This genus is genuinely split in this KB between two very different uses: foliage begonias (this template) are grown indoors year-round for leaf pattern and rarely flower significantly, while the summer bedding and tuberous begonias (separate template, Ornamental garden section) are grown outdoors specifically for their flowers and are not frost-hardy. Don't apply one template's routine to the other.
Care
Never direct sun, which scorches the patterned leaves; tolerates lower light than many houseplants but colour is best in bright conditions.
Water when the top of the compost feels dry; avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal spotting.
Peat-free, free-draining houseplant compost.
Remove any damaged or dying leaves at the base; otherwise needs very little pruning.
A dilute balanced feed every two or three weeks in the growing season, leaning to high potash for the flowering kinds. Keep the feed off the leaves of the hairy-leaved types, where it marks.
Leaf cuttings are the classic method for the rex types: cut across the main veins on the underside, pin the leaf flat on damp compost and keep it covered — plantlets form at each cut. Stem cuttings suit the cane and trailing kinds.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchResume light feeding as growth picks up. how ›
- JuneIncrease humidity if leaf edges start to look dry or crisp — a pebble tray helps without wetting the foliage directly.
- NovemberReduce watering for the winter rest period; many types die back to a resting rhizome and regrow in spring. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchResume light feeding as growth picks up. how ›
- JuneIncrease humidity if leaf edges start to look dry or crisp — a pebble tray helps without wetting the foliage directly.
- NovemberReduce watering for the winter rest period; many types die back to a resting rhizome and regrow in spring. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchResume light feeding as growth picks up. how ›
- JuneIncrease humidity if leaf edges start to look dry or crisp — a pebble tray helps without wetting the foliage directly.
- NovemberReduce watering for the winter rest period; many types die back to a resting rhizome and regrow in spring. how ›
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchResume light feeding as growth picks up. how ›
- JuneIncrease humidity if leaf edges start to look dry or crisp — a pebble tray helps without wetting the foliage directly.
- NovemberReduce watering for the winter rest period; many types die back to a resting rhizome and regrow in spring. how ›
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. White powdery patches on leaves, especially in poor air circulation.
What to do. Improve air flow around the plant, avoid wetting the foliage when watering, and remove badly affected leaves.
How to spot it. Crisp, dry margins on the ornamental leaves.
What to do. Usually low humidity or a draught — move away from radiators and increase humidity with a pebble tray.
How to spot it. Foliage fading and collapsing in low light, cool conditions.
What to do. Often a natural winter rest for many foliage types — keep the rhizome just barely moist rather than discarding the plant; new growth usually resumes in spring.
Questions
Begonia: is it hardy?
H1b: Tender, needs above 10°C. It survives above 10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Grown exclusively as a compact pot plant for this foliage group, prized for leaf colour on a windowsill or shelf.
Begonia: when do you prune it?
Remove any damaged or dying leaves at the base; otherwise needs very little pruning.
When do you feed it?
A dilute balanced feed every two or three weeks in the growing season, leaning to high potash for the flowering kinds. Keep the feed off the leaves of the hairy-leaved types, where it marks. Feeding months, UK: April–September.