Wax Begonia Annual Care

Wax begonias are a fairly easy annual to grow outdoors in a flower bed or hanging pot. They are available in a variety of foliage and flower colors. Plant an entire flower bed in all one color or mix them up for some variety. Wax begonia growing habits make them very suitable for mixing the colors to make interesting patterns or even letters.

Type

• Wax begonias are annuals that bloom continuously from May to October. They are often successfully grown indoors as houseplants.

Features

• The wax begonia has either dark green or chocolate/bronze colored foliage. The leaves appear to have been waxed, which is where the plant gets its name. They are available in white, pink, red and bi-color bloom colors. They generally mature to a height of 6 to 9 inches but can grow as tall as 12 inches.

Water

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy for your wax begonias. Be sure to water them regularly throughout the hot, dry summer months and mulch them generously to help retain soil moisture.

  Houseplant begonias should be watered with warm or room temperature water and prefer a slightly humid environment. Mist houseplant begonias regularly with room temperature water to provide some of the humidity they need. A shallow dish with a layer of pebbles in the bottom filled with water to a depth of 2 inches can be placed directly below or right next to the begonia for added humidity as well.

Soil

• Wax begonias prefer fertile soil that drains well. They do best in soil containing a lot of organic matter. Houseplant begonias do very well in a commercial African violet mix potting soil.

Light

• Wax begonias can be grown successfully in full sun or partial shade. They prefer full sun exposure with late afternoon shade.

  Houseplant begonias should be kept in a bright, sunny room or on a window ledge where they will receive a lot of natural sunlight. Do not place them too close to a cold window in the winter. The cold glass will damage the foliage.

Fertilizer

• Give the plants balanced-formula liquid fertilizer every other week.

Considerations

• Wax begonias grown outdoors can be converted into houseplants. Bring the plants into the house before the first frost to keep them alive throughout the fall, winter and spring. Place them in a room where they will get lots of sunshine.