QA

How To Care For Begonia

These plants like to stay damp, and not dry out completely, but they hate having their roots sitting in water. Use well draining soil, with some compost material, to help retain moisture. Always water at the base of the plant, as they are susceptible to leaf rot and spots if the leaves get damp.

How do you care for potted begonias?

Beyond Blue Bouquet 1) Plant begonia in pot that allows about 2 inches of space all the way around the roots. 2) Begonias like to sit in locations that have daily full to partial morning sunlight. 3) Put the plant on a regular watering schedule. 4) Feed the plant a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month.

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 often do begonias need to be watered?

Water Needs 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.

How do you keep a begonia alive?

Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter (stop watering tuberous begonias in fall). Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil. When plant is in full growth, fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength at alternate waterings.

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.

Can begonias live 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.

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.

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.

Do begonias come back every year?

There are no perennial begonias. There are forms that make great houseplants and will grow year-round indoors, but outdoors the plants are all unable to tolerate frost.

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.

Do begonias need deadheading?

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.

What conditions do begonias like?

Begonias grow well in dappled or partial shade – avoid south-facing spots as the foliage can burn in direct sunlight. If you’re growing begonias in a greenhouse, shading may be required. Tuberous begonias are ideal for growing in pots and hanging baskets.

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.

Can begonias overwinter indoors?

Some begonias can simply be brought indoors prior to the onset of cold weather for continual growth, such as with wax begonias. These begonias should be brought indoors for overwintering rather than digging them up.

Is begonia indoor or outdoor plant?

Begonias are popular as annual bedding plants outdoors and as houseplants indoors. There are about 1500 different begonia species native to tropical regions worldwide, including Central and South America, Asia, and Africa.

Why are the flowers on my begonia turning brown?

Begonia plants do not like very wet soil, and too much soil moisture can cause the plants’ roots to rot. Either may lead to wilting and browning of the plant. Decrease watering so the begonias’ soil dries out between watering sessions.

How long does a begonia plant last?

No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care. Cane begonias such as angel wings go dormant if the temperature gets too cool.

Why is my begonia leaves 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.