QA

Quick Answer: How Often Should You Water Begonias

A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it’s hot and dry you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.

Do you water begonias everyday?

The main rule of thumb for watering begonias is to not let the soil dry out completely. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it dry to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. Water your plants only about once a month during this time.

Do begonias like sun or shade?

They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.

How do you care for potted begonias?

Avoid giving them too much water and allow them to dry out slightly between waterings. If they are kept cool, you may notice they can tolerate a longer time without water. Place the begonia pot in a bright spot where it can receive morning sunlight and a bit of afternoon shade.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

Select a location receiving more direct morning or evening sunlight than mid day sun. Early morning / late day sunlight is much cooler with less intense rays. By keeping begonias out of the mid-day direct sun, the plants have less stress, and will produce more blooms.

What do Overwatered begonias look like?

Look for the following symptoms and conditions that make it more likely that overwatering is the cause of your begonia drooping; Yellowing leaves, particularly affecting the lower leaves first. Brown leaf tips despite good humidity and soil moisture. Leaves dropping from the plant, often with soggy, limp petioles.

Should I mist begonias?

While rex begonias and many other houseplants prefer high relative humidities, misting is ineffective unless you’re prepared to mist the plants several times a day. Also, rex begonias are not fond of water on their foliage.

What month do begonias flower?

Begonias grow in moist, shady gardens where they have well-drained soil, wind protection and filtered or indirect sunlight. A typical blooming season starts in June and ends with the first frost. They are so easy to grow that a broken stem or leaf stalk stuck in soil often roots as a new plant.

Can I put begonias in full sun?

Most begonias grow best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun a day), or filtered sun (as through trees). Most will tolerate full shade (no direct or filtered sun), but won’t be as dense and usually have fewer flowers. A few grow in full sun. They prefer moist, but not soggy, soils.

Do begonias come back?

* What it is: Most begonias die at frost, but this one is a perennial version that sends up stems of nodding pink flowers from July into mid-fall, then dies back to the ground. Leaves are slow to emerge in spring, so don’t assume the plant has died if there’s no sign of it even by May.

Will begonias survive indoors?

Generally, fibrous and rhizomatous begonias make excellent houseplants while tuberous begonias can be grown as houseplants but have a harder time surviving due to the need for higher humidity and light than the other two kinds. Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering.

Do begonias do well in pots?

Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it’s no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers. Begonias planted in a pot should be spaced 4-6″ apart and with the tubers buried hollow-side up.

How long do potted begonias last?

No begonia has a long life span. Most live only 2 to 3 years even with good care. The tubers of tuberous begonias often last 4 to 5 years with good care. Tuberous begonias need a winter rest and don’t make good winter houseplants.

Do you deadhead begonias?

Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 11, depending on the cultivar, begonias (Begonia spp.) do not require deadheading to thrive. Rather they self-clean by dropping spent flowers on their own, says the University of Illinois Extension.

How often should I water my Begonia maculata?

A Begonia Maculata is a plant that loves to be in moist soil. This means you should water it regularly. Depending on the season, this could be once every 4 days in the summer and every week to two weeks in the winter.

Why are the leaves on my begonia turning brown?

The most common cause of brown leaf edges is that your Begonia is incredibly dry. Your Begonia likes consistent moisture. Begonias do not like soggy soil or to sit in water, so be sure to discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer after watering.

Why do begonia leaves turn yellow?

Watering. Most likely, yellow leaves appearing on your Begonia is caused by overwatering, allowing soil to stay soggy, or letting the plant sit in water. Allow the soil to dry about halfway, or 2-4 inches down before watering again. If the soil is kept too wet for too long, the roots may rot.

Why do begonia leaves curl?

Temperature – Since many begonia plants are native to tropical regions, curling begonia leaves may occur when plants have been exposed to wide temperature change. Ideally, the plants will grow best when temperatures do not fall below 60 F.

What kind of soil do begonias like?

Use light potting soil with extra perlite to promote proper drainage. In the garden, grow begonias in sandy loam soil. If you have heavy clay soil, grow begonias in raised beds filled with compost and topsoil.

How often do begonias flower?

Once begonias start flowering, they bloom continuously from summer to frost. There are several different types of begonias. Wax begonias and angel-wing begonias are usually grown as outdoor annuals or indoor houseplants. Both grow from a clump of roots and are winter hardy in growing zones 9-11.

Why are the leaves on my begonias turning white?

Powdery mildew is a fungal infection. Begonias with powdery mildew are infected by Odium begoniae. A begonia with powdery mildew will have white, powdery or thread-like growths on the top surface of leaves. The fungus may additionally cover stems or flowers.

How do you look after begonia polka dots?

Your Polka Dot Begonia will do well in average room temperatures between 60-80 degrees. Your Begonia prefers a humid environment but does not tolerate misting. Use a pebble tray or humidifier, instead. Feed once a month during the spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.