How Much Water Do Begonias Need

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

How much water do begonias need

Feel the soil: the top layer (about 1 inch) should be dry before giving more water. If the soil is still wet, you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot.

Do begonias like the sun or shade?

They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.

Should begonias be bottom watered?

Begonias do not like soggy soil or to sit in water, so be sure to discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer after watering. Is the soil completely dried out? Give it a good soak by bottom watering.

Do begonias like water on their leaves?

Water deeply when you do water to encourage deep root growth and bigger plant growth throughout the year. Also take care not to water directly on the begonia leaves–this promotes fungal infections. Make sure that your water is making it DIRECTLY into the soil.

How do I know when my begonia needs water?

If the top couple of inches of soil are dry, it's time to water your begonia. Always check the soil moisture level before watering if your begonia is wilting. Lack of moisture may not be the reason the begonia leaves are wilting. If the soil is bone dry, water a little at a time.

How do you know if begonias need water?

Ideally, the soil should be slightly damp at all times but not too wet because begonias are very sensitive to overwatering and can easily develop root rot. Test the soil with your finger before watering—the top inch should feel dry (approximately up to your first knuckle).

How long do potted begonias last?

No begonia has a long life span. Most only live for 2 to 3 years, even with good care.

Do you deadhead begonias?

Most begonias don't need deadheading but look better if you snap off old flower stems. Don't deadhead sunflowers because the seeds are important food sources for birds.

Do begonias do better in pots or in the ground?

Begonias prefer growing in light, rich soil with a good concentration of humus, similar to the makeup of potting soil. So it's no surprise the plants tend to thrive in containers. Begonias planted in a pot should be spaced 4-6″ apart and with the tubers buried hollow-side up.

Do begonias like misting?

Your Begonia prefers a humid environment but does not tolerate misting. Use a pebble tray or humidifier instead. Your Begonia will do well in average room temperatures between 65-80°F. Feed once a month during the spring and summer with an all-purpose fertilizer for indoor plants.

Can I water begonias with tap water?

Begonias like evenly moist soil, but they prefer to dry out just a bit between waterings. Stick your finger in the soil up to the first knuckle—if it's dry, water it. When watering your Begonia, opt for distilled water or rainwater if possible, as the plant can be sensitive to the dissolved salts in tap water.

How do you water potted begonias?

In a pot with good drainage, wait to water the begonia until the top portion of the soil is dry and be wary of overwatering. Having a pot with good drainage will allow excess water to drain from the soil and prevent the plant from sitting in stagnant water.

How do I make my begonias happy?

Solutions include hosting your begonias in a humid spot in the house, such as a bathroom. You could also run a humidifier or use a pebble tray. But if you aren't suffering from chapped lips or dry skin, your begonias will likely be fine.

What does an over watered begonia look like?

Begonias may also droop and wilt if they are overwatered. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether a begonia plant is wilting from being overwatered or underwatered. Overwatered begonias often have droopy, soft leaves. Brown, curly leaves may also be a sign of too much water.

What do begonias look like when they are overwatered?

Look for the following symptoms and conditions that make it more likely that overwatering is the cause of your begonia drooping; Yellowing leaves, particularly affecting the lower leaves first. Brown leaf tips despite good humidity and soil moisture. Leaves dropping from the plant, often with soggy, limp petioles.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

11 Tips to Keep Your Begonias Blooming all Season Long

1 Water, But Not Too Much.
2 Give Them Adequate Sun.
3 Use Light Soil.
4 Fertilize Them Regularly.
5 Use a High Quality Compost.
6 Deadhead When Needed.
7 Choose The Right Varieties.
8 Pick a Proper Location.

Can begonias take full sun?

Begonias need some sunlight, but they don't do well if that sunlight is harsh and direct. Instead, place them in filtered light, such as beneath high, thin tree canopies. However, as noted below some begonia varieties might tolerate more sun than others.

How often should you water begonias in hanging baskets?

After planting tubers water slightly every few days or when the soil dries out. Begonias will rot if over watered, it's best to keep their soil just barely moist. Always water around the tuber, not directly on it. Fertilize every other week with a 20-20-20 organic fertilizer.

How do you keep begonias healthy?

These plants like to stay damp, and not dry out completely, but they hate having their roots sitting in water. Use well draining soil, with some compost material, to help retain moisture. Always water at the base of the plant, as they are susceptible to leaf rot and spots if the leaves get damp.

How hard is it to keep begonias alive?

Let's cut to the chase, begonias can be difficult plants to grow as houseplants, too often the leaves start crisping and no matter what you do, you can't stop it until the plant dies. Sometimes you end up overwatering exacerbating the problem by causing root rot leading to less water uptake.