First, the most important rules for proper begonia care at a glance. So that your begonias always remain full of flowers and colors. Further tried and tested tips for a blooming eye-catcher in the room, balcony and garden. Begonia care at a glance.
How do you properly care for begonias?
Begonia care includes an airy, partially shaded location without direct midday sun, watering 2-3 times a week without waterlogging and fertilizing depending on the season. Fertilize weekly in spring and summer, 1-2 times a month in autumn and do not fertilize at all in winter. Regularly removing spent flowers and damaged leaves promotes the longevity and robustness of the plant.
The optimal location
- airy, bright place
- partially shaded to shady
- only morning and evening sun
- no blazing midday sun
Watering and moistening correctly
- 2 – 3 times a week
- Avoid waterlogging
- only moisten during the wintering phase
- Appropriate fertilizer applications depending on the season
- weekly in spring and summer
- in autumn 1 – 2 times a month
- no fertilizer in winter
Perfect begonia care made easy
Begonias bloom in all color variations. That's why they are one of the most popular ornamental plants. The special plus: All begonia varieties are easy to care for, so hobby gardeners can enjoy quick success.
Where and how to plant begonias correctly?
Do you want to plant begonias? A semi-shady or shady location without direct midday sun is best. Begonias are shade plants whose leaves and flowers burn in direct sun! In the morning and evening, however, the plants enjoy sunlight. The optimal begonia location is partially shaded, airy and without midday sun. The soil should be nutrient-rich and very well drained. To do this, mix a third to half of the sand into the potting soil.
If you plant begonias in balcony boxes, you should fill in drainage made of expanded clay or gravel. Hanging and tuberous begonias are suitable for balcony boxes. Both begonia varieties are available in countless variations of flower and foliage colors. In spring and autumn, water once or twice a week is sufficient.
Due to the fleshy leaves and shoots, begonia plants are sensitive to mechanical influences. Strong wind, hail or rain damages leaves, shoots and flowers. It is advisable to plant begonias in appropriately protected places and to attach long shoots or provide additional support.
When caring for begonias, is less is more?
As easy to care for as begonias are on the one hand, they are thirsty on the other. Begonias quickly die of thirst, especially on hot summer days, without additional water rations. Therefore water sufficiently. But definitely avoid waterlogging! This is much more damaging to begonias than short droughts. Check the water balance of indoor begonias daily. Do you want to give your begonia a special treat? Then water her with lukewarm water and give her a shower from a spray bottle.
Apart from love, air and water, begonias need regular nutrients. Long-term fertilizers (€12.00 on Amazon) or weekly fertilizer applications have proven to be effective. Because the lush flowers need strength. Storage fertilizer such as blue grain is also suitable in small doses. The following applies here: less is more. If you regularly remove spent flowers and damaged leaves, the plant will bloom longer and become more robust. You can stop fertilizing from late autumn.
Begonias come from tropical regions. That's why they are only allowed outside in spring when there is no longer any threat of frost. In autumn they should overwinter early in frost-free rooms. They react sensitively to sub-zero temperatures and die.
Tips & Tricks
Begonias can be combined with fuchsias or noble lilies. This is how you can make shady locations colorful. For a flower dream all year round.