How to Care for Begonia Plants & Detect Issues

Begonia are low maintenance plants, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a little TLC. Here is how to water, provide enough sun, and the right potting mix for your Begonia. We’ve broken specific sections out based on the root types as this will determine the best option for your plant.

Most Begonia should be watered once a week when the top inch or two of potting mix dries out. If you notice discoloration like a yellowing of the leaves, or the plant wilting when it is getting the right amount of sunlight, you’re likely overwatering your Begonia. If this happens check for root rot and treat it in the section below, and modify your watering schedule.

• Fibrous root Begonia should be watered when the top 1 to 2 inches of potting mix are dry once per week or every 5 days in hot or dry climates.

• Tuber and rhizome Begonia should be watered every 2 weeks if the weekly waterings caused root rot or too much moisture as the tubers and rhizomes store water so it is needed less frequently.

To find the type of root system your Begonia plant has, click here to see our selection and click the product page, or do a Google or Bing search for “Insert species of Begonia” with “type of root.”

Begonias need 3 - 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day, so place your plant somewhere shady where the room gets natural light. This mimics their natural environment where the canopy of the forest shields them from direct sunlight and provides ample shade.

Begonia needs 50% to 70% humidity which mimics a tropical rainforest. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level of your home and if it is below 50% add a humidifier to the room, use a pebble tray under the plant, or group other houseplants with your Begonia to increase the humidity levels.

Your Begonia will thrive in most homes as their ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C.)

No plant is fully immune to health issue including Begonia. Here are a couple of common issues and a first step at treating them.

Begonia is known for its striking colors, and when they turn yellow (discolor) or lose their vibrancy, there are a few ways to bring them back to life.

• Yellowing of the leaves could mean overwatering, reduce the frequency of watering, change the potting mix for fresh, and check for root rot when you’re changing the potting mix.

• A loss of vibrancy could be from not enough sunlight. Check to make sure the plant is in a space that is shady but not too far away from natural light for at least 3 hours per day. If it is getting 3 hours, find a new spot that has 4 or 5.

If the leaves turn brown and get crunchy, chances are your Begonia has leaf burn. This is similar to our skin when we get sunburned. There are two steps to treat this.

1. Trim the brown and crunchy sections off with sharp and clean shears.

2. Move your Begonia further away from direct sunlight.

If your plant has yellowed or wilted, you noticed a musty or earthy smell coming from it, and when you remove it from its pot and the root system is mushy and yellow, your Begonia has root rot. This is easy to treat.

1. Remove your Begonia from its pot.

2. Empty the pot and disinfect it with a fungicide

3. Rinse the root system under clean water

4. Carefully cut off all mushy, yellow, and smelly roots with a clean and disinfected pair of shears

5. Fill the pot with a well draining and moisture retaining potting mix and replant your Begonia

Begonia needs a well draining potting mix that can also retain moisture so look for options with perlite or vermiculite for drainage, and moss or coco coir for moisture retention. Our Coco Bag is perfect for Begonia plants.

With more than 2,000 species of Begonia plants to choose from, there’s no shortage of options. To help make choosing one or a few easy, here are some of our staff’s favorites: 

Begonia 'Maculata'

Begonia maculata is instantly recognizable for its olive green leaves dotted with silvery-white spots and rich red undersides. With its tall, upright growth and wing-shaped leaves, it brings bold contrast to any space. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.

Begonia Rex
Rex Begonias are prized for their vivid, textured leaves that can include shades of silver, purple, green, and even pink. They stay compact and do well in smaller pots, making them perfect for desktops or shaded shelves. Best suited for plant lovers who enjoy fussing over humidity and color.

Begonia ‘Moonlight’
With its soft, pale green leaves and delicate shine, Begonia Moonlight adds a gentle glow to plant arrangements. Its rounded foliage makes it an easy pairing with spikier or more angular houseplants. It enjoys consistent moisture and bright, filtered light.

Begonia ‘Gryphon’
This hybrid is known for its large, deeply lobed leaves in silver and dark green, giving it a tropical, almost prehistoric look. It’s more tolerant of varying conditions than other begonias and does well indoors or out in mild climates. Great for plant parents who want drama without too much maintenance.

Begonia 'Ferox'
Begonia ferox stands out with thick, textured leaves that develop dramatic black spikes across the surface as they mature. Its unique, almost alien appearance makes it a must-have for collectors. It prefers high humidity and consistent warmth, so it's best kept in a terrarium or controlled environment.

Begonia 'Thurstonii'
This rare species features glossy, bronzy-green leaves with reddish undersides and can produce soft pink blooms under the right conditions. It has a fuller, bushier shape than many begonias and adds a vintage botanical vibe to plant groupings. Ideal for well-lit rooms with moderate humidity.