How Often Do You Water Begonias

Overwatering. Most begonias can survive the occasional drought, but overwatering is usually deadly. It is one of the most serious causes of a begonia wilting, and you are best to learn to avoid it, rather than have to deal with the consequences. Most types of begonias like to grow in slightly moist conditions.

How do you care for potted begonias?

Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter (stop watering tuberous begonias in fall). Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil. When plant is in full growth, fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength at alternate waterings.

What does an overwatered begonia look like?

An overwatered Begonia will have soft, soggy leaves that instantly tell you that you might have gone a little wild with the water. Another factor to look out for is wet muddy soil. That is a sure-fire sign that overwatering, and not underwatering, is the cause of your plant looking so sad.

Do begonias like full sun?

Most begonias grow best in part shade (4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun a day), or filtered sun (as through trees). Most will tolerate full shade (no direct or filtered sun), but won’t be as dense and usually have fewer flowers. A few grow in full sun.

How often do you water begonias in pots?

A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it’s hot and dry you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.

What to do if you overwater a begonia?

Wilted, overwatered plants are not always a lost cause.
Move your plant to a shady area even if it is a full-sun plant. Check your pot for proper drainage and, if possible, create additional air space around the roots. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, but do not let it get too dry. Treat with a fungicide.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

Select a location receiving more direct morning or evening sunlight than mid day sun. Early morning / late day sunlight is much cooler with less intense rays. By keeping begonias out of the mid-day direct sun, the plants have less stress, and will produce more blooms.

Are begonias easy to care for?

Found in shades of white, pink, yellow, and scarlet, this flowering plant is hardy and easy to grow. All it requires is a little sun, a little water, and a lot of love. Your new begonia plant can be a part of your home décor for a long time if it is cared for in the right way.

How long do potted begonias last?

Begonias typically live for 2 to 3 years indoors with some varieties surviving as much as 5 years with very good care. After 2 years, it’s generally recommended to propagate your Begonia, if you wish to keep growing it. As far as outdoor Begonias, they last only one season as they don’t survive the winter.

How do you know when a begonia needs water?

General Rules. The main rule of thumb for watering begonias is to not let the soil dry out completely. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it dry to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, which will cause the foliage to turn yellow and eventually drop.

Why do begonia leaves curl?

Overwatering, inadequate water quality, and light exposure are the main culprits for causing the leaves of your Begonia to curl. Often, all that is needed is to check the amount, and quality, of water being fed, as well as the position of the plant. Easy! Diseases or insect infestations can also cause leaves to curl.

What kind of soil do begonias like?

Use light potting soil with extra perlite to promote proper drainage. In the garden, grow begonias in sandy loam soil. If you have heavy clay soil, grow begonias in raised beds filled with compost and topsoil.

What month do begonias flower?

Starting begonia tubers. A tuberous begonia tuber sprouting in a container. In late winter or early spring, purchase tubers or start those you have stored. Tubers started in February should begin to bloom in June; those started in March or early April should bloom in July.

Are begonias house plants?

Begonias are a popular houseplant. Some varieties of begonia houseplants are grown for their flowers while others are grown for their striking foliage. Growing begonias as houseplants only requires a little bit of knowledge in order to keep them looking their very best indoors.

Do begonias come back?

This results in at least four months of blooms a year and if looked after properly, they will come back year after year so one purchase will give years of enjoyment in your garden. Begonias are extremely versatile and can be used in different ways.

Should I mist begonias?

Begonias are prone to powdery mildew that can occur if their leaves are kept wet. It is okay to mist the area around your plant to increase humidity, but do not mist directly on the leaves and avoid getting the leaves wet while watering.

Do you need to deadhead begonias?

Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 through 11, depending on the cultivar, begonias (Begonia spp.) do not require deadheading to thrive. Rather they self-clean by dropping spent flowers on their own, says the University of Illinois Extension.

Is Miracle Grow good for begonias?

Miracle-Gro is a great fertilizer to use on begonias. The brand also has several different formulas that you can use for these plants. It can be applied to both young and older plants.