Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Identifying Your Begonia Type
- Bringing Begonias Indoors as Houseplants
- Creating a Tropical Indoor Environment
- Overwintering Tuberous Begonias
- Timing and USDA Hardiness Zones
- Simple Troubleshooting for Indoor Begonias
- Practical Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Begonias
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Begonias are some of the most versatile and rewarding plants in the garden, offering everything from massive, rose-like blooms to electrifying, patterned foliage. Whether you have spent the summer admiring the cascading flowers of a tuberous variety or the metallic shimmer of a Rex begonia, it is natural to want to keep that beauty going. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that extending the life of your favorite plants is one of the most satisfying parts of the gardening journey. If you’re looking for more begonia options, start with our Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale collection.
The short answer is yes—you can absolutely bring your begonias indoors. However, the way you care for them through the winter depends entirely on which type of begonia you are growing. Some varieties are happy to continue growing as houseplants on a sunny windowsill, while others require a period of deep sleep, or dormancy, to recharge for next spring.
In this guide, we will help you identify which begonias you have and provide clear, step-by-step instructions for bringing them inside successfully. Whether you want to keep them blooming through December or store them safely for the next growing season, these simple methods ensure your plants remain healthy and vibrant.
Identifying Your Begonia Type
Before you bring a plant inside, you need to know how it grows. Begonias are generally divided into groups based on their root systems and growth habits. This distinction is the most important factor in determining their winter care. For a broader overview of the family, see All About Begonias.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias, such as the popular Non-Stop or Illumination series, are famous for their large, spectacular flowers. These plants grow from a thick, potato-like underground structure called a tuber. In their natural cycle, these begonias require a dormant period. They cannot grow year-round and will eventually begin to yellow and die back in the fall, regardless of how much light they receive. For these plants, bringing them indoors means storing the tubers in a cool, dry place rather than keeping them as active houseplants.
Rex, Cane, and Wax Begonias
These groups do not have a mandatory dormant period. As long as they have enough light and warmth, they can continue to grow all year. If you want a deeper dive into indoor care, see How to Care for a Begonia Plant Indoors.
- Rex Begonias: Known for their incredible foliage colors and patterns. They grow from rhizomes (thick stems that creep along the soil surface).
- Cane Begonias: Often called "Angel Wing" begonias because of their long, pointed leaves. They have upright, bamboo-like stems.
- Wax Begonias (Fibrous): These are common bedding plants with succulent stems and waxy leaves. They are often grown as annuals, but they make excellent, easy-care houseplants.
Bringing Begonias Indoors as Houseplants
If you have Rex, Cane, or Wax begonias, you can treat them as houseplants during the winter months. The goal is to make the transition from the humid, bright outdoors to the drier, dimmer indoors as smooth as possible for the plant.
The Inspection and Cleaning Process
Before any plant enters your home, it needs a quick "spa day." Outdoor plants can occasionally host small insects that you don’t want spreading to your existing houseplants. Start by giving the foliage a gentle spray with a garden hose to knock off any dust or lingering hitchhikers.
Check the undersides of the leaves and the joints of the stems. If the plant is in a pot, wipe down the outside of the container as well. If you find any damaged or yellowing leaves, simply snip them off. This cleans up the plant’s appearance and allows it to focus its energy on new, healthy growth.
The Transition Period
Plants can experience a bit of shock when moved abruptly from one environment to another. To avoid leaf drop, try to bring your begonias inside before the nights get consistently cold. If the furnace is already running in your home, the air will be significantly drier than what the plant is used to.
If possible, move the plants into a transitional space first, like a screened porch or a bright garage, for a few days. This helps them adjust to lower light levels. Once they are inside, don’t be surprised if they lose a few leaves. This is a normal part of the acclimation process as the plant grows new foliage better suited for indoor light.
Providing the Right Light
Indoors, begonias need bright, filtered light. A window facing east or west is often the perfect spot. While they love light, direct afternoon sun through a pane of glass can be a bit too intense and may scorch the leaves. If you notice the stems becoming "leggy" or reaching toward the window, it is a sign the plant needs a bit more light. In these cases, a simple LED grow light can provide the extra boost they need to stay lush.
Key Takeaway for Houseplant Begonias
To keep Rex, Cane, and Wax begonias happy indoors:
- Bring them in before the first frost.
- Provide bright, indirect light near a window.
- Expect some minor leaf drop during the first two weeks.
- Keep them away from drafty doors or heating vents.
Creating a Tropical Indoor Environment
Indoor air in the winter is notoriously dry, which can be a challenge for begonias that thrive on humidity. You don't need to turn your living room into a swamp, but a few small adjustments will go a long way.
