Introduction
Few plants offer the same "wow factor" as a begonia in full bloom. Whether you are looking for vibrant, rose-like flowers for your garden or dramatic, metallic-patterned foliage for your living room, begonias are a fantastic choice. At Longfield Gardens, we believe every home and garden has a perfect spot for these versatile plants, and our begonia collection is a great place to start. Because they come in so many shapes and sizes, they are one of the few groups of plants that can truly bridge the gap between the indoors and the outdoors.
This guide is designed for home gardeners who want to know exactly where to place their begonias for the best results. We will cover the different types of begonias, how to care for them inside and outside, and how to transition them between the two environments. For a broader look at begonia basics, see All About Begonias. By the end of this article, you will be able to choose the right begonia for your space and keep it thriving year-round.
Begonias can be both inside and outside plants, provided you match the specific variety to the environment that meets its needs for light, temperature, and moisture.
Understanding the Different Types of Begonias
The first step in deciding whether a begonia belongs inside or outside is identifying which type you have. With over 2,000 species and thousands of hybrids, begonias are incredibly diverse. However, most gardeners will encounter four main groups. Understanding these groups makes care decisions much simpler.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are the "glamour queens" of the shade garden. They grow from a thick, potato-like underground stem called a tuber. These are most famous for their large, spectacular flowers that can look like roses, camellias, or carnations. They are almost exclusively grown as outdoor plants during the summer, though they often get a head start indoors in the spring. If you want a deeper dive into siting them correctly, see Where to Plant Tuberous Begonias for Best Results.
Wax Begonias (Fibrous-Rooted)
These are the common bedding plants you see at garden centers. They have waxy, succulent leaves and clusters of small red, white, or pink flowers. Wax begonias are extremely hardy and are usually grown as outdoor annuals. However, they are also quite happy as indoor plants if they have enough light.
Rex Begonias (Rhizomatous)
Rex begonias are grown primarily for their incredible foliage. Their leaves can feature swirls of silver, purple, burgundy, and emerald green. Because they love high humidity and consistent temperatures, they are the most popular choice for indoor houseplants. If you are deciding whether a Rex begonia belongs in the house, Is Begonia Rex an Indoor Plant? is a helpful next step. While they can go outside in the summer, they must stay in deep shade.
Cane-Stemmed Begonias
Often called "Angel Wing" begonias because of their long, pointed leaves, these plants have upright, bamboo-like stems. They are excellent multi-purpose plants. Many gardeners keep them as large indoor floor plants, while others use them as dramatic accents in outdoor patio containers. For more indoor-growing ideas, 7 Best Begonias for Indoors is a useful companion guide.
Key Takeaway Most begonias can spend time both indoors and outdoors, but tuberous types are best for garden displays, while Rex and Cane-stemmed types are the champions of indoor spaces.
When Begonias Live Outdoors
For many gardeners, begonias are the go-to solution for adding color to shady areas where other flowers struggle. When grown outside, begonias bring a tropical feel to northern landscapes and a lush, cool look to southern porches.
Choosing the Best Outdoor Spot
The golden rule for outdoor begonias is to avoid the midday sun. Unlike many other summer bloomers, begonias have soft, succulent stems and leaves that can easily scorch. "Indirect light" is the best way to describe their ideal environment. This means a spot under a tall tree, on a north-facing porch, or in a garden bed that only gets gentle morning sun.
Drainage is the second most important factor. Drainage simply refers to how fast water leaves the soil. Begonias love moisture, but they hate "wet feet." If their roots sit in soggy soil, the plant can quickly rot. When planting in the ground, choose a spot with loose, airy soil. If your garden has heavy clay, it is often better to grow begonias in containers where you can control the soil mix.
Temperature and Timing
Begonias are tropical plants by nature. They have no tolerance for frost and very little tolerance for cold soil. We recommend waiting to plant your begonias outdoors until the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. To check shipping timing by region, review Longfield Gardens' Shipping Information.
In many parts of the country, this happens in late May or early June. If you plant them too early, the cold soil can cause the plants to sit dormant or even rot before they have a chance to grow. If an unexpected late frost is predicted, be ready to cover your outdoor begonias with a light sheet or bring containers into a garage or shed for the night.
What to Do Next: Outdoor Setup
- Identify the "bright shade" spots in your yard or on your porch.
- Check your soil drainage by digging a small hole and filling it with water; it should empty within an hour.
- Wait for warm nights before moving any plants permanently outside.
- Prepare your containers with a high-quality, peat-free potting mix.
Growing Begonias as Indoor Plants
Bringing begonias inside allows you to enjoy their beauty year-round, even when the ground is frozen outside. Many varieties, especially Rex and Cane-stemmed begonias, are perfectly suited for life on a windowsill.
Lighting for Indoor Success
Inside a house, "bright light" means something different than it does in the garden. While begonias want shade outdoors, they need the brightest spot possible indoors without being in direct sunlight. An east-facing window is often perfect, as it provides gentle morning light. A south or west window can also work, but you may need a sheer curtain to filter the harshest rays of the afternoon sun. For more details, see How Much Light Do Begonias Need Indoors?.
