How To Care For Begonias As Houseplants

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.

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.

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 do you water potted begonias?

If it feels dry, insert your finger just under the surface of the soil, about one-half to 1 inch deep. If this soil also feels dry, water your plant. Water once or twice a week to keep the soil slightly moist.

How do you take care of begonia plants?

Annual Begonia Care

Soil should remain moist, but not too wet. A well-draining soil or potting mix simplifies this task. Water wax begonias at the base to avoid leaf spot and the possibility of fungal diseases. The most compact and healthy wax begonias result from deadheading and pinching back regularly.

Do begonias like coffee grounds?

(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.

Are begonias good house plants?

Generally, fibrous and rhizomatous begonias make excellent houseplants while tuberous begonias can be grown as houseplants but have a harder time surviving due to the need for higher humidity and light than the other two kinds. ... Begonias grown indoors are especially susceptible to root rot and overwatering.

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.

Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?

Once a week apply half strength (1/2 T Miracle Grow or other soluble plant food per gallon) fertilizer solution in place of regular watering, being sure to give the basket enough so that liquid seeps from the bottom of the pot. Tuberous begonias are not heavy feeders, so don't overdo it.

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.

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 I save my begonias for next year?

The tubers can be saved over the winter and planted again the next spring for another year of showy color. Take the following steps to save your potted tuberous begonia tubers: ... Place in a dry, cool storage area (a basement or garage) and allow the tubers to cure for several weeks.

Can you take cuttings from begonias?

Some types of begonias can be propagated using different techniques like leaf cuttings, division and root cuttings. All begonias, however, can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings, sometimes called tip cuttings. ... Many begonias root easily, and you can use the simpler technique of rooting them in water.

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 begonia cuttings 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.

What fertilizer should I use on begonias?

For healthy plants and abundant blooms, apply 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer (view example on Amazon) diluted at a ratio of three parts water to one part fertilizer when you first plant (or transplant) your begonias and approximately every three weeks thereafter.

Is baking soda good for plants?

Baking soda on plants causes no apparent harm and may help prevent the bloom of fungal spores in some cases. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.

Are banana peels good for plants?

In fact, banana peels have the highest organic sources of potassium. Potassium aids plants in moving nutrients and water between cells. Potassium strengthens plants' stems and also fights off disease.

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.

How long will begonias bloom?

Also known as winter-flowering begonias, Riegers are usually grown as houseplants. They bloom best with short days and cool temperatures, and will often bloom for up to six months.

Can indoor begonias be planted outside?

Begonias are one of many common flowers that can be grown successfully both indoors and outdoors. They like light or dappled (rather than full) shade, making them the perfect addition to your houseplant collection.

Are begonias poisonous?

All of the over 1000 species of begonia are toxic to pets. After eating it, your pet's mouth will likely experience burning and vomiting may occur. The plant's juices and sap contain microscopic poisonous, needle-shaped crystals. The plant is considered mildly-toxic but the roots are especially poisonous.