evening; but partial shade during the heat of the day.

Some of the terrarium type begonias probably need less light than their brethren though. I keep my terrariums indoors under lights year round.

I would play around with different scenarios if you have the time and energy to relocate pots around the two shade houses.
Ray Moayeri thanked hc mcdole
Ray Moayeri
Original Author
last year
Thanks so much! So if I play around/experiment with them, I hope some may not die quickly in the 40%?!

I do have a Mellanbullatia, which I am keeping inside. I could keep it domed outside, however I suspect it might get too cold even here for that, down to the low 40's.
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hc mcdole
last year
I've seen melanobullata in a dome under a shade cloth in Sacramento. I would definitely take care of it but if you see the one at Steve's Leaves which was huge growing in a greenhouse, then that is a good example on how to grow it.

I thought I got more pictures of it but alas I did not.

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