Wax Begonia Plant Info

The wax begonia is a very common flowering houseplant known for its simple leaf shape and colorful range of flowers. It is fairly compact in growth compared to other plants and is easy to care for if the right conditions are maintained in the home Its popularity has led to a wide range of hybrids that can be found in garden centers.

Although native to South America, Begonia can be grown almost anywhere. They are popular choices for landscaping due to their attractive foliage and abundant blooms. They work well in flower beds, borders, containers, hanging baskets, and even as edging plants.

Begonia
Begonia cucullata
Clubed begonia
Super Olympia
Cocktail series
Victory series
Varsity
Paint Splash Pink
Different shades of pink-red and white. Rose-red being the most popular. The leaves are very glossy, feel like plastic/rubbery. The color ranges from green, bronze and dark red.

Water

New plants and cuttings need to be kept moist but not soggy as the roots get established. Established wax begonias generally need less frequent watering and can actually be allowed to dry out some between waterings.

Sunlight

When grown outdoors in tropical areas, they prefer bright, non-direct, filtered sun. Indoors they can thrive in a well-lit window but they can also be quite happy in moderate light and all but the hottest and most direct sun.

If keeping indoors, it is important to keep your begonias in a well-lit area of the home to ensure they get adequate light for healthy bushy growth.

Soil

Wax begonias like soil that is well-draining and that has some good levels of organic matter in it. Moisture retention is good but the soil cannot stay wet and soggy for long periods of time.

Potting soil mixes designed for houseplants are a good option and additional peat moss or another organic material can be added to give proper draining and moisture control as needed.

Fertilizer

You can add a slow-release fertilizer into the potting soil when you plant your begonias for an easy fertilization routine. There are also the options to use a liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, that is used with waterings one or two times a month.

Pruning

Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, If you notice long, leggy stems with sparse foliage, consider pruning them back to a healthier node. This promotes new growth.

Propagation

Via stem cuttings (very easy to propagate)

Thrives in

Both indoor and outdoor

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests & Diseases

Wax begonias can be susceptible to powdery mildew, mold, root rot, and stem rot as well as pests such as aphids, thrips, and scale

Landscaping Ideas

Flower beds
Borders
Containers
Hanging baskets
Edging plants
Bedding plants

Last Updated: July 25, 2023

You May Also Like

Cape marguerite

Cape Marguerite

Cape marguerite is a flowering plant with delicate petals and a range of vibrant colors. It belongs to the genus

Tugela cliff growing in ground

Tugela Cliff-Kalanchoe

Tugela cliff-kalanchoe is a succulent that mainly grows on rocky cliffs and slopes. Its leaves are greenish-gray and fleshy with

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen is a common name for a group of plants in the Aroid family native to Southeast Asia and

Author

Ninad
Ninad
When I was a kid, I learned about gardening from my mother, who is, to date, one of the best natural gardeners I know. Over time, I had my own mini-gardens (mainly flowers and fruit trees). During my vacation last year, I spent some time growing about 30 flowering plants and documenting their growth. Apart from Gardening, I also love gadgets and tech. I have a masters degree in Computer Engg from Arizona State University. Currently, I have an indoor hydroponics garden at my house in Texas.