How to Care for Your Begonias

There are more than 2,000 different species of begonias. The wax begonias are usually a popular choice for their diverse sizes, shapes and colors. Here are some tips to help you care for your wax begonia plant.

When you buy a new wax begonia you will want to transplant it from the plastic pot that it came in to something much larger. A larger terra-cotta pot with a drainage hole is a good choice. Thankfully begonias are a plant that have a fibrous root system that can be easily dug up and is not usually damaged during transplanting. The potting mix of choice for a begonia plant should have good drainage, good drainage will help prevent root rot, and should be a soil-less potting mix composed of mostly peat moss with vermiculite and perlite.

Cutting back the leaves and blooms that look ragged can help it adjust to the new light in your home. Although it is intimidating cutting back any plant you can be glad to hear that you can not hurt your begonia plant by cutting it back. It is recommended to cut about two-thirds of the plant off and it helps to cut above the leaf junctures, this will help encourage proper branching. Water your begonia plant thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain through the bottom of the pot and into a saucer.

There are some important things to keep in mind when you are watering your begonia plant. Do your best to not water the leaves. When water remains on the leaves and the plant is in direct sunlight then foliage burns will occur on the plant. It is also important that the begonia plant does not stay sitting in water and that you should let it dry out until you water it again. During Winter you may only have to water your begonia plant once a week.

You begonia plant will do better in different parts of your home depending on the time of year. In the Summer time you should have your plant by a west or east window, then when Winter arrives you should move your plant nearby a window on the south side of your house. Make sure not to put your begonia plant in direct sunlight as it will not do as well.