Nurture Your Nature: Begonias

The tropical begonia needs no introduction, but it deserves one for being such a brilliant blossom. The perennial is a popular option for homeowners who want to invite a touch of the great outdoors inside — and it also happens to be really easy to maintain. A little bit of TLC is all that’s needed to help your begonia thrive and stay alive.

This vibrant plant is noteworthy for its showy leaves and variety of colors, like dramatic reds and radiant pinks. Just a glance is enough to put you in a springy state of mind. If you need to brighten up a room or breathe some new life into your living space, a begonia will do the job beautifully.

Moisture Maintenance

It may be a little trickier to maintain than, say, the ZZ plant and the spider plant, but begonia care is simple to master, nonetheless. It’s mainly important to find a happy medium where the soil’s moisture levels are concerned. Too much water can overwhelm the begonia and leave the roots vulnerable to rotting. But too little can cause premature dryness.

So what’s the solution? Water the soil when the topmost inch or so feels dry to the touch. You can also wait until you notice the leaves slouch a bit; this is a visual alert that the plant is dehydrated and needs a moisture infusion, stat. Doing this will prevent the dreaded overwatering syndrome, which is among the key reasons why begonias ultimately fail inside the home. Apply water directly to the soil, and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal problems. The soil should feel just damp enough, but not deeply saturated.

And speaking of soil, one that drains well is key to your begonia’s success. Both our Red Begonia and Pink Begonia are planted in clay terracotta pots and arrive ready for you to nourish and nurture. Make it a point to add a weak-blend fertilizer at least once a month to satiate the plant.

Lighting Conditions

Illumination plays a vital role in supporting the begonia throughout its life, too. That’s why location is so important! Where you place the plant can affect just how much it thrives. Find a bright spot that receives indirect lighting for best results.

If there’s too much light in the vicinity, the leaves may eventually take on a scorched, browned, or discolored appearance that robs the plant of its obvious beauty. In that case, find a slightly less bright area of your home to keep it. The key is to avoid direct light or even filtered sunlight, which might otherwise warm — and harm! — your plants through a sheer window treatment.

Springtime Care

Begonias are largely recognizable for their pretty flowers. The thick leaves and vibrant hues, however, depend on proper maintenance throughout the year. To keep them at their best, a little bit of humidity is highly recommended. However, you shouldn’t pull out the old misting sprayer and spray the leaves because the begonia is highly vulnerable to powdery mildew. Instead, spritz the air surrounding the plant to create a moist environment.

Another option is to keep the plant in a space where humidity is more prevalent, like the kitchen or a bathroom. Just be mindful of light quality in these spaces, and ensure that the temperature doesn’t rise too far above 75° Fahrenheit during the day and below 55° Fahrenheit at night. The right conditions will promote blooming and yield a beautiful plant that adds a vibrant touch to your home!