How to Grow Begonia (Other types)
Begonia (Other types)
Begonia spp.
flowerBegonias are diverse flowering plants prized for their attractive foliage, colorful flowers, or both, depending on the type. They range from compact bedding varieties to large-leaved rex begonias and trailing wax begonias. Most begonias thrive as indoor houseplants or in shaded outdoor gardens.
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Example Begonia (Other types) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Begonia (Other types)
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Begonia (Other types) blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11 for outdoor perennial growth; zones 3-9 as annuals or container plants indoors
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with 2-4 small leaves; very delicate and slow-growing initially
Maintain high humidity (60-80%), provide bright indirect light, keep soil moist but not soggy, avoid direct misting
Vegetative
4-8 weeksPlant develops true leaves and establishes root system; foliage becomes more prominent in foliage-type begonias
Gradually increase light exposure, maintain consistent moisture, begin light feeding with diluted fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
Flowering
8-16 weeks (can be continuous indoors)Flower buds form at branch tips; blooms open in shades of red, pink, white, orange, or yellow depending on variety
Feed with phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage blooming, maintain bright indirect light, remove spent flowers to promote more blooms
Mature
Ongoing (perennial indoors)Full-sized plant with established foliage and regular flower production; may reach 6-24 inches depending on type
Pinch tips to encourage bushiness, deadhead regularly, monitor for pests, reduce feeding in winter dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, use sulfur spray or neem oil, remove affected leaves
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Reduce humidity, ensure good ventilation, remove dead flowers and leaves, apply fungicide if severe
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, apply neem oil
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab, spray with insecticidal soap, isolate infested plants
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Reduce watering frequency, improve drainage, repot in fresh soil, remove dead roots
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryBegonia flowers are edible with a slightly tart, lemony flavor and are used as garnishes in salads and desserts. They add visual appeal and a subtle citrus note to gourmet dishes. [source]
Interior Decoration
HouseholdBegonias are popular houseplants used to brighten indoor spaces with colorful foliage and flowers. They thrive in low-light conditions better than many ornamental plants, making them ideal for homes and offices. [source]
Traditional Remedies
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, some begonia species have been used to treat wounds, inflammation, and skin conditions. Scientific evidence is limited, but some cultures use begonia leaf extracts topically. [source]
Pressed Flowers & Art
CraftBegonia flowers and foliage press beautifully and are popular for craft projects, scrapbooking, and dried flower arrangements. Their delicate petals and unique shapes make them ideal for botanical art. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBegonia flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making them valuable for supporting garden ecosystems. They provide nectar and pollen sources in shaded areas where other flowering plants may struggle. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begonias are ornamental flowers; deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. For propagation, take stem cuttings 2-3 inches long in spring and root in moist soil or water. Rex begonias can be propagated from leaf cuttings. Tuberous begonias can be divided when dormant in winter
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Begonias are named after Michel Bégon, a French botanist and governor of French Canada in the 17th century, honored by Charles Plumier in his plant classifications.
- 🌱 The genus Begonia contains over 2,000 species native to tropical and subtropical regions, making it one of the largest flowering plant genera, second only to orchids and ferns in species diversity.
- 🌱 Some begonias have asymmetrical leaves where one side is larger than the other—a unique characteristic called 'oblique leaves' that helps them capture light efficiently in shaded forest understory environments.
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