best soil for indoor begonias

So what soil mix is best for begonias? Use a soil-less mix, one formulated just for indoor plants and usually containing peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. Don't use amendments as you would in the garden, such as compost, nor garden soil.

What is the best soil for begonias?

Use light potting soil with extra perlite to promote proper drainage. In the garden, grow begonias in sandy loam soil. If you have heavy clay soil, grow begonias in raised beds filled with compost and topsoil.

How do you care for indoor potted begonias?

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.

What is the best potting compost for begonias?

Begonias thrive in a potting mixture that is nutrient-rich and free-draining. (Many savvy begonia gardeners prefer well-aged oak leaf compost mixed with an equal part of sand.)

How do you grow begonias indoors?

One of the tips for growing begonia as houseplants is to place them somewhere where they will get bright, indirect light and will get plenty of humidity. If the air in your house is dry, especially in the winter, it is a good idea to set your begonia houseplants on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water.

Are coffee grounds good for begonias?

(soil free is best) Outdoors, growing begonias means adding lots of organic matter to the soil. Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.

Should you mist Begonia maculata?

Polka Dot Begonias prefer a humid environment, which you can create by clustering your plants. Avoid misting to raise humidity levels as Begonias are prone to powdery mildew.

How long do potted begonias last?

No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care.

How often should I water my indoor begonia?

Water once or twice a week to keep the soil slightly moist. Water potted wax begonias more often, because plants grown in containers, especially those in hanging baskets, usually dry out more quickly than garden-grown plants.

Do begonias do well in pots?

Begonias are tropical perennials that thrive in warmth and, typically, partial light. ... Tuberous begonias are suitable options for begonia container gardens as they work well with the light texture of potting mix, and they work as bedding plants, too. These types of begonias are either upright or trailing.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

The best way to encourage begonias to produce more flowers is to care for them regularly. ProFlowers has some suggestions for indoor care; to begin with, keep your begonia in a spot with full to partial morning sunlight, with a temperature of about 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I leave my begonias in pots over winter?

Overwintering Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous begonias should be dug up and stored indoors during winter until the return of warmer weather in spring. ... Pot-grown begonia plants can be stored in their containers as long as they remain dry. They should also be relocated to a protected area that's cool, dark and dry.

Should you deadhead begonias?

do not require deadheading to thrive. ... However, if you want to clean up your begonias a bit faster than nature does, or if you want to encourage the plant to produce more stems, you should get into the habit of deadheading. Examine a begonia every one to three days to look for faded flowers.

Do begonias like to be misted?

Begonias also require high humidity to thrive, a challenge when growing them indoors. ... You also should not spray begonias with water, especially rex begonias. Misting does create humidity, but begonias are prone to powdery mildew, so it's better to keep the leaves dry.

Can you root begonias in water?

No need to use a soilless mix and rooting hormone, these plants want to grow. You can start them in a glass of water. Keep the begonia cut stems cool and moist until you get them into a clear vase or jar of water. ... Make sure you know which way is up since the cuttings will not root if you put the tops down in the water.

Do begonias like sun or shade?

Begonias need some sunlight, but they don't do well if that sunlight is harsh and direct. Instead, place them in filtered light, such as beneath high, thin tree canopies. However, as noted below some begonia varieties might tolerate more sun than others.

Can you water your plants with coffee?

Apparently, coffee is a great source of nitrogen, and plants that enjoy more acidic soil can benefit from certain levels of nitrogen, like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. ... A solution to this could be watering down your coffee before you pour it onto your plant.

Are used coffee grounds good for indoor plants?

Can you use coffee grounds to fertilize indoor plants?- Coffee grounds can be used to fertilize indoor plants, but you are best to make compost with them first. Directly applying coffee grounds to indoor plant soil can cause excessive moisture retention, fungal overgrowth and even impair plant growth.

Are eggshells good for plants?

The calcium from eggshells is also welcome in garden soil, where it moderates soil acidity while providing nutrients for plants. Eggshells contain such an abundance of calcium that they can be used almost like lime, though you would need a lot of eggshells to make a measurable impact.

Why is my Begonia maculata dying?

Begonia maculata has brown dry leaf tips or drooping stems

The soil has probably been dry for too long. Give your plant a good watering. Same when the stems of your Begonia m aculata are drooping. They are hanging down because they are thirsty.

Why are my begonia leaves curling up?

Thrips, for example, are among the most common begonia pests which may cause leaves to curl. Many types of begonia plants are also susceptible to powdery mildew. Begonia leaf curl is often among the first symptoms. ... Eventually, the disease may cause flowers and leaves to die back and fall from the plant.

Why are the leaves falling off my begonia?

Water. The most common reason begonia leaves rot is too frequent watering. Begonias are succulent plants with stems that are mostly water, which makes them very sensitive to moisture and fungus. ... Eventually, those leaves rot and then fall off.