How to Care for Begonia Houseplants

Known for their stunning and diverse foliage, Begonias are a delightful addition to any plant collection. Whether you're drawn to the intricate patterns of Rex Begonias or the climbing beauty of caning varieties, Begonias offer endless possibilities for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Family: Begoniaceae

Genus: Begonia

Commonly: angel wing

WATER

• Begonias prefer consistently moist soil but ensure they aren’t waterlogged to avoid the possibility of root rot.
  • Pro-tip: Using a moisture meter? Try to keep these right in the middle - not too dry, not too wet.

LIGHT

• These thrive best in bright, indirect light and some varieties may even appreciate a few hours of gentle, morning sun to encourage bright coloring! Shield them from intense, direct afternoon rays to keep the foliage safe.
  • Did you know? Rhizomatous species like Begonias can go dormant in the winter because of temperature changes and lack of light. You can expect some foliage to fall away but it’ll return better than ever in the spring!

HUMIDITY & TEMP

• Maintain a moderate level of humidity, especially if you're keeping your Begonias indoors.
• They appreciate warmth but can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, making them adaptable to an average home’s temp.
  • From our team: Don’t mist the foliage! The delicate leaves don’t appreciate being damp. Instead, use a humidifier to create a pebble tray to add a boost of moisture in the air.

SOIL

• A moisture-retentive soil is best for Begonias to allow the roots to access crucial moisture.
  • Try our tried-and-true mix: Coco Bag!

FERTILIZING

• A balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season will keep your Begonias well-fed and helps sustain full, healthy growth!
• Dilute to half strength or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant is heading into dormancy.
  • Incorporate our Arber Plant Food during your routine waterings to promote lush, bright foliage!

PESTS

• Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites and aphids to prevent foliage damage. Maintaining good plant hygiene, such as removing dead or decaying leaves, helps deter pests and keep Begonias healthy.
• A preventative routine is best to keep infestations away – include Arber Insecticide during your weekly maintenance.