How to Care for Rieger Begonias

Also known as winter begonias, Rieger begonias (Begonia x hiemalis) are members of the family begoniaceae. The glossy serrated leaves of Rieger begonias complement clusters of rose-shaped flowers that bloom for up to six months at a time. Available in a variety of colors, these eye-catching houseplants require special care in order to thrive. Indoor temperature control and fertilizing are especially important to the vigor of Rieger begonias.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Fertilizer
• Pots
• Organic soil
• Plant heating pads
• Grow lights
• Sharp Scissors

1. Maintain a constant temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for the Rieger begonia during the day. Most Rieger begonias appreciate an evening temperature drop to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Water the Rieger begonia regularly, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out in between waterings. Water the Rieger begonias deeply, allowing the water to run through each layer of soil and out the bottom drainage holes of the pot.
3. Set the Rieger begonia pots in a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the foliage of the begonia plants.
4. Feed Rieger begonias a diet of all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Follow the label instructions for allocation amounts and feeding frequency. Most begonia plants thrive when provided a dose of fertilizer every two weeks.
5. Transplant the Rieger begonias into larger pots once they outgrow their present pots. You will know it is time to transplant when the roots of the plants begin to grow out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pots or when the soil dries out quicker than normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a pot that is twice the width of the root ball of each Rieger begonia plant. Fill the larger pots with organic soil and carefully remove each Rieger begonia from its present pot by digging up the root ball and attached soil. Transplant one Rieger begonia in the center of each of the larger pots.

• If you are unable to provide the Rieger begonias with the required temperatures, set the pots on plant heating pads.

• If you do not have a window available that provides adequate bright, indirect sunlight, set the begonias up under grow lights. Grow lights mimic the sun’s rays and provide plants with a required light source.

• If your plant begins to show signs of looking unhealthy, cut it back with a pair of sharp scissors. Leave each stem with only three or four leaf nodes. Refrain from watering for five to seven days as the plant regenerates, then begin to water regularly once you see signs of new growth.

• Avoid extreme hot or cold indoor temperatures.

• Do not over water your Rieger begonias. Standing water in the pots can cause the roots of the plants to rot. Root rot will eventually kill your begonias.