How to care for your begonia

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Ten care tips for your Begonia

A begonia prefers a semi-shaded external spot, sheltered from the wind.
Regularly check to feel if the compost is still moist. Due to sunlight, and of course due to wind, pot soil will dry out much quicker than indoors.
Ensure the pot has a means for letting excess water drain off; begonias don’t like wet feet.
When choosing a pot, go for wider over deeper. The begonia’s root system is widespread, not deep.
Preferably use lime-free water (demineralised water).
Add a small dose of fertiliser once a week when the plant is flowering.
Do not spray the leaves.
The flowers are delicate. Try to touch them as little as possible.
Remove the dead flowers. Removing the dead flowers, will encourage the begonia to make new ones and extend the flowering period.
Did you know that a begonia which has finished flowering can be given a new lease on life? After the winter flowering period, let it rest in a cool room. Cut the plant back a little after flowering. After a few weeks, re-pot the begonia. Slowly increase the amount of water and when the temperatures outside have become more pleasant, move the plant back outside. And look: a new begonia!