Wax Begonia: Nearly Continuous Flowers Year-Round

Botanical Name: Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum

Few indoor plants bloom so persistently. Tender perennial, flowers year-round indoors in bright, warm spots. White, pink, red shades. Newer hybrids: more compact, more and bigger blooms. Round, thick, waxy leaves (dark-green, often bronze-tinged; some burgundy or white-variegated).

Care for Constant Color

Moist but Not Soggy

Keep evenly moist always. Dry soil → disease. Soggy → yellow wilting leaves (cut off fast — rot/fungus risk).

Bright Light Year-Round

No blooms = not enough light. Grows well under fluorescents too. Summer outdoors: shade from hot sun.

Prune for More Blooms

Remove spent flowers. Cut back foliage occasionally for neatness.

Humidity in Winter

Dry heated air hurts them. Away from vents/drafts. Below 50% RH: pebble tray or humidifier.

Quick Reference: Wax Begonia Care

• Origin: Hybrids
• Height: 6–12 in (15–30 cm)
• Light: Bright indirect; fluorescents OK
• Water: Evenly moist all year. Overwatering → yellow leaves.
• Humidity: Medium to high; pebble tray
• Temperature: Cool nights 60°F (16°C) / warm days 65–75°F (18–24°C) trigger buds
• Soil: Any good potting mix
• Fertilizer: Monthly high-phosphorus (10-20-10) diluted by half
• Propagation: Stem cuttings spring in fresh mix, lightly moist, plastic bag/cloche for humidity. Seeds tiny, slow (months).