key takeaways
- Begonias can be grown in beds, containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, or as houseplants.
- Move your begonia inside when the temperatures outside and inside are about the same to prevent leaves from falling.
- Before bringing begonias or other plants inside, get rid of any pests on the plant or in the soil.
begonia bed Adds a bright spot of flowers and interesting foliage to a shady area of the garden throughout the summer. As cooler temperatures rise, it’s a shame to see the plants disappear with the first frost.
Learn how to bring your begonias inside the right way to enjoy them as houseplants all winter long.
meet the expert
- Barbara H. Smith is a Horticulture Senior Associate Agent with Clemson University’s Home and Garden Information Center.
- Rebecca Finneran There is a horticulture agent with Michigan State University Extension in Kent County, Michigan.
Can you bring begonias inside for the winter?
Marina Kositsyna/Getty Images
The simple answer is yes, you can bring begonias inside for the winter.
“Plants with colorful leaves, such as rex begonia“If steps are taken now to remove them from their outdoor homes before the cold weather arrives, they can easily remain in our homes throughout the winter,” says horticulturist Rebecca Finneran.
Doing this is just one way to help your plants survive, but doing it right will help your begonias thrive all year long.
Want more gardening tips? Sign up our free gardening newspaper For our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks and more!
How to Convert Begonias Indoors
There are a few things you should keep in mind to successfully move begonias indoors.
“It’s a good idea to bring plants inside when the temperatures outside and inside are about the same,” says horticulturist Barbara Smith. “Plants need to readjust to living indoors before summer starts.”
Before bringing begonias inside, carefully inspect the plants for disease or pests. Smith recommends taking container-grown begonias out of their pots to see if anything has crawled into the roots through the drainage holes.
“Gently wash leaves and stems with water, let dry, and spray the entire plant (top and bottom surfaces of leaves), soil and pot with insecticidal soap,” says Smith.
After bringing the begonia inside, make sure the light level is as close to the outdoor level as possible to help it adjust.
Fall and winter care for begonias
Begonia care in the cold depends on what the focus of these plants is: either their flowers or their leaves.
flower begonias
YONCA60/Getty Images
Begonias are grown for their spectacular flowers, such as elatior begonia ,Begonia x hyemalis), prefers bright light and can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning.
After moving the plant indoors, keep the soil evenly moist, but reduce the amount of water during the winter months to avoid soggy or waterlogged soil.
Begonias grow longer legs when kept indoors. Pinch the tips of branches in the fall to promote lateral growth. At desired fullness, stop pinching to allow the plant to bloom, if it is not already doing so.
As spring approaches, increase the amount of water and fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength with alternate watering.
leaf begonias
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Begonias that are grown primarily for their unique foliage, such as begonia maculataShould be kept in a bright area away from direct sunlight. Reduce the amount of watering in winter but keep the soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry out only slightly between waterings.
Begonias appreciate a humid environment, but misting is not recommended. Use a humidifier and group plants. Maintain the room temperature between 66°F and 73°F. Don’t go outside until nighttime temperatures drop above 55°F.
5 other plants you should bring indoors for winter
Many tropical and subtropical plants that have enjoyed summers on your patio or veranda can be safely kept brought inside for the winterBefore you move everything inside, assess your indoor space and lighting; You may need to add grow lights to keep the plants healthy. Check each plant for pests and diseases to prevent problems that could spread to all of your houseplants.
- snake plant (dracaena trifasciata, if your Snake plant grown outdoors in summerGive it plenty of bright, indirect light in a location such as a south- or west-facing window. Let it adjust to the indoor light and temperature for a week before moving it to any location so it’s acclimated to you.
- Silver Inch Plant (tradescantia zebrina, Thrive as outdoor hanging baskets, this trailing plant is often called wandering friendMakes an excellent houseplant. Keep it near bright, indirect light and water so the soil is constantly moist.
- aloe vera ,aloe vera, Plants that have spent the summer outside should be brought inside before temperatures drop. The most important care tip is Do not add too much water During slow growth during the winter months.
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata, increase of a jade plant In winter its speed slows down and less amount of water is required. Make sure the container has excellent drainage and that the roots never sit in pools of water.
- spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum, Popular as a hanging basket plant, spider plants do not tolerate cold temperatures. Keep the soil evenly moist during winter for prevention brown tips On bent leaves.
