Begonia Plant Care

With around 2,000 species to choose from, begonias are basically the fashion icons of the plant world—textured, colorful, and always a little dramatic. Native to Central and South America and parts of Asia, these tropical houseplants bring major jungle vibes with the right combo of warmth, moisture, and light.

While some varieties (looking at you, rex begonia) need a little more love than others, their eye-catching foliage more than makes up for the effort. Here's everything you need to know to help your begonias thrive indoors.

General Begonia Care Tips

LIGHT:
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Southern or western exposures filtered through sheer curtains? Perfect.

WATER:
Water once a week or when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. These plants like moisture—but never sogginess.

FEEDING:
Use diluted plant food once a month during spring and summer. Pause feeding in fall and winter when the plant goes dormant.

TOXICITY:
Begonias are mildly toxic when ingested in large amounts—especially the parts below the soil. If you’ve got pets that like to nibble, keep this plant out of reach.

🌱 Pro tip: While most begonias follow the same care patterns, always double-check for variety-specific needs—some are pickier than others.

Common Begonia Issues (and How to Fix Them)

💧 Overwatering vs. Underwatering
Begonias walk a fine line between needing consistent moisture and hating soggy soil. The key? Use a moisture-retaining, well-aerated potting mix and always pot in a container with drainage.

• Underwatered? You’ll notice drooping stems, dry leaf edges, or crispy foliage.
• Overwatered? Look out for blackened stems and mushy leaf bases.

🌫️ Low Humidity
If your watering game is on point but the leaves are still crisping, humidity might be the culprit. Begonias prefer levels above 50%, and while many adapt to standard indoor air, they’ll grow faster and fuller with a little extra love.

To raise humidity:

• Place a humidifier nearby
• Mist the plant daily
• Cluster it with other plants to create a microclimate

Begonia Types: A Quick Rundown

Cane Begonias
These are the easier, hardier cousins in the family. With tall, bamboo-like stems and vibrant blooms, cane begonias like Begonia coccinea and Begonia 'Gryphon' can reach heights of up to six feet with the right care. Their flowers? Waxy, clustered, and often pink or red.

Rex Begonias
Small but mighty, rex begonias typically stay under 18 inches tall and are beloved for their dramatic, patterned foliage—not their flowers. With over 500 known varieties and new cultivars popping up all the time, there’s no shortage of eye candy in this group.

Whether you’re into massive canes or miniature rexes, there’s a begonia for every aesthetic and skill level.

Begonias might have a rep for being picky, but once you dial in the right light, water, and humidity, they’ll reward you with lush, statement-making foliage and the occasional surprise bloom. If you’ve got questions or need help identifying your begonia variety, reach out to us at hello@rootedbrooklyn.com—we're always here to help you grow confidently.