If your begonia starts to look "leggy" (long stems with few leaves), it is likely reaching for more light. If the leaves develop brown, crispy edges, it might be getting too much direct sun or the air might be too dry.
Humidity and Airflow
Modern homes can be very dry, especially during the winter when the furnace is running. Begonias thrive in humidity, which is the amount of moisture in the air. You can help your indoor begonias by:
- Grouping several plants together to create a small microclimate.
- Placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (make sure the pot sits on the pebbles, not in the water).
- Avoiding spots near heating vents or drafty doors.
Good airflow is also important. While begonias like humidity, they don't like stagnant air, which can lead to mildew. A room with a ceiling fan or a spot where air naturally circulates is ideal.
Watering Indoor Begonias
Overwatering is the most common reason indoor begonias fail. Instead of watering on a strict schedule, use the "finger test." Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water. If it feels damp, wait a few days. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, then empty the saucer so the plant isn't sitting in water.
Tuberous Begonias: The Outdoor Specialists
At Longfield Gardens, we specialize in high-quality tuberous begonias because they offer the most impressive floral display of any begonia variety. If you want to browse the full range, start with the begonia collection. While these are primarily outdoor plants, they often spend the first part of their life indoors.
Starting Tubers Indoors
Because tuberous begonias can take a while to reach their full flowering potential, many gardeners "start" them indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost. This gives the plants a head start so they are already blooming by early summer. For step-by-step planting help, see How Do I Plant Begonias?.
To do this, place the tubers in a tray of moist potting soil with the indented side facing up. Keep them in a warm spot with bright light. Once they have sprouted and the weather is warm enough, you can move them to their outdoor home. This transition is a great example of how a begonia can be an "indoor plant" for a short time before becoming an "outdoor plant" for the rest of the season.
Container Gardening with Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are the stars of hanging baskets and window boxes. Because they have a relatively shallow root system, they don't need massive pots. A 12-inch hanging basket can comfortably hold two or three tubers. Our 5/6 cm tubers at Longfield Gardens are specifically selected to produce large, vigorous plants that fill containers quickly.
When planting in containers, make sure there are plenty of drainage holes. Use a potting mix that includes perlite or vermiculite, which helps keep the soil light and prevents it from compacting. If you are looking for more container inspiration, What to Plant with Tuberous Begonias can help you plan a full display.
Key Takeaway Tuberous begonias offer the best of both worlds: they can be started indoors for protection and moved outdoors to become the focal point of your summer shade garden.
Moving Plants Between Inside and Outside
One of the best things about begonias is that they don't have to stay in one place forever. Many gardeners move their indoor houseplants outside for a "summer vacation" and bring their outdoor container begonias inside for the winter.
Moving Begonias Outside for Summer
In late spring, your indoor begonias can benefit from the fresh air and natural humidity of the outdoors. However, you cannot move them abruptly. They need to be "hardened off."
Start by placing the plant in a fully shaded, protected spot for just an hour or two. Gradually increase the time it spends outside over the course of a week. This allows the leaves to toughen up and adjust to the change in light and temperature. Even a Rex begonia that lives in a bright room will be scorched if it is suddenly put in the outdoor sun.
Bringing Begonias Inside for Winter
As autumn approaches and temperatures drop, it is time to decide which plants to save.
- For Houseplant Varieties: Bring Rex, Cane-stemmed, and Wax begonias inside before the nights drop below 50°F. Check them carefully for any hitchhiking pests like aphids or spider mites. You may want to trim them back slightly to help them adjust to the lower light levels indoors.
- For Tuberous Begonias: These plants prefer a winter nap. Once the foliage begins to yellow in the fall, or after the first light frost, you can dig up the tubers. Cut the stems back to about an inch, let the tubers dry in a cool, dry place for a few days, and then store them in a box with peat moss or sawdust until spring.
Simple Care Rules for All Begonias
Whether your begonia is on a bookshelf or in a garden bed, a few basic principles will keep it healthy and happy. Following these simple steps removes the guesswork and makes gardening much more enjoyable.
Right Plant, Right Place
Always match the begonia type to the light you have. Don't try to force a shade-loving Rex begonia to live in a sunny garden bed, and don't expect a tuberous begonia to bloom in a dark hallway. If you aren't sure about the light in a certain spot, watch it for a full day. If the sun hits that spot directly for more than two hours between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, it is likely too bright for most begonias.
Watering Correctly, Not Constantly
It is much better to water deeply and then let the soil dry out slightly than it is to give the plant a small "sip" every day. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward, making the plant more resilient. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, which helps prevent spotting and fungal issues.
Fertilizing for Success
Begonias are heavy feeders, especially the flowering varieties. During the growing season (spring through late summer), use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks. If you are growing tuberous begonias for their flowers, a fertilizer with a slightly higher phosphorus count can help boost bloom production. Stop fertilizing in late fall to allow the plants to rest during the shorter days of winter.
