Growing Begonias at Home
Begonia is both the genus name and common name.
Begonias are native to South and Central America, Africa, South Asia
Begonias are grown variously for their flowers or foliage. While all species bloom, some have small, inconspicuous flowers, while others are very showy. Many species have beautifully colored and patterned leaves.
70-90 F (21-32 C)
Most Begonias prefer moderate humidity. A few tropical species need higher humidity and are best grown in a terrarium.
Bright indirect light is ideal for most Begonia species. Avoid direct sun.
Keep Begonias evenly moist or barely allow the soil surface to dry between waterings. Overwatering can be hazardous to some fibrous-rooted species, but most prefer not to ever go fully dry.
Begonias prefer a potting mix rich in organic matter, with enough filler material like perlite to allow air circulation around the roots.
Fertilize foliage begonias with a blend made specifically for foliage houseplants. Flowering varieties prefer a more balanced, general-purpose blend. More dilute fertilizer, more often is better than concentrated applied occasionally.
Begonias are fairly low maintenance and can provide long periods of bloom. Some varieties have less showy flowers but are prized for their attractive foliage. In summer they can bloom for weeks at a time, from summer through late autumn. When kept indoors, they're capable of blooming non-stop, depending on variety. Tuberous begonias do go through a period of dormancy when flowers and foliage die back for a few weeks. But other types of begonia can bloom constantly all year long. Be sure you're following care instructions for the specific type of begonia you have.
In cooler climates, these tropical plants are mainly grown as indoor houseplants or as annuals outdoors in summer. With their richly-colored blooms and foliage, they're commonly used by landscapers in outdoor container arrangements.
If eaten, Begonias are toxic to dogs, cats, and many other mammals. Exercise caution when keeping them around pets which tend to "graze" on your houseplants!
Generally speaking, Begonias are not bothered by many pests or diseases. Root rot can occur as a result of overwatering, as can stem rot or powdery mildew. The main pests that can affect Begonias include mealy bugs, spider mites, snails and slugs (the latter two enjoy munching the leaves and are easy to remove by hand).
All recommendations are based on general indoor home conditions. Please contact us if you have questions about your plant's care!