How to Grow Begonia Indoors: Rex vs Flowering, Leaf Cuttings (Video)

Transcript

Why do indoor begonia leaves turn brown?

Why do indoor begonia leaves turn brown?

Begonia Basics

Welcome! If you’ve ever struggled with brown spots or wilted leaves on your indoor begonia, stick around. I’m going to walk you through the basics, light, water, soil, and propagation, so you can keep those colorful leaves thriving. And at the end, I’ll share the one simple trick that stops leaf mildew for good.

Identify Your Begonia

First, figure out which type you have. Rex begonias are all about striking, patterned foliage and love bright shade. Wax or bedding varieties give you small, year-round flowers and tolerate a bit of morning sun. Angel-wing canes sport spotted leaves and hanging blooms, while tuberous types boast big, showy flowers. Knowing the group guides every care decision.

Window Light Tips

Next, think about where you place the pot. An east-facing window gives soft morning light that works for all types, while a north window keeps the rich colors of rex foliage safe from harsh sun. Avoid west-facing glass from April to September, and pull south-facing pots back from the glass in summer to prevent leaf scorching.

Rooting tuberous cuttings

Here’s a number that many forget: tuberous begonia cuttings typically need about five weeks of mild, shaded conditions to develop roots. That’s longer than most houseplants, so patience is key. Keep the mix barely damp and protect the cuttings from direct sun, and you’ll see new growth after that period.

Water & Humidity

Watering right makes a big difference. Let the top inch of soil dry, then water slowly at the base until a little drains, and always empty the saucer. Roots rot fast in soggy mix, and stems turn translucent at the soil line. To raise humidity without wetting leaves, set the pot on a pebble tray with water just below the pebbles, moisture evaporates around the plant while the pot stays dry.

Soil & Feeding

The right mix keeps roots breathing. Aim for a light, airy blend: two parts potting soil, one part cocopeat or leaf mould, and one part perlite. Heavy clay holds too much moisture and can rot fine roots. Use shallow pots, and feed flowering types with half-strength liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks during bloom, while rex varieties need just a monthly half-strength feed in warm months.

Leaf Cutting Propagation

Propagating rex begonias from leaf cuttings is easy. In spring or early autumn, snip a healthy leaf with about an inch of stalk. Make small cuts across the main veins an inch apart, then lay the leaf face-up on damp cocopeat and perlite in a shallow tray. Pin it flat with a stone so the cut veins touch the mix, and keep it in bright indirect light.

The one trick

Now for the single tip that makes a huge difference: raise humidity without ever wetting the leaves. Set your pot on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and just enough water to reach the top of the stones. As the water evaporates, the air around the plant stays moist, keeping powdery mildew at bay and leaves vibrant.

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Read the full guide

Read the complete guide on thecareonline.com. This is general information, not medical advice.