Begonia semperflorens, commonly referred to as wax begonia, is a beautiful bedding plant, but is equally attractive as a houseplant. Bringing you begonias inside for the winter saves the plant for another year and adds color and life to your home.
Cut your wax begonias back to 4-inches from the rim of the pot in late summer when the weather begins to cool. Although begonais can be brought inside without cutting them back, they often drop their leaves and begin to look ragged. Cutting them back forces new growth and improves both health and appearance.
Place the begonia is a cool section of your home to allow it to adjust the to inside conditions. Moving it from the outside directly to your living area may cause shock to the plant. Allow it to adjust for a week or two before moving it to a warmer area.
Place wax begonias in a bright north or east window or a southern window with filtered light. Although begonia prefers shade or partial shade, it may do well in southern and western windows during the dark winter months. If plant stems begins to grow long and leggy, move the plant to more light.
Fertilize you wax begonias with water-soluble fertilizer when you cut them back. Repeat in two weeks. Reduce to little or no fertilizer from October to March to allow the plant to rest during the winter months.Resume fertilizer when a flush of new growth appears in spring.
Begonias prefer slightly moist soil, but should not be allowed to sit in wet soil. Check the soil often and water when the soil dries. During winter months begonias typically require once a week watering, but needs vary depending on the size of the plant and its rate of growth.
Begonias regrow quickly. Plants that have been cut back send out new growth and typically grow rapidly. Within a few weeks, your begonias should show a flush of new growth.
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