A Complete Guide to Buying Begonias

Your Guide to buying the best Begonia

Overview

This Begonia buying guide provides detailed information on the many varieties of begonias available, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing these beautiful flowers for your home or garden. We will cover the types of begonias, the best conditions for their growth, and the necessary care for keeping them healthy and vibrant. This guide is intended to help you find the best begonia to add to your home or garden, so you can enjoy beautiful flowering plants for years to come.

Key features

  1. Soil type: Begonias prefer soil that drains quickly, such as a mixture of planting soil and sand, or a cactus potting mix.
  2. Light Requirements: Begonias need indirect, bright light, and should not be placed in direct sunlight.
  3. Watering: Begonias should be watered thoroughly, but not too often. Allow the soil to dry out before each watering.
  4. Temperature: Begonias prefer temperatures between 65-85 degrees F.
  5. Fertilizer: Feed your begonias a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer.
  6. Pests: Check your begonias regularly for pests and treat as needed.

See the most popular Begonia on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility - Begonia is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and can be grown in a variety of climates and light conditions.
  • Low Maintenance - Begonia is a relatively low maintenance plant, requiring very little attention to thrive.
  • Long-lasting - Begonia is a long-lasting plant that can survive for many years if properly cared for.
  • Disease Resistance - Begonia is fairly resistant to disease, and does not require many chemicals or other treatments to stay healthy.
  • Attractive Appearance - Begonia has a beautiful and varied range of flowers, making it a stunning addition to any garden or home.

Cons

  • Disease & Pest Problems - Begonia plants are susceptible to many diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, gray mold, aphids, mealybugs, and other fungi and insects. These can be difficult to treat and can quickly spread to other plants.
  • Light Requirements - Begonia plants have specific light requirements and often require more light than most indoor plants. They need at least 6 hours of partial to full sunlight for optimal growth.
  • Watering Requirements - Begonia plants require regular and even watering and should be monitored for signs of over-watering or under-watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
  • Fertilizer Needs - Begonia plants require regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Not fertilizing correctly can lead to nutrient deficiencies and stunted growth.
  • Repotting Needs - Begonia plants should be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure adequate drainage and to encourage new growth. Repotting too often can disturb the roots and lead to shock.
  • Temperature & Humidity Requirements - Begonia plants require warm temperatures (65-85°F) and high humidity (above 65%). If the temperature drops or the humidity is too low, the plant may suffer from shock or even die.

Best alternatives

  1. Cordyline - A tropical plant with colorful foliage and graceful arching leaves.
  2. Caladium - A tropical perennial grown for its colorful foliage in a variety of shapes and sizes.
  3. Impatiens - A colorful, easy-to-grow plant that produces bright flowers in a wide range of colors.
  4. Fuchsia - A popular flowering plant that comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
  5. Coleus - A vibrant and colorful foliage plant with interesting patterns and color variations.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Potting Soil - a soil formulated with enough organic matter to retain moisture, as well as providing the necessary nutrients for Begonia.
  • Pot - a container with holes in the bottom for drainage and usually made of clay, plastic, or ceramic.
  • Fertilizer - a liquid or granular product that provides nutrients to help the Begonia plant grow strong and healthy.
  • Pruning Shears - a tool used to trim and shape the Begonia plant to maintain a desired size and shape.
  • Pest Control - products that help prevent and reduce the presence of harmful pests on the Begonia plant.
  • Humidity Tray - a tray filled with water and gravel or pebbles that helps create a moist environment around the Begonia plant.

Common questions

  1. What types of Begonia are available? There are many different types of Begonia plants available, including wax begonias, rhizomatous begonias, rex begonias, tuberous begonias, semperflorens begonias, cane-like begonias, shrub-like begonias, and angel-wing begonias.
  2. How much light does a Begonia need? The amount of light that a begonia needs depends on the type of begonia. Some begonias prefer full sun while others thrive in bright, indirect light.
  3. What temperature is ideal for Begonia? Begonia plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 70°F (16 to 21°C).
  4. Are Begonia plants hardy? Begonia plants are not generally hardy and should be brought indoors in colder climates.
  5. How often should you water Begonia? Begonia plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, usually about once a week.
  6. Do Begonia plants need to be fertilized? Yes, Begonia plants should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
  7. Are Begonia plants toxic? Yes, Begonia plants are considered toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Trivia

The Begonia genus has nearly 1,000 species and is an incredibly diverse type of plant. Many of the species have fascinating shapes, such as the starfish flower, which features five or more petals shaped like starfish legs. In addition, some of the species, like the painted-leaved begonia, have interestingly patterned leaves and can bring a bit of flair to any garden. Begonia are also believed to symbolize deep and lasting friendships, a fitting sentiment for any home. Sources: The Spruce, Flower Meaning

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.