Begonia Care Guide
Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Botanical Name: Begonia
Durability: Good for beginners
Light
Most of the varieties of begonia require indirect light of some sort. Some, like the rex begonia, prefer to be on the shadier side while still receiving bright indirect light.
Water
Be super careful not to over water your begonia. They really don’t like to stay too wet! Test the soil for dryness in the first inch before watering.
Climate
Humidity requirements can vary for each species of begonia, but they generally prefer a more humid atmosphere.
Soil
Pot your begonia in a soilless potting mix, and make sure there is extra support to encourage proper drainage in the bottom.
Pests and Diseases
Begonias that are kept inside are very susceptible to root rot and overwatering. They can develop fungal issues that are a result of overwatering or if you get water on the leaves.
Tips
Wait until your begonia starts to show that it’s drying out before you water it. When the leaves start to curl, it’s time to water them!
Only go up one pot size when repotting them.
Add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of your begonia pot to ensure good drainage and prevent root rot.
Signs your begonia isn’t happy
Droopy leaves: needs water
Wilting: too much sun
Brown leaves: needs water
How to Propagate
Choose a healthy stem with healthy leaves to take your cutting from. Turn the stem upside down and cut it at an angle (with clean snips of course). Be sure to leave about 2 inches of the petiole (the stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem) to place in water. For an easy propagation method, just place the stem in a glass of water and wait for roots to grow! Once they’ve grown 2 inches, you can pot it in soil.
Fun Facts
There are over 1,000 species of begonia!
Begonia can grow up to 2 feet tall.
They have a succulent stem that helps them to store water.
Hardiness Zones
Before you move your plant outside, be sure to check the hardiness zone to save yourself some grief and the loss of a beloved plant.
The hardiness zones for Begonia are : 9a-11b
If you live in Tennessee, here’s a hardiness map to help you decide if your plant can survive outside!
