If you’ve ever owned a begonia, you can probably relate when I say that it’s kind of a wild ride! Not only do begonias have elaborate leaves that change colors as they get more sunshine, but if the conditions are just right, they can produce a pretty incredible sets of flowers as well. However, for every flower that your begonia produces, it’s just as likely that you’ll lose a leaf to issues with watering.
To learn how to keep your begonias healthy in just about any environment, take a look at my tips and tricks below. You’ll learn how to water begonias (to prevent root rot and leaf curling!) and how to encourage new blooms.
How to Water Begonia Plants
The most important tip regarding watering begonia plants that I can give you is to never let your plant soil dry out completely. Begonias thrive in consistently moist conditions (though never soggy) and dry soil can be a recipe for disaster.
Whether you have a wax begonia, rex begonia, or even a begonia maculata, always water then the soil up to your first knuckle feels dry. Water deeply when you do water to encourage deep root growth and bigger plant growth throughout the year. Also take care not to water directly on the begonia leaves–this promotes fungal infections. Make sure that your water is making it DIRECTLY into the soil.
Additionally, begonia plants are EXTREMELY sensitive to minerals found in tap water. Use collected rain water or pure distilled bottled water for pretty leaves no matter what.
Not only is consistently moist soil a good idea for most begonias, but high humidity is as well. If you are noticing that your begonia leaves are drying and turning crunchy, this is likely a result of inadequate humidity. Get a humidifier, or make your own pebble tray to help supplement more humidity!
Other Care Tips For Begonia House Plants
While they have dramatic leaves that can turn even more vibrant in more sunlight, begonia plants ARE extremely sensitive to too much sunshine. This being said, make sure you place your house plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light all day long. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
While direct sunlight can be too much for most begonia plants, all of mine have done extremely well under a grow light! During the winter I place mine under a grow light for about eight hours every day, and each time I’ve done so I’ve gotten blooms!
Begonia plants also aren’t heavy feeders–they will only need a dose of diluted fertilizer once a year during the late spring months.
How to Repot Begonias
When it comes to repotting begonias, make sure that the new pot is only 1-2 inches bigger than your current pot. If your begonia pot is any bigger than that, it could cause root rot and other fungal issues. Keeping the pots small keep plants healthier for longer because there isn’t as much soil to regulate. Add an inch or two of new potting soil to the top of your begonias each year until it comes time to repot again.
