Wax Leaf Begonia

One of the best things about wax begonias is that they grow well in sun or shade and thrive equally well in landscape beds and borders as they do containers. Most wax begonias stay a foot tall or less and bloom nonstop all spring, summer, and fall.

Do wax begonias come back every year?

Because wax begonias are not frost tolerant, they won't come back each year unless they are overwintered indoors. You will need to start new plants in the spring.

How do you care for waxed begonias?

Once established, wax begonias adapt to a wide range of light conditions, though they do require moderately humus rich, well-drained moist soils. Bronze-leaved varieties tend to do better in sunnier locations. Mulch well in the summer to protect roots, and water well.

What is the difference between begonias and wax begonias?

Wax begonias can tolerate more sun than other types, and the ones with bronze-colored leaves are the most sun-tolerant of all. Tuberous begonias prefer more shade and less heat, so we often see them on display in late summer.

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 wax begonias need a lot of water?

Wax begonias like moist soil, but not wet or soggy soil. They enjoy a good drink of water on their leaves and the roots as well. Water your plant with about an inch of water every week if you are growing it outdoors or in containers. Wax begonias need to be watered regularly and watered often.

How do you make wax begonias bushy?

Pruning and deadheading begonia is recommended to promote a bushier plant with more flowers. Also, prune if your plant becomes leggy. This will help the plant have healthier looking growth and helps encourage the plants to put energy towards producing more flowers.

Will wax begonias survive winter?

If your begonias are in a container, you can overwinter them right in the pot. Just make sure to bring them indoors before the temperature drops below 60°F. What is this? Fibrous varieties like rex, angel wing, and wax, can be kept alive as a houseplant through the winter.

Do wax begonias spread?

Sometimes called fibrous begonia, these deer-resistant, non-invasive plants form small clumps that grow anywhere from 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches.

What is the most beautiful begonia?

The variety of different species and varieties of begonias is gigantic. We have summarised the most beautiful types of begonias for you.

• Leaf begonias. Polka dot begonia (Begonia maculata)
• Flower begonias. ...
• Winter hardy begonia species.
• Wax begonia varieties.
• Elatior begonias.
• Tuberous begonias.

How often do you water a wax begonia?

Planted in the garden, wax begonias will require a minimum of 1 inch of water per week. Applying a thick layer of mulch will help retain soil moisture between waterings. Indoor potted plants should be watered when the soil dries through the first 1/2 inch. Water them throroughly and allow the pot to drain completely.

Do wax begonias reseed themselves?

Most begonias are self-fertile, meaning that you can have one plant providing both the male and female flowers to create viable seed. In other groups of plants, like kiwis, you need separate male and female plants if you want to get fruit.

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 begonias like to be crowded?

Begonias like their roots crowded and well-drained. For small plants, only move them up in 1 inch increments until you get to about 6 inch size.

Where is the best place to put a begonia?

Culture: Flowering houseplant begonias should be located in a bright spot and receive some direct sunlight. Early morning sun in an east window works well. Many of the cane and shrub-types flower best with some direct sun. Several hours of winter sun are beneficial.

How do you keep begonias blooming?

11 Tips to Keep Your Begonias Blooming all Season Long

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

How long do wax begonias live?

When planted in a proper container, most wax begonias can live for a period of at least four to five years. Since this plant can grow to be quite large, you are going to need a large pot so that it does not need to be replanted right away.

Can wax begonias be cut back?

Begonias can be cut back to within 3 inches of the soil to revitalize them, if necessary, but pinching and pruning is not the end of the story. Sterilize pruning tools with household disinfectant spray before and after use.

Do coffee grounds help begonias?

Begonias benefit from an acidic soil, which the peat moss gives it. Adding some used coffee grounds to the soil will work wonders for begonias.

Do wax begonias like to be root bound?

The best time to repot is in the spring, but only do it once they've outgrown the container. Begonias like to be root-bound, and can struggle if repotted too often.