Begonia 'Samba' (Mix)

All begonias do best in neutral soils or compost and most prefer to be sited in partial shade. When first planting young plants, it is worth removing any early flower buds as this will allow the plant to reach its full size as quickly as possible. Rhizomatous begonias will grow in all the various types of pots. Many can even be grown as epiphytes using various methods such as on boards with a small amount of mix covered with spagnum moss. Most rhizomatous begonias do best in shallow pots or bowls when using plastic pots. If you encounter difficulties growing this type of begonia using plastic pots, you may do better using clay azalea pots or clay bowls. These pots are more expensive and heavier but nearly all rhizomatous begonias will do well in them. Rhizomatous begonias will also do very well in wooden pots or moss covered baskets.

For small rhizomatous types, divide the rhizome and use root pieces

A single leaf can produce several young plants. Remove a healthy leaf, and, use a clean, sharp knife, to cut it into postage-stamp sized pieces, with each piece having a vein down its length. Stand leaf pieces upright in pots of compost ensuring that the cut vein is in contact with the compost. Water, to settle the compost around the cuttings, then place the pot in a clear polythene bag, and put it in a warm, light position, until the cutting has taken root and produced shoots (this is usually several months). When large enough to handle, pot on.