Begonia (also its Latin name) is a popular genus houseplants belonging to the Begoniaceae family, native to the subtropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, and southern Asia.
The Begonia is one of the largest genera of flowering plants and contains 2,000 species! And whilst not all species flower, you’re sure to find an exciting and impressive mix of shapes, sizes and colours with the begonia – including green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. With such a stunning variety, it’s no wonder that these plants have become a potted favourite in many homes across the world.
As a shrub, most Begonia species do not reach above 40-45cm in height, so they’re an ideal plant for homes with smaller space available.
Begonia Gallery Gallery
Below, we provide the best care tips for keeping your Begonia happy and healthy.
Lighting
Begonias prefer bright, indirect light. Some Begonia species have very fragile leaves, so it’s important not to place them in direct sunlight. Some species with red or copper leaves can tolerate slightly more light.
Signs that your Begonia is getting too much light:
- Dry or brown leaf edges
- Yellowing or translucent leaves
- Wilting
How to provide the right amount of light for Begonia:
Ensure the plant is placed near a window which provides bright, indirect light either in the morning, or the afternoon.
Watering
Watering your Begonia is a fine balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot and droopy leaves, whilst under watering will result in brown leaf tips or edges.
When to water your Begonia:
Begonias like to remain moist but not wet. As a rule of thumb, you should water your Begonia when the top of the soil begins to dry. However, this plant cannot handle drought, so be sure to maintain water levels closely.
How to water your Begonia:
You should keep your Begonia in a well-drained pot. When watering, take out of the decorative pot and water fully, allowing all the water to drain through before placing them back. The soil should be moist but not wet.
Humidity
Begonia prefer a warm, slightly humid atmosphere. The ideal temperature for these plants is 60-70° F / 15-21°C.
How to create humidity for your Begonia:
To create natural humidity, simply using a pebble tray or placing them near other plants will increase humidity in the environment. These plants thrive in bathrooms.
Do not be tempted to mist the leaves as mildew can form which is damaging to the plant.
Soil
Any decent indoor potting mix is suitable for Begonia making it an easy indoor plant to care for.
Propagation
Begonias are easily propagated in water from a stem and leaf cutting. Make sure you cut just below a node on the stem, then place in water and in moderate (but not direct) sunlight.
On adult plants, the lower leaves and flowers naturally wilt and dry out over time, so be sure to prune them to encourage new leaves and flowers.
Colours and Variegation
Most Begonias have some level of variegation in their leaves, which is partly what makes the plant so popular to keep.
Notable species with some impressive variegation include the Spotted Begonia (the clue is in the name!) with red underside and green and white variegation on top; Begonia Brevirimosa, which has very bright pink variegation; and Maori Haze, which offers pink, purple, and red hues.
Toxicity
Begonia species are toxic to both humans and pets – so keep tiny hands and furry friends well away.
Special Information
For flowering species, plants hold both male and female flowers!
And, the leaves on the Begonia are not only variegated - they are also asymmetrical, which gives them a very distinctive look
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