Begonia: Dazzling Foliage & Flowers for Shaded Elegance

Begonias captivate with an astonishing diversity of leaf shapes, textures, and colors—spiraled, spotted, veined, metallic, hairy, or glossy—plus delicate flowers in white, pink, coral, and red. Rex, tuberous, cane, and rhizomatous types offer endless collector appeal.

Light & Temperature

Bright, indirect light. No direct sun (burns leaves). No drafts. Summer: 20–25°C (68–77°F). Winter: ~15°C (59°F), semi-dormant.

Watering & Humidity

Moderate: water when top 1–2 cm dry (every 2–3 days summer). Never wet leaves (powdery mildew risk). Soil moist, not soggy. High humidity essential—pebble tray/humidifier, no misting leaves.

Soil & Fertilizing

Rich, well-draining: leaf mold, loam, sand. Weekly balanced fertilizer March–Oct. Winter: stop.

Seasonal Care

Winter: reduce water, cool spot, east window. Spring: prune for shape, repot every 2 years (larger pot, fresh mix). Late Feb–March: cut back stems for vigor.

Propagation

Leaf cuttings (Rex), stem cuttings (cane), tuber division (tuberous), rhizome division (rhizomatous).

Problems

Powdery mildew (wet leaves/poor airflow). Botrytis (overwatering). Spider mites (dry air). Thrips/aphids on new growth.

Begonias transform shaded spaces into living tapestries of texture and color.