Begonia

It’s important to know when it’s time to water your begonia. The soil should be moist, but not soaking wet. Test the soil by sticking your finger in the dirt; if a small amount of moisture remains on your digit, then the soil is damp enough. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, but never allow it to become totally dry. To avoid waterlogging, use pots without drainage holes and only water from the bottom, keeping the soil just slightly moist.

Begonias thrive in bright, filtered light, but they can get scorched in direct sunlight. Place them near a south-facing window or use sheer curtains to provide diffused light. If the foliage starts to look pale, move the begonia to a brighter spot. Too little light will cause your Begonia to become straggly and thin out, and it will produce fewer flowers. Avoid using artificial lighting if possible, as Begonia does not respond well to too much light.

Your begonias will do best when the air temperature is consistent, between 72°F (22°C) and 85°F (29°C). Wherever possible try to keep the temperature steady rather than fluctuating by more than 5°F (3°C). A draft or temperature extremes can cause the foliage to drop or may even stunt growth.

Begonias require moderate to high humidity levels, so take extra steps to increase the amount of moisture in the air near your plant. Mist the foliage daily, but avoid wetting the flowers, and use a humidifier to make sure the air stays moist. During hot, dry months, place the pot on a tray filled with moist pebbles for extra humidity.

Choose a soil-based potting mix made especially for Begonia, or mix your own soil by combining equal amounts of good quality compost, sharp sand, and peat. A well-draining mix is important, as Begonias can suffer from root rot if the soil stays too wet. Be sure to use a pot with good drainage holes and never leave it sitting in a saucer that holds water.

Begonias require only moderate fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer to your Begonia during the growing season every other week, but stop fertilizing when the plant is in its rest period. Too much fertilization can cause your Begonia to become leggy and thin. For a more organic approach, you can use compost, manure tea, or fish emulsion to maintain rich, healthy soil.

Begonias are particularly prone to pests like aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, thrips, and scale. Insects can be a real problem, and you may not always be able to notice them due to their small size. Check for any signs of problem pests like spots on the foliage or deformed looking flowers. A strong spray of water is often enough to remove most of the pests, but if that doesn’t suffice, you can use insecticidal soap or a neem oil-based insecticidal spray. Being careful to follow the instructions on the product, spray liberally, making sure to get the traps of the leaves. You may need to repeat the process for good results.

Begonias should be repotted yearly in springtime. When choosing a pot, go for something slightly larger than the previous one and make sure it has good drainage. Choose a soil-based potting mix made especially for Begonia, or mix your own soil by combining equal amounts of good quality compost, sharp sand, and peat. Gently remove the plant from its pot and position it in the center of the new one. Fill the pot with the soil mix and lightly tamp it down, avoiding any air pockets. Finally, water your Begonia thoroughly to settle the soil.

Your begonia will need to be pruned every so often to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to encourage growth. Remove any spent flowers promptly to keep the begonia looking nice. Pruning should be done in spring and summer, and you should use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to prevent disease from setting in. Do not prune too heavily, as too much pruning can weaken your Begonia.

Mulching can also help to keep the soil moist, while helping to condition the soil. Materials like peat moss, composted bark, or sand can be used, and are especially helpful during the hot, dry summer months. Apply the mulch before the summer season starts so the soil can retain some moisture.

Begonias can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings, or from seed. To propagate from a cutting, take a cutting a few inches long from a healthy plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil in a pot. Make sure to keep the soil moist at all times and avoid direct sunlight while the cutting is establishing. When the Begonia has rooted, you can then transfer it to its permanent home.

Some varieties of Begonia need a bit of support due to their heavy, trailing foliage. Plant them in a hanging basket or an elevated pot, and use a frame or trellis to help the plant stand up straight. Place the frame inside the pot and cover it with soil.

In order to ensure healthy, lush growth, Begonias need to take a rest period during the colder months. In winter, you should reduce the amount of watering you do and move it away from a sunny window. Leave the begonia in its pot and store it in a cool, dry place, such as an unheated garage or basement, making sure to protect it from frost. The plant should remain dormant, so avoid repotting or fertilizing during this time.

Fortunately, Begonia is not toxic to cats and dogs. While some varieties are considered slightly toxic to humans, it is still safe to grow around homes with pets.