Begonias are an attractive plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. The Begoniaceae family includes more than 2,000 species. Numerous individuals cultivate begonias for their stunning, vibrant flowers that come in various shades, including white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. Additionally, many varieties feature remarkable leaves.
Begonia belongs to a diverse genus that comprises around 1,300 different species, which include annuals, perennials, shrubs, and climbing plants. These plants are distinguished by their thick, fleshy stems, which contribute to their unique appearance. Many people cultivate begonias primarily because of their vibrant flowers or strikingly colorful foliage. Overall, they are relatively simple to care for and can enhance the visual appeal of any garden throughout the entire growing season.
We consulted horticulture specialists for advice on cultivating these traditional flowers in your garden—here are the key points to consider.
Different Types of Begonias
Begonias can be classified into a variety of categories based on different characteristics. Below are some of the most widely recognized classifications of begonias:
Begonia Moonlight Butterfly
The Begonia Moonlight Butterfly is a rare and captivating plant mutation, known for its shimmering leaves that glow like moonlight and veins that pulse with a luminescent blue. This extraordinary Begonia adds a touch of ethereal beauty to any garden, making it a must-have for collectors and nature enthusiasts alike.
Cane Begonias (Angel Wing Begonias)
Cane begonias, also known as angel wing begonias, belong to a specific category of begonias. These plants are perennial and evergreen, characterized by an upright growth pattern. They feature woody stems with joints resembling those of bamboo. Cane begonias are cultivated for their striking shape, alongside their beautiful foliage and blooms. Angel wing begonias are favored as indoor plants.
Rex Begonia
Rex Begonia, also known as rex-cultorum, is a specific group within the rhizomatous begonia category. These plants are distinguished by their popularity as houseplants. Rex begonias have been extensively hybridized and cultivated primarily for their attractive foliage. In contrast, their flowers are generally considered to be of little significance. The leaves exhibit a wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes. While most rex begonias develop from a thickened stem known as a rhizome, they are not categorized alongside other types of rhizomatous begonias.
Wax Begonias (Semperflorens)
Wax Begonias, commonly referred to as fibrous begonias, are among the most abundant flower producers within the begonia species. This particular category of begonias is characterized by their fibrous root structure. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts highly value these begonias for their dense clusters of glossy leaves, which have a waxy texture, along with their small, vibrant flowers that come in a variety of colors.
Boliviensis Begonias
Boliviensis Begonias feature flowers in a reddish-orange hue and leaves with a subtle pink border. They flower from late spring through fall and thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. This variety prefers warm and humid conditions but grows best in partial shade to avoid direct sunlight. Additionally, it is susceptible to damage from strong winds.
Reiger Begonias
Reiger Begonias are a specific type of flowering plant that has particular needs for optimal growth and blooming. To achieve flowering, this variety thrives in conditions characterized by shorter daylight hours and cooler temperature ranges. Ideally, it favors locations with partial sunlight exposure and requires ambient temperatures maintained between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, including during the nighttime hours. Once the Reiger Begonias start to produce their beautiful blooms, these flowers can remain vibrant and present for an extensive duration, potentially lasting six months or even longer. Additionally, for best results, it is essential to ensure that the plant is cultivated in soil that drains well, as this helps prevent waterlogging and promotes healthy root development.
Rhizomatous Begonias
Rhizomatous Begonias are characterized by their distinctive foliage that is sure to catch attention. The leaves feature a soft, fuzzy feel and exhibit a variety of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and green. These plants thrive in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and require indirect sunlight for most of the day.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are sensitive to cold and thrive in warmer regions, specifically in zones nine and ten. They cannot withstand frost, so it is essential to bring them indoors as temperatures drop at night. While they require sunlight for blooming, direct sunlight is not ideal for their growth. Additionally, they favor well-drained soil for optimal development.
How to Plant,Grow and Care for Begonias
Begonias are relatively simple to cultivate, yet they have specific preferences like many other plants. Below are the essential requirements for their growth and flourishing.
Climate Begonias thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, favoring warm and humid conditions. As perennials, they perform best in warm or hot regions where outdoor temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In USDA Zones 5 and lower, they should be treated as annuals.
Light With a wide variety of begonias available, each type has unique light requirements. Some prefer partial sunlight, while others excel in full sun. It is important to verify the light needs of your chosen variety before planting.
Soil For optimal growth, begonias require well-draining soil. This is particularly crucial when growing them in containers on porches or patios, as drainage is vital. Christina VanWyk, president of the Delaware Valley Branch of the American Begonia Society, advises using a well-aerated, soilless potting mix that isn’t overly peat-heavy. Additionally, begonias thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH.
Watering Proper watering is essential for the health of begonias. These plants flourish in moist soil but dislike standing water. Kelly Funk, president of Jackson and Perkins, notes that the top inch of soil should dry out before the next watering.
A practical method for determining when to water is to check the soil moisture. Autumn Hilliard-Knapp, a horticulturist at My Perfect Plants Nursery, recommends inserting your finger into the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. In hotter climates, you may need to increase the frequency of watering.
Fertilizer Begonias can benefit from fertilization during their growth periods. According to Funk, it’s advisable to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the spring and summer.
Jen McDonald, a certified organic gardening specialist and co-founder of Garden Girls, suggests that to promote more blooms, you can apply bone meal once a month while the plants are actively growing. Bone meal contains higher phosphorus levels, which encourage flowering, while nitrogen supports leafy growth. However, it is crucial to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause root burn, cautions Funk.
Growing Begonias Indoors To ensure the successful growth of begonia houseplants, it is crucial to select an indoor location that aligns with their specific lighting requirements.
Species such as Rex begonias, which have rhizomatous and fibrous roots, are commonly cultivated indoors. Although tuberous begonias can also be grown inside, they demand more attention due to their specific light and humidity preferences.
Similar to most houseplants, begonias thrive in bright, indirect light and require a high level of humidity. If your home’s atmosphere is dry, particularly during winter months, place begonias on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring that the water level remains below the pebbles to avoid capillary action from saturating the pot. Alternatively, consider using a small humidifier.
Despite their preference for humid conditions, begonias do not require frequent watering. Allow the top inch of potting soil to dry out before thoroughly watering the plant. It is advisable to water until excess moisture drains from the bottom of the pot to ensure complete saturation of the soil.
Begonias benefit from companionship. Amanda Spangler, a horticulturist and lecturer at the University of Tennessee’s Department of Plant Sciences, recommends clustering several houseplants together to enhance humidity in the vicinity of your begonias.
In colder climates, bringing hardy tuberous begonias indoors during winter is an effective strategy to preserve them for future seasons. These plants perform optimally in well-lit areas, though indoor humidity levels may be lower than what they ideally require.
Repotting Begonias When it’s time to transfer begonias to a larger pot, select one that is only about an inch wider than the existing container.
“Transferring a small begonia into a significantly larger pot or repotting it prematurely can lead to issues such as root rot and other fungal diseases,” advises Spangler.
Opt for a potting mix that contains ample organic material or a soil-less mixture with slow-release fertilizer incorporated. If you are satisfied with your begonia’s current pot size, repotting is not necessary to maintain its health.
Each year, add a layer of fresh potting mix approximately an inch thick on top and prune the roots if necessary.