Grooming Your Plants
Don't be afraid to pinch back your begonias. If a plant is getting too tall and thin, pinching off the top inch of growth will encourage it to branch out and become bushier. This is especially helpful for Cane-stemmed and Wax begonias. For flowering types, removing spent blooms (deadheading) keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages it to keep producing new flowers.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a plant might look a little under the weather. Most begonia issues are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Leaf Drop or Yellowing
If an indoor begonia suddenly drops its leaves, it is often a reaction to a big change in environment, such as moving it from a humid greenhouse to a dry living room. Give the plant a few weeks to adjust. If the leaves are turning yellow, it is usually a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings and make sure the pot is draining well.
Brown Edges on Leaves
This is typically caused by low humidity or underwatering. If the plant is indoors, try a humidity tray or move it away from a draft. If it is outdoors, it might be getting too much wind or a bit too much afternoon sun.
Mildew or Spots on Leaves
If you see a white, powdery coating on the leaves, it is likely powdery mildew. This happens when the air is too damp and still. Improve the airflow around the plant and try to avoid getting water on the leaves when you water the soil. For more on indoor rex-begonia care, How to Grow Rex Begonias Indoors offers additional tips.
Key Takeaway Most begonia problems are related to water or light. If your plant isn't looking its best, try changing just one thing—like moving it to a slightly brighter spot or watering a little less—and watch how it reacts over the next week.
Creating a Begonia Collection
Once you realize how easy it is to grow begonias, it is hard to stop at just one. Because they work so well both inside and outside, you can create a seamless flow of color and texture throughout your home and garden.
Imagine a front porch lined with cascading tuberous begonias in hanging baskets, leading into an entryway featuring a large, dramatic Angel Wing begonia, and a dining room table brightened by a colorful Rex begonia. This layered approach allows you to enjoy different leaf shapes and flower colors no matter where you are. If you want to keep exploring, the begonia collection makes a natural next stop.
Mixing and Matching
Begonias play well with others. Outdoors, they are perfect companions for hostas, ferns, and caladiums. Indoors, they look beautiful alongside other humidity-loving plants like ferns or orchids. Because begonias come in such a wide range of colors—from soft pastels to vibrant oranges and deep reds—you can easily find a variety that matches your home decor or garden color scheme.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to grow begonias as indoor companions or outdoor showstoppers, these plants are sure to reward you with their unique beauty. By understanding that different varieties have different preferences, you can ensure each plant is in the "right place" to thrive. Remember that gardening is meant to be a rewarding and relaxing activity. Begonias are remarkably resilient, and once you get their basic needs for light and water met, they are very low-maintenance.
- Identify your begonia type to determine if it prefers the house or the garden.
- Prioritize indirect light and well-drained soil for all varieties.
- Transition plants slowly when moving them between environments.
- Enjoy the continuous color and stunning foliage that only begonias can provide.
We invite you to explore the world of begonias and see how they can transform your space. At Longfield Gardens, we stand behind the quality of our tubers and are here to support you in creating a beautiful, blooming sanctuary. Whether you are starting your first tuber indoors or picking out a Rex begonia for your desk, we wish you a wonderful and successful growing season. If you are still deciding where to begin, the begonia collection is a helpful place to browse.
"The versatility of begonias makes them a must-have for any gardener. They offer a simple way to bring professional-level beauty into your home and landscape with very little effort."
FAQ
Can all begonias live outside?
While most begonias can spend the summer outdoors, they are not all suited for the same conditions. Tuberous and Wax begonias thrive in garden beds and containers, whereas Rex begonias are much more sensitive and must stay in deep, protected shade. No begonia can survive a freeze, so they must be brought inside or stored for the winter in most climates. For a zone-by-zone overview, see What Zone Do Begonias Grow In?.
How much sun do indoor begonias need?
Indoor begonias need bright, indirect light to stay healthy and maintain their leaf color. A spot near an east-facing window is usually ideal. Avoid placing them in direct, harsh afternoon sun, as the glass can magnify the heat and scorch their delicate leaves.
Do begonias come back every year?
In warm climates (zones 9-11), many begonias are perennials and will grow year-round. In cooler climates, tuberous begonias can be saved by digging up the tubers and storing them in a cool, dry place over winter. Other types, like Rex or Wax begonias, must be brought indoors as houseplants to survive until the following spring. If you want help timing your planting, the Shipping Information page explains how Longfield Gardens schedules orders.
Can I keep my outdoor begonias as houseplants in the winter?
Yes, many outdoor begonias—especially Wax and Cane-stemmed varieties—can be transitioned into houseplants. Before the first frost, move the container indoors to a bright spot. It is common for the plant to drop some leaves as it adjusts to the lower light and humidity of the indoors, but it will usually stabilize after a few weeks. For more on indoor success, 7 Best Begonias for Indoors is a good companion read.
