Plant guide
ベゴニア
Watering rhythm
Every 3–5 days
Begonias are elegant flowering plants loved around the world, producing vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, and white. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, they thrive in humid environments. With their beautiful foliage and relatively beginner-friendly nature, they're a wonderful addition to any plant collection.
Begonias do best in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun exposure and position yours near a window indoors where it receives gentle, filtered light. Aim for temperatures between 15–25°C (59–77°F), and keep it away from anything colder than 10°C (50°F). They'll flourish with humidity around 60% or higher, though good air circulation is equally important.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 3–5 days
Summer
Every 2–4 days
Autumn
Every 4–6 days
Winter
Every 7–10 days
Water thoroughly once the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Be cautious with overwatering, as begonias are prone to root rot—always empty any water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot. Misting the leaves with a spray bottle boosts humidity and keeps foliage looking fresh and vibrant. During winter, reduce watering frequency.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves turning yellow and dropping | This often signals overwatering leading to root rot, or exposure to cold temperatures. | Check whether the soil is staying too wet, and consider repotting if needed. Make sure the plant stays in temperatures of at least 15°C (59°F). |
| Flowers won't bloom, or buds keep dropping | Insufficient light, sudden temperature swings, or low nutrients can all prevent flowering. | Move your begonia to a brighter spot, maintain steady temperatures, and feed with diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice a month during spring and summer. |
| White powdery coating on leaves | Powdery mildew thrives in humid, stagnant air conditions. | Gently wipe affected areas with a tissue and apply a fungicide. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid leaving foliage wet. |
| Stems feel soft and mushy | Root rot has progressed and is now affecting the stems. | Repotting is necessary. Remove all decayed portions and transfer the plant to fresh soil. Water sparingly going forward. |
| Leaves appear thin and the whole plant looks undersized | Poor lighting or insufficient nutrients may be to blame. | Move the plant to a brighter location and feed it with diluted liquid fertilizer roughly once a month during the growing season. |
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