Managing Humidity
"Humidity" simply refers to the amount of moisture in the air. Begonias love a humidity level of around 50% or higher. While misting the leaves is a common suggestion, it only provides a very temporary boost. A more effective method is to use a pebble tray.
To make a pebble tray, fill a shallow waterproof saucer with small stones or gravel. Add water until it is just below the tops of the stones. Set your begonia pot on top of the stones, making sure the bottom of the pot does not touch the water. As the water evaporates, it creates a small "microclimate" of moist air directly around the plant’s foliage.
Watering Correctly, Not Constantly
One of the most common mistakes with indoor begonias is overwatering. In the winter, plants grow more slowly and need less water than they did during the heat of summer. If you want more background on common winter-care questions, Can You Grow Begonias Indoors in the Winter? Expert Tips is a helpful next stop.
The best rule is to wait until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch before watering. When you do water, do it thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom. "Drainage" means the ability of the soil and pot to let excess water escape so the roots don't sit in a puddle. After watering, empty any excess water from the saucer so the plant isn't standing in it, which can lead to root rot.
Overwintering Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are a bit different. Because they require a dormant period, you cannot simply keep them growing on a windowsill all winter. Instead, you will save the tuber itself and replant it the following spring. This process is very similar to how gardeners store dahlias or canna lilies.
Triggering Dormancy
In late summer or early fall, you will notice your tuberous begonias looking a bit tired. The blooms may slow down, and the leaves might start to turn yellow. This is the plant's way of telling you it is ready for a nap.
Start by reducing the amount of water you give the plant. If the begonias are in the ground, wait until the first light frost has nipped the foliage. This light frost signals to the plant to move all its energy down into the tuber. If they are in pots, you can simply move the pots to a frost-free area like a porch or garage and stop watering entirely.
Curing and Storing Tubers
Once the foliage has yellowed and died back, it is time to harvest the tubers.
- Lift the Tubers: Gently dig the tubers out of the soil or pull them from their pots. Be careful not to bruise or cut the "skin" of the tuber.
- Clean and Trim: Cut off the stems about an inch above the tuber. Shake off the excess soil, but don't worry about getting them perfectly clean.
- The Curing Phase: Place the tubers in a warm, dry, and shaded spot for about a week. This "cures" them, allowing the outer surface to dry and harden slightly, which prevents rot during storage.
- The Big Sleep: Store your clean, dry tubers in a cardboard box or a paper bag. To keep them from drying out completely, many gardeners nestle them in slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust. Keep the box in a cool, dark, and dry place—a basement or an unheated closet that stays between 40°F and 50°F is ideal.
What to Do Next for Tuberous Begonias
- Check your stored tubers once a month to ensure they aren't shriveling or rotting.
- If they look very shriveled, a tiny spritz of water on the packing material can help.
- In early spring (about 8–12 weeks before the last frost), bring them out of storage to start them indoors.
Timing and USDA Hardiness Zones
Because begonias are tropical in origin, they are very sensitive to cold temperatures. Most varieties are only hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11. This means that in the vast majority of the United States, begonias will not survive the winter if left outdoors. If you’re not sure of your planting zone, use the Hardiness Zone Map.
At Longfield Gardens, we time our spring shipping based on your specific hardiness zone. This ensures that your new bulbs and tubers arrive at the ideal time for your local climate. When bringing plants indoors for the winter, your "last frost date" is your most important deadline. Always aim to have your plants moved inside or your tubers lifted before the ground freezes. If you want details on delivery timing, see our Shipping Information.
Simple Troubleshooting for Indoor Begonias
Keeping begonias indoors is usually very straightforward, but if your plant looks a little unhappy, it is usually due to one of three things: light, water, or humidity.
Yellowing Leaves
If the leaves are turning yellow and falling off, the most likely cause is overwatering. Remember that indoor soil stays wet much longer than outdoor soil. Give the plant a break and let the soil dry out significantly before the next watering. If the yellowing is accompanied by a "stretched out" appearance, the plant might also be asking for a bit more light.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges
This is a classic sign of low humidity. If your home's air is very dry due to heating, the plant will lose moisture through its leaves faster than the roots can replace it. Moving the plant to a pebble tray or grouping it with other houseplants can help create a pocket of more humid air. For more winter-care details, Are Begonias Good Indoor Plants? Expert Tips & Care Guide offers a useful overview.
Dropping Flowers
It is very common for begonias to drop their existing flowers shortly after moving indoors. Don't worry—this doesn't mean the plant is dying. It is simply focusing its energy on its roots and leaves while it adjusts to the new environment. Once it feels settled, it may begin to produce new buds.
