There are many types of begonias all flowering plants in the family Begoniaceae. They are found from Arunachal Pradesh to southeast China, and has been introduced to Bangladesh, Cuba, and Hispaniola. There are over 500 cultivars in the Begonia Group of houseplants.

These plants are grown almost exclusively for their foliage—their blooms tend to be small and less showy and many growers pinch off blooms to maintain breathtaking leaf displays. If planting outdoors, do so in May after frosts, but plant anytime indoors. With a moderate growth rate, begonias may grow to less than 12 inches in a year.

Begonias like bright, indirect light year-round. Because they are not aggressive bloomers, they can tolerate less light than other garden bed begonias and will thrive under fluorescent lights.

Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering. But don’t let the soil become overly dry or the plant will begin to wither. The soil should be watered to feel slightly, but evenly moist.

Crown of Thorns, (Euphorbia milii), also called Christ thorn plant. Native to Madagascar, Crown of thorns is a popular houseplant and is grown in warm climates as a garden shrub. Flowering is year-round but most plentiful in wintertime in the Northern Hemisphere sweet little peach, red or yellow flowers depending on the variety.

Crown of thorns should get full sun, the more the better to encourage continuous blooms. South or West is best.

Only water your crown of thorns when the top inch of soil has dried, however when in flower ensure the plant has enough water to avoid the blooms drying up and falling.

One of my favourite plants for its unique thorns through out the entire stem and beautiful puckered lip like flowers. – Kelly