How to Grow & Care for Beautiful Begonias

Here are the most common types found in gardens and homes:

Fibrous begonias (wax begonias, bedding begonias):

These compact, shade-loving plants are often used as bedding annuals or in containers. They feature succulent stems, rounded green or bronze-tinted leaves, and 1- to 1½-inch blooms in red, pink, or white. Wax begonias typically grow 6 to 12 inches tall and wide, thriving in window boxes, hanging baskets, or beneath trees. Learn more about wax begonias.

Tuberous begonias (Rieger begonias):

Known for their bold, colorful flowers and trailing or upright habits, tuberous begonias bloom in shades of pink, orange, red, yellow, and white. They perform especially well in hanging baskets or containers. Outdoors, they may reach up to 3 feet tall; indoors, usually 12 to 18 inches. These begonias are frost-tender and require overwintering. Learn more about tuberous begonias.

Cane begonias (including angel wing begonias):

Cane begonias grow upright with bamboo-like stems and often produce clusters of dangling flowers. Their foliage is a highlight, especially in Angel Wing varieties, which have long, speckled leaves with reddish undersides. Sizes range from small houseplants to 5-foot-tall specimens in ideal conditions.

Rhizomatous begonias:

This is the largest and most diverse group, grown mainly for their foliage. These begonias spread via thick horizontal rhizomes and often have unusual, textured leaves. Sizes vary widely—from compact tabletop plants to large 3-foot varieties.

Rex begonias:

A popular subgroup of rhizomatous begonias, Rex types are prized for their dazzling foliage in shades of silver, burgundy, purple, and green. Though finicky about water and humidity, they make striking houseplants or seasonal accents in shady outdoor displays. Most grow 12 to 18 inches tall and wide.

"“Begonias are a diverse group of plants, with more than 2,000 known species and thousands of cultivars. They grow in a wide range of environments, from tropical rainforests to high-altitude mountains.” — American Begonia Society

Wax and rhizomatous begonias don’t go dormant. Lightly prune them in spring (warm climates) or fall (cooler zones) to maintain compact growth. Before bringing them indoors for winter, check for pests or disease. Gradually acclimate them to indoor conditions by starting in a bright window and slowly reducing light to avoid leaf drop. In spring, reverse the process and move them back outside.

Tuberous begonias die back naturally each year. Begin reducing water in late summer, and trim yellowing foliage in early fall. At the first frost threat, dig up the tubers, gently clean off soil, and let them dry on newspaper in a sunny spot for about a week. To prevent powdery mildew, dust with sulfur powder and store individually in paper bags or wrapped in newspaper.

Illustration by: Olga Akbarova

How to prune begonias:

• Wax and Rhizomatous begonias: Make clean, angled cuts just above a leaf or flower node. Younger plants (under 3 years) can be cut back to 1–2 nodes above the soil to encourage fuller growth. Older plants should only be lightly pruned.
• Cane Begonias: Pinch the tops when plants reach 6 inches to promote branching. Remove tall or dead canes down to the soil. You can also cut back younger plants by about half, just above a node.
• Rex Begonias: These need minimal pruning. Pinch back to shape and remove leggy or bare stems as needed.
• All Types: Deadhead spent flowers about ½ inch below the bloom to encourage more blossoms and keep plants tidy.

Soil:

All begonias like evenly moist, well-draining soil with some added organic matter. For container-grown begonias, use a well-draining potting soil with added organic matter to help retain moisture without becoming soggy.

Amendments and fertilizer:

For general growing purposes, apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer once a month in the growing season. For plants grown strictly for their foliage, like angel wings, use a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen.

Watering:

Regular watering is important for healthy plants. The soil should remain moist at all times, but not too wet, as this can cause root rot. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent leaf spot and fungal diseases.

Winter care:

Begonias can be brought inside for overwintering. Put them in a window with bright filtered light and increase the humidity.

Diseases and pests:

Susceptible to powdery mildew, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and whitefly. Stem rot and rhizome rot can be caused by overwatering and soggy soil.