What flower is this and how do I take care of it?

I got it for mothers day and I have no idea what it is or how to take care of it. Does it need anything specific, do I water it a lot or just a little, does it like direct sunlight... you know, the usual info. Thanks!





Pics of it:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/7932955@N04...


http://www.flickr.com/photos/7932955@N04...
What flower is this and how do I take care of it?
This is a type of Begonia, probably a Rieger type, and this will respond to good care, by producing more of its beautiful flowers, for much of the year. There are hundreds of types of Begonia, some of them having tubers underground, some grown for their foliage with striking colors and patterns, and yours which is grown for its wonderful long lasting ability to flower.





I grow mine on a sunny windowsill, where it doesn%26#039;t get scorched by the light, which could damage their leaves, and shock the plant. Good light will help it strengthen and grow, and produce more flowers - indirect light is good, as long as it is fairly bright.





Feed it every couple of weeks during the growing season, with a pot plant fertilizer. Be wary of over-watering, as these plants are susceptible to rotting, if given too much, once a week during dry summer conditions may be enough. Don%26#039;t let it sit in water. Likewise, remove any decaying leaves, and flowers as these can become infected, typically with mildew, and cause rot elsewhere, often going a powdery brown. For this reason, take care not to splash the leaves.





Don%26#039;t let it suffer from drafts, or huge swings of temperature, they like to be comfortable and warm, enjoying temperatures above 60F, really a minimum of 55F, and upto around 73F.





They can grow outdoors during the summer, and are occasionally used as bedding plants. They don%26#039;t need tons of root growing space, as they have fairly small fine root systems. you can repot every year or so, in spring, with fresh compost, which I mix with something like Vermiculite, which helps keep the soil airy, and less prone to waterlogging. Their cousins have the tuberous root type systems, and this Rieger type just has fine roots.





If it stops flowering, have patience, as it will continue flowering as long as the light is good enough, and you%26#039;re taking care of it well, as well as feeding it.





Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
Reply:Exactly what Rob E said.
Reply:It is a tuberous-rooted begonia, a third vote in that direction! They are lovely outdoors in the summer.... you do not need to take them out of their pots, just place them ~ pot, dish and all ~ in the garden in a semi-shady spot and be sure they are looked after since they like to be pampered





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