Begonias don't just feel at home on the balcony or terrace. You can easily cultivate these undemanding, long-flowering plants indoors. Extremely uncomplicated, they are even suitable for those who can only invest a little time in plant care.
How do I care for begonias as a houseplant?
To care for begonias as houseplants, choose a partially shaded location without direct midday sun, a room temperature of around 20 degrees, slightly acidic or neutral potting soil, water regularly with low-lime water and fertilize every two weeks with flowering plant fertilizer.
Begonia varieties
Thanks to numerous new varieties, there are now over 900 different begonia varieties:
- Hanging begonias with their bright red, yellow or orange flowers look beautiful in hanging baskets and balcony boxes.
- Standing versions look great in tall pots and containers.
Thanks to the variety of colors, begonias can be wonderfully coordinated with the rest of the plants, be it as a colorful contrast or tone on tone.
Location requirements
Begonias prefer a partially shaded location without direct midday sun. A north or east facing window or a corresponding balcony is ideal.
Pay attention to the room temperature for indoor begonias. This should be around twenty degrees. If there is a heater under the begonia window, the values will rise too much and the plant will thrive poorly.
Substrate
This should have a slightly acidic or neutral pH value. Ordinary potting soil works well.
Since begonias are very sensitive to waterlogging, a drainage layer is essential. Choose a planter that is not too large and has good drainage over which you can place a piece of pottery. Then fill in a layer of clay granules about two centimeters thick and add the potting soil on top.
Water requirements and fertilization
Never let the pot ball dry out completely (thumb test) and water with low-lime water or rainwater. Daily spraying with distilled water prevents mildew.
In order for begonias to produce many flowers, regular fertilizer applications are essential. Supply the plants every two weeks with a flowering plant fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon), which you add to the irrigation water.
Wintering
Outdoor begonias are not winter-hardy. In the fall, remove the greenery and dig up the tubers. Store them in a cool and dark place.
From February onwards, let the tubers grow in a bright, warm place in the house and put the begonias outside as soon as there is no longer any threat of night frost.
Tip
After budding, you should trim the young shoots. As a result, begonias grow much bushier and produce even more flowers, albeit a little later.