Key Takeaway for Troubleshooting
If your begonia is struggling, change only one thing at a time. Move it to a brighter spot and wait a week. If that doesn't help, then look at your watering schedule. Gardening is about observation and small adjustments.
Practical Tips for Success
Bringing your garden indoors should be a fun way to keep your hobby alive during the winter months, not a stressful chore. Here are a few "easy wins" to ensure you enjoy the process:
- Label Everything: If you are storing multiple varieties of tubers, use a permanent marker to write the name directly on the tuber or a label. They all look very similar once they are dormant!
- The "Finger Test": Ignore the calendar when it comes to watering. Use your finger to check the soil moisture. If it's damp, wait. If it's dry, water.
- Start Small: If you have dozens of begonias, you don't have to bring them all in. Pick your three or four favorites to keep as houseplants and store the rest as tubers.
- Safety First: Remember that many begonias can be mildly toxic if eaten by curious pets or small children. Place your indoor plants on high shelves or in areas where they won't be sampled by four-legged friends. If you’re deciding whether a plant belongs indoors or outdoors, Are Begonias Inside or Outside Plants? A Growth Guide is worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Begonias
Can I keep my wax begonias blooming all winter?
Yes, wax begonias are very reliable bloomers. If you provide them with enough light (such as a very bright south-facing window or a grow light) and keep them in a warm room, they can continue to produce their small, cheery flowers right through the winter.
What should I do if my tuberous begonia tuber gets moldy in storage?
If you see a small spot of surface mold, you can often gently wipe it off and move the tuber to a slightly drier storage medium. However, if the tuber feels soft or mushy, it has likely begun to rot. It is best to discard mushy tubers to prevent the rot from spreading to the healthy ones in the box.
Do I need to fertilize my begonias while they are indoors?
Generally, no. Most plants grow very slowly during the winter and do not require extra nutrients. It is better to stop fertilizing in the fall and resume in the spring when you see active new growth starting again. Over-fertilizing in the winter can lead to weak, spindly growth.
Can I grow begonias from cuttings instead of bringing the whole plant in?
Absolutely. This is a great space-saving trick. You can take a 4-inch stem cutting from a cane or wax begonia, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Once it develops roots, plant it in a small pot of potting soil. This gives you a fresh, compact plant for your windowsill. For another angle on indoor propagation, Can Begonias Grow Inside? Tips for Indoor Begonia Care is a helpful resource.
Conclusion
Bringing your begonias indoors is a wonderful way to protect your investment and enjoy a touch of the garden during the cold winter months. By identifying whether your plant needs to stay active or go dormant, you can provide exactly what it needs to thrive. Whether you are tending to a shimmering Rex begonia in your living room or tucking tuberous varieties away for a winter nap, the process is simple and highly rewarding.
- Determine your begonia type (Tuberous vs. Rex/Cane/Wax).
- Transition houseplant varieties gradually to avoid shock.
- Store tubers in a cool, dry, and dark place.
- Monitor humidity and water carefully during the winter.
Gardening is a cycle of growth and rest, and mastering the art of overwintering is a major step toward becoming a more confident gardener. We are here to support you every step of the way with quality plants from Longfield Gardens and the practical advice you need to succeed. If you want to keep learning, Learn is a great place to browse more guides and garden basics.
"The quiet months of winter are the perfect time to prepare for the vibrant colors of spring. Taking care of your begonias now ensures a head start on a beautiful garden next season."
We invite you to explore our selection of begonias and other spring-planted bulbs to find the perfect additions to your home and garden. Happy gardening!
FAQ
Can all begonias be kept as houseplants?
No, not all begonias behave the same way indoors. While Rex, Cane, and Wax begonias can stay green and grow all winter with enough light, Tuberous begonias require a dormant period. Trying to keep a Tuberous begonia growing year-round will eventually lead to a decline in health, as the plant needs to rest.
When exactly should I bring my begonias inside?
You should bring your begonias indoors when nighttime temperatures begin to consistently drop below 50°F. Since begonias are tropical plants, they can be damaged by frost. It is always better to bring them in a week too early than a night too late.
How much water do begonias need during the winter?
Begonias need significantly less water in the winter than they do in the summer. Wait until the top inch of potting soil feels dry before watering thoroughly. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot in the cooler, dimmer indoor conditions.
What is the best temperature for stored begonia tubers?
Stored tubers prefer a cool, dark, and dry environment that stays between 40°F and 50°F. A basement, crawlspace, or an unheated (but frost-free) closet is usually the best spot. Avoid areas that are too warm, as this might cause the tubers to wake up and sprout too early.