Light: Bright indoor light is necessary for this plant to thrive. Too little light can lead to necrotic leaf patches and ultimately leaf loss.

Temperature: 65-85 F

Humidity: medium; avoid drafty areas

Water: Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. Water when the top 1-2” of mix dries. Check moisture 1-2 times/week as begonias hate to dry down completely.

Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger container (1-2” increased diameter or depth). Use a general purpose potting mix.

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per month March through September. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

The Begoniaceae family is quite large, claiming only two genera, but over 2000 species! There are MANY types of begonias out there in the wild to be enjoyed.

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Necrotic leaf spotting and leaf drop caused by low light levels

• Root decay caused by soggy potting mix

• Fungus gnats

• Mealybugs

Begonias are often grouped by their growth habit—rhizomatous (horizontal stem) and cane (vertical stem). Begonia rex-cultorum and Begonia maculata are two popular rhizomatous and cane type begonias respectively.