Begonia (dotted plant)

Eye-catching Begonia houseplants

The Begonia is a striking houseplant with an impressive diversity: there are as many as 1,900 different varieties! This beautiful plant can be divided into two main groups: the flowering Begonia and the Leaf Begonia. The flowering variety transforms your home with an explosion of colours, from orange and yellow to pink and even multi-coloured. The Leaf Begonia does not produce flowers, but its leaves are true works of art. With soft textures and unique patterns, the colours range from bright pink and red to silver. Thanks to its versatility and colourful appearance, the Begonia is a trendy addition to any interior!
The Begonia's origins lie in warm, tropical regions such as Africa, New Guinea and the Andes. These areas are ideal for the plant because of the high humidity, allowing it to grow optimally.

Watering the begonia

The trendy Begonia thrives best when the soil is always moist during the spring and summer months. It is wise to give small amounts of water several times rather than a large amount all at once, as the plant absorbs this better. Too much water can lead to wet roots and root rot, something you want to avoid! In the summer months, the Begonia needs a bit more water, so water it 2-3 times a week. In the winter months, once a week is enough. If the soil feels dry within 2 days of watering, water a little more next time. If the soil is still wet after 5 days, it's better to water less.
In the winter months, the soil may dry out slightly between waterings. The ideal amount and frequency of watering varies per plant and depends on the ambient temperature, light intensity and pot size. During the first weeks after purchase, keep a close eye on the Begonia and check the potting soil regularly.

Spraying the Begonia

Due to its tropical origins, the Begonia appreciates a humid environment, which is often lacking in our living rooms. Regular watering helps the plant to thrive and prevents it from drying out. If you have the Begonia close to a heater, extra watering is recommended to maintain humidity.

The best location for the Begonia

The Begonia likes light and warmth, but direct sunlight can be too intense. Preferably place the plant near a north-facing window or in a place with indirect sunlight. Do not place the Begonia too close to a heater either, as this lowers the humidity, something the plant does not like. Also provide a draught-free spot to prevent pests. The ideal temperature for the Begonia is around 18 degrees Celsius during the day and around 14 degrees Celsius at night, making it perfect for the living room.

Repotting the Begonia

It is advisable to repot the Begonia every two years. This encourages the plant to grow in width, resulting in a fuller and healthier appearance. The best time to repot is spring, so that damaged roots can recover quickly. Use a pot with a diameter at least 20% larger than the old pot and fill it with universal potting soil. An insert sleeve can be useful to prevent water from standing at the bottom of the pot, which can cause root rot.

Give the begonia extra nutrition

To keep your Begonia in top condition, extra nutrition is important. Use special fertiliser for leaf begonias or Pokon for flowering begonias. When the plant is in bloom, it uses a lot of energy and benefits from extra nutrition. Be careful with the amount, because too much nutrition can damage the roots if it is not absorbed.

Help! The leaves of my Begonia are discoloured

If your Begonia's leaves are discoloured, this could be a sign that the plant is not completely happy. Often discolouration is a result of too much water, leading to brown or yellow edges and spots, or even leaf loss. Check the soil regularly and adjust watering if necessary. Discolouration can also simply be due to age; in that case, feel free to cut away the old leaves for a fresh look.

Pruning the begonia

In general, the Begonia does not need pruning, but removing old leaves and flowers can increase its ornamental value. This allows the plant to put its energy into developing new flowers and leaves.

Propagating the begonia

The Begonia is easy to propagate, which contributes to its huge variety of species. Many Begonias can be propagated by inserting a leaf with a stem into the soil. Make sure the area is moist, otherwise the leaf cannot form roots. A plastic bag around the pot helps to increase humidity.

The flowering of the Begonia

The Begonia is classified into two types: Leaf Begonias and Flowering Begonias. Although Leaf begonias can also get flowers, these are less noticeable and cost the plant a lot of energy. It is therefore advisable to remove the flowers of Leaf begonias. In contrast, the flowers of Flowering Begonias are colourful and continue to bloom throughout the summer.

Is the Begonia a toxic houseplant?

The Begonia is not poisonous when touched, but the sap can be harmful. Therefore, take care that children and pets do not nibble the leaves. The sap can cause irritation if it comes into contact with wounds or dry hands.

Begonia diseases

Begonia is susceptible to mildew. If mildew is detected, it is important to treat the plant immediately with a chemical or biological pesticide. Regular spraying can help prevent pests.

Buy a begonia at Green Bubble

Looking for a beautiful, healthy and strong Begonia? At Green Bubble you've come to the right place! We work directly with growers to guarantee the freshness of our indoor plants, so you'll always receive the best quality. Don't feel like going to the garden shop? Order your Begonia easily online in our webshop and have it delivered to your home for free!