Begonia Care Guide

Begonias are a wonderfully diverse group of plants, grown for their striking leaves, unusual growth habits, and in some cases, dainty flowers. Whether you're drawn to the bold polka dots of a Begonia maculata or the rich swirls of a Rex variety, Begonias bring personality and flair to any indoor space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to help your Begonia thrive.

Plant Profile

Begonia Light requirements

Begonias prefer bright, indirect light. Too much sun can scorch their leaves, while too little light may dull their colour and weaken their growth. A north or east-facing window is ideal. Cane and Rex types do particularly well in dappled light, away from harsh rays.

Begonia Watering

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Let the top couple of centimetres dry out between waterings, and always use a pot with drainage. Overwatering is a common cause of problems like root rot. During winter, when growth slows, reduce watering to prevent soggy soil.

Begonia Repotting

Repot your Begonia every 1–2 years in spring if it becomes root-bound or the compost is compacted. Use a loose, airy organic houseplant compost with added perlite or orchid bark for drainage. Begonias prefer smaller pots, so don’t size up too quickly.

Begonia Native habitat

Begonias are native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. In the wild, they grow in forest understories or rocky cliffs where they receive filtered light and steady humidity. This background explains their love for bright shade and consistent moisture.

Styling ideas for Begonia

Few plants offer as much design flexibility as a Begonia. Show off a Begonia maculata in a ceramic pot where its elegant spotted leaves can cascade slightly. Use Rex Begonias for rich textures on shelves or window sills, and don’t shy away from contrasting them with minimalist interiors to create a focal point. Tembesi pots or vintage planters work especially well for adding drama.

Wellness benefits of houseplants, like Begonia

Begonias offer beauty, texture, and a sense of rhythm to everyday life. The act of caring for a Begonia—checking moisture, trimming old leaves, rotating it for even growth—can be a calming ritual. These plants not only improve the aesthetics of your space but also help slow things down, creating mindful moments throughout your day.

Common Begonia problems

Yellowing Begonia leaves: Usually due to overwatering or compacted soil.
Crispy Begonia leaf edges: Often caused by dry air or infrequent watering.
Powdery mildew on Begonia: Improve airflow, avoid misting, and remove affected leaves.
Wilting Begonia: Check for root rot or sudden drops in temperature.
Begonia leaf drop: Frequently caused by inconsistent watering or chilly draughts.

Quick care summary

FAQs

Can Begonias grow in low light?
They’ll tolerate it, but they won’t thrive. For the best colour and shape, keep your Begonia in bright, indirect light.

Should I mist my Begonia?
No—misting encourages mildew. Boost humidity instead with a tray of pebbles or a nearby humidifier.

Can I grow Begonias in the bathroom?
Yes, if the space has good natural light. The humidity will help them flourish.

Why are the leaves falling off my Begonia?
This could be a response to cold air, underwatering, or even overwatering. Check soil moisture and airflow.

Do Begonias flower indoors?
Yes—especially cane types like maculata. Keep conditions stable and they may reward you with delicate blooms.

Why choose this plant?

Begonias are ideal for plant lovers who want show-stopping foliage with manageable care. From the charming speckles of a maculata to the rich swirls of a Rex, they bring colour, contrast, and a bit of the unexpected to any space. Whether you’re styling a plant shelf or gifting a touch of the tropics, Begonias deliver.

Featured Begonias from Happy Houseplants

Polka Dot Begonia – Begonia maculata
An icon of modern indoor gardening. Silver-spotted leaves with deep maroon undersides make this an eye-catching favourite. Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. View Polka Dot Begonia

Tamaya Begonia maculata
A more upright variant of maculata with elegant canes and silvery spots. Easy-going, architectural, and ideal for adding height. Shop Tamaya Begonia

Explore more

Looking for more colourful, foliage-forward houseplants? Browse our Begonia collection, or explore standout varieties in our indoor plant collection. And why not read our houseplant blog for expert styling tips, troubleshooting advice, and care inspiration?