Begonia Varieties

Begonias are a diverse and attractive group with more than 1500 different varieties. Which are typically categorized into three types: stemmed, rhizomatous, and tuberous. Although begonias are generally considered annuals, they also make fantastic houseplants. While care may vary slightly by variety, the following guidelines will help you care for most common types of indoor begonias.

Light

  • Ideal Light: Bright, indirect light.

    • Begonias prefer bright light but not direct sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch their delicate leaves.

  • Tolerates: Low to medium light, but the plant may not bloom well and the foliage might lose its vibrancy.

Humidity

  • Ideal Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50%-60%).

    • Begonias love moisture and will flourish in humid environments.

  • Tips:

    • To increase humidity, group plants together, use a humidifier, or place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensure the pot isn’t sitting directly in water).

    • Misting can also help, but it’s not a substitute for consistently higher humidity.

Watering

  • Avoid overwatering! 

  • For plants in small pots, let the top 1 inch of soil dry out before watering.

  •  In larger pots, wait until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. 


Varieties of Begonia

There are many types of begonias, and some care considerations may vary slightly depending on the variety:

  1. Begonia rex (with ornamental foliage): Requires slightly more humidity and light.

  2. Begonia semperflorens (flowering begonia): Known for its bright flowers and more tolerant of varying light conditions.

  3. Begonia maculata (polka-dot begonia): Prefers bright, indirect light and slightly more moisture.

  4. Tuberous begonias: These need a resting period and should be watered sparingly during the winter months.