Begonia · Rieger and wax begonias
The begonias we tuck into planter gardens are grown for their flowers: clusters of pink, red, coral, white or yellow over glossy leaves. They bloom for weeks indoors if you keep them bright, evenly moist and never soggy.
Most gift begonias are one of two kinds. Rieger begonias have big, rose-like flowers and are usually enjoyed as a seasonal blooming plant, a lot like a mum. Wax begonias have smaller flowers and waxy, rounded leaves, and they can keep going for a long time, indoors or out on a shady porch. The care below works for both.
Moist, never soggy
Water when the top half inch of soil feels dry, and never let the pot sit in water. Begonias have fine, shallow roots that rot quickly in wet soil. If yours is planted in a basket with other plants, water it a little at a time at the base.
Keep water off the leaves and flowers when you can. Wet foliage in a cool room invites gray mold and powdery mildew.
Finding the right spot
Plenty of light keeps the flowers coming. Hot sun burns the leaves.
- The best spot is near a bright east window, or a few feet back from a south or west one.
- An hour or two of soft morning sun is fine. Afternoon sun through glass in summer will scorch the leaves.
- Too little light and it stops making new buds and stretches.
- Keep it away from heat vents and cold drafts. It likes the same temperatures you do.
Everyday care
Begonia
Begonia × hiemalis · Begonia semperflorens
- Light
- Bright, indirect light. Gentle morning sun is welcome; avoid hot afternoon sun.
- Water
- Check every two or three days. Water when the top half inch is dry, then let it drain. Soggy soil is the number-one begonia killer.
- Humidity & temperature
- 60–75°F, never below 55°F. Good air movement helps prevent mildew; don’t crowd it.
- Feeding
- While it is blooming, half-strength flowering-plant food every two to three weeks.
- Grooming
- Pinch off faded flowers and yellow leaves every few days. It keeps the plant tidy and stops mold from starting.
- Lifespan
- A Rieger begonia blooms for a month or two and is usually treated as seasonal. A wax begonia can keep blooming for many months.
Toxic to cats and dogs, the roots most of all. Chewing it can cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Keep it out of reach. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
Rieger or wax: keep it or let it go?
There is no wrong answer. Enjoy the blooms, and when the plant is tired, it has done its job.
- Rieger begonias rarely rebloom well in a house. When the flowers are finished and the plant looks thin, most people let it go and fill the spot in the planter with a new plant.
- Wax begonias are easier to keep. Trim leggy stems back by a third in spring, and it will branch out and bloom again.
- Either kind can spend late spring and summer on a shaded porch once nights stay above 55°F. Bring it back in before our first frost.
The eastern North Carolina year
What to do through our Johnston County seasons.
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| SpringMarch–May | Strong blooming. Feed lightly, deadhead often, and trim leggy wax begonias. It can go outside in the shade from mid-May. |
| SummerJune–August | Outdoors it wants shade and a check every day in our heat. Indoors, keep it out of hot afternoon windows. |
| FallSeptember–November | Bring outdoor plants in before nights drop below 50°F, usually by mid-October in Johnston County. Check them for pests first. |
| WinterDecember–February | Shorter days slow blooming. Give it your brightest window and water less often. |
Repotting
A blooming begonia doesn’t need repotting while it is in flower. If a wax begonia is crowded in a mixed planter, lift it out in spring and give it its own pot, only an inch or two wider, with drainage holes and a light, well-draining houseplant mix.
Quick fixes
Stems turning black and mushy at the soil
Root or stem rot from wet soil. Let it dry out more; if the base is soft, the plant usually can’t be saved.
White powder on the leaves
Powdery mildew. Pick off the worst leaves, give it more air around it, and keep water off the foliage.
Gray fuzz on old flowers
Gray mold. Remove faded flowers promptly and keep the leaves dry.
Buds dropping before they open
A sudden change: moving, a draft, or soil drying out completely. Keep it steady.
Long stems, few flowers
Not enough light. Move it closer to a bright window.
Brown, crispy leaf patches
Sunburn from hot afternoon sun. Pull it back from the window.
Common questions
How often should I water a begonia?
When the top half inch of soil is dry, usually every few days. Let it drain and never leave it in water.
Will my begonia bloom again?
Wax begonias will, with good light and a spring trim. Rieger begonias usually don’t rebloom well indoors and are enjoyed as a seasonal plant.
Can begonias go outside?
Yes, in shade, from mid-May until early fall. They cannot take a frost.
Are begonias safe for pets?
No. They are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep them out of reach.
More plant care guides
Dish Gardens & Planter Baskets
Mixed green and blooming plants
Several plants in one container. Water lightly, give it bright indirect light, and separate them when they outgrow it.
Read the guide →Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
A sunny window, water only when it is dry, and long nights in fall for new blooms.
Read the guide →Mums
Chrysanthemum
Never let it dry out. Cool temperatures make the blooms last.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com