Begonia (Angelwing, Reiger Begonia, Rex Begonia, Painted Begonia)
Many begonias are doted upon for their flowers. There’s also a wealth of other types grown almost entirely for their spectacular foliage, which comes in a huge range of colors, markings, patterns, zones, spots, and marbling, sometimes even appearing iridescent.
Light - Happiest in medium to high indirect light protected from the sun.
Temperature - Day: 70-75º F; Night - at least 60º F.
Watering Let the surface of the soil mix dry out just a little between waterings, especially in the colder months.
Feeding - Give general houseplant fertilizer once a month, spring through fall.
Potting Mix - Use a soil-less or all-purpose potting mix.
Tips - Allow Reiger flowering types a three month cool dry rest after flowering ends. If leaf colors seem faded in foliage types, give them more light. Lower leaf drop usually means too much or two little water. Make more begonias by taking stem or leaf cuttings at any time.
Written by Graham Rice