Caring for Begonia

Watering: Begonias like moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and be careful not to overwater.

Fertilizing: Feed begonias with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season.

Pruning: Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.

Repotting: Begonias may need to be repotted every year or two, especially if they have outgrown their current container.

Winter care: Some begonias are winter dormant and should be allowed to dry out and go dormant in the winter. Others, such as rex begonias, may need to be kept in a warm, humid environment year-round.

How to Propagate

Begonias can be propagated through various methods, such as stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division, and seed propagation. Here's a brief overview of each method:

1. Stem cuttings: Select a healthy stem, remove any leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches (2-5 cm), and place the stem in a pot with moist soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until roots appear, then transplant the new plant to a larger pot or garden bed.

2. Leaf cuttings: Cut a healthy leaf and petiole (stem) from the parent plant, then insert the petiole into a pot with moist soil. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment, and wait for the leaf to root and produce new growth.

3. Division: Gently separate the roots of an established plant into several smaller clumps, each with a few stems and roots. Transplant each clump to its own pot or garden bed.

4. Seed propagation: Sow begonia seeds on the surface of moist, well-draining soil and cover lightly with soil or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate, then transplant the new seedlings to their final location.

Regardless of the propagation method, it's important to keep the soil moist, warm, and protected from direct sunlight until new growth appears. Once the new plants are established, provide them with the appropriate care and conditions based on the begonia variety.

Pests and Diseases

Begonias can be susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:

1. Gray mold: This fungal disease can cause gray mold to form on begonias. It thrives in cool, damp conditions and can be treated with a fungicide.

2. Leaf spot: The symptoms of leaf spot on begonias include dark or water-soaked spots on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo around them. The spots can become larger over time and cause the leaves to drop prematurely, leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor in the plant.

3. Mealybugs: These small, white, cottony pests can cause stunted growth and yellowing of begonia leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

4. Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of begonias. It thrives in humid environments and can be treated with a fungicide.

5. Scale: These small, oval-shaped insects attach themselves to the stems and undersides of the leaves, sucking out sap and causing the foliage to wilt and yellow. You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to treat the infestation

6. Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can eat the leaves and damage the plant. To prevent this, you can use various methods, such as applying slug and snail bait, setting up beer traps, or using copper tape around the plant.

7. Stem rot: Begonia stem rot is a fungal disease that affects the stems of the plant, causing them to rot and wilt. Overwatering or poor drainage can also increase the risk of stem rot.

8. Thrips:& Thrips are tiny insects that can cause damage to begonias by sucking out the plant sap. Infected begonias may show signs of stunted growth, distorted leaves, and flower buds failing to open. Control thrips by applying an insecticidal soap or neem oil

9. Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling on begonia leaves. They thrive in hot, dry environments and can be treated with insecticidal soap.

10. Whiteflies: These small, winged insects can cause the yellowing and wilting of begonia leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

It's important to regularly inspect your begonias for signs of pests or disease and take appropriate measures to prevent or treat them. Additionally, maintaining good cultural practices such as providing proper water and fertilizer can help keep your begonias healthy and strong.

Companion Plants for Begonia

Begonias can be paired with a variety of other plants for a colorful and interesting garden design. Some great companion plants for begonias include:

1. Impatiens: These colorful annuals complement begonias well and thrive in similar growing conditions.

2. Coleus: This foliage plant adds a bold splash of color to any garden and makes a great backdrop for begonias.

3. Lobelia: This trailing plant adds a pop of blue to garden beds and containers and looks great when paired with begonias.

4. Petunias: These colorful annuals come in a wide range of colors and make a great companion plant for begonias.

5. Geraniums: These plants come in a variety of colors and bloom all season long, making them a great addition to any garden bed with begonias.

6. Hostas: These plants have striking foliage that contrasts nicely with the delicate flowers of begonias.

7. Ferns: These shade-loving plants provide a nice backdrop for the colorful blooms of begonias and add texture to garden beds.

8. Caladium: This foliage plant comes in a range of colors and adds a tropical feel to any garden, making it a great companion for begonias.

Click here to compare all Begonia varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

Do begonias like sun or shade?

Begonias prefer partial shade, meaning they require some shade during the hottest part of the day. Direct sunlight can cause their leaves to scorch or fade in color. Morning sun or filtered sunlight is ideal for most begonia species.

Do begonias come back every year?

Some begonias are perennials and can come back every year with proper care, while others are grown as annuals and will not survive the winter in colder climates. Tuberous begonias and some fibrous begonias are typically grown as annuals, while some rhizomatous begonias and some types of rex begonias are perennials.

How do you keep begonias over the winter?

Begonias are typically grown as annuals in regions with cold winters, as they cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. However, in regions with mild winters, they may be able to survive outdoors and come back in the spring. If you want to keep begonias over the winter, you can dig up the tubers or rhizomes in the fall after the foliage has died back and store them indoors in a cool, dry, and dark place until spring.

How long will begonias last?

The lifespan of begonias can vary depending on the species and the growing conditions. Generally, begonias grown as annuals will last for one growing season before dying off. However, some perennial begonia species can last for several years with proper care. Indoors, potted begonias can last for several years with the right environment, care, and maintenance. Over time, begonias may become leggy or stop blooming as profusely, indicating that it may be time to replace or propagate them.