Introduction
There is a special kind of excitement that comes with seeing your first begonia blooms of the summer. Whether it is the massive, rose-like petals of a tuberous variety or the metallic shimmer of a Rex begonia’s leaves, these plants have a way of becoming the stars of the garden. As the season winds down and the air turns crisp, many gardeners feel a pang of regret at the thought of losing these vibrant beauties to the first frost.
The wonderful news is that you do not have to say goodbye to your favorite plants when the temperature drops. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that gardening is most rewarding when you can enjoy your favorite varieties year after year. Explore our begonia collection to find the right fit for your space. Most begonias are actually tender perennials, meaning they are capable of living for many seasons if they are protected from freezing temperatures.
In this guide, we will explain exactly how to bring your begonias indoors and keep them healthy until spring returns. For a broader overview of begonia care, see our How to Plant and Care for Begonias guide. We will cover the different methods for various begonia types, from keeping them as active houseplants to storing dormant tubers. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure your begonias come back even bigger and better next year.
Identifying Your Begonia Type
Before you start moving pots or digging in the soil, it is important to know which type of begonia you are growing. The "how" of bringing them indoors depends entirely on the "what." Begonias are a diverse family, and different species have different winter needs.
Tuberous Begonias
These are the showstoppers often found in hanging baskets or shaded garden beds. For a closer look at tuberous types, see All About Begonias. They grow from a thick, potato-like underground structure called a tuber. Tuberous begonias generally prefer to go dormant in the winter. This means they will drop their leaves and "sleep" in a cool, dark place until the days get longer and warmer.
Wax Begonias (Fibrous)
Wax begonias are the classic bedding plants with succulent, glossy leaves and small, prolific flowers in shades of red, pink, or white. They have a fibrous root system rather than a tuber. These do not have a natural dormancy period, making them excellent candidates to live on a sunny windowsill as houseplants throughout the winter.
Rex and Foliage Begonias
Known for their incredible leaf patterns and colors, Rex begonias are grown primarily for their appearance rather than their flowers. Like wax begonias, they do not go dormant. They can stay active all winter, though they are a bit more sensitive to the dry air found in most heated homes.
Cane-Stemmed Begonias (Angel Wing)
These begonias are easily identified by their tall, bamboo-like stems and wing-shaped leaves. They are vigorous growers and, like the fibrous and Rex types, can continue growing indoors as long as they have enough light and warmth.
When to Bring Begonias Indoors
Timing is everything when it comes to successfully overwintering your plants. While begonias love the warmth of summer, they are very sensitive to the cold. Most varieties will begin to struggle when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 50°F. If you want a quick climate check, Finding the Right Begonia Growing Zone for Success explains how USDA zones affect begonia care.
A common mistake is waiting for the first frost to hit before moving the plants. While a light frost might trigger dormancy in tuberous varieties, it can be fatal for wax or Rex begonias. We recommend keeping an eye on your local weather forecast starting in early autumn.
The best time to bring your begonias inside is while they still look healthy and the indoor and outdoor temperatures are relatively similar. This reduces the "shock" the plant feels when it moves from the fresh air of the garden to the climate-controlled environment of your home. If you wait until you have to turn the furnace on, the sudden drop in humidity and change in light can cause the plants to drop their leaves.
Key Takeaway: Aim to bring your begonias indoors when nighttime temperatures are still above 50°F. This allows the plants to acclimate to indoor life before the harsh winter air arrives.
Preparing Your Plants for the Move
Bringing a plant indoors isn't just about picking up the pot and setting it on a table. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth transition and keeping your home environment clean and pest-free.
The Inspection Phase
Before any plant crosses the threshold of your home, give it a thorough inspection. Check the undersides of the leaves and the stems for any unwanted guests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. If you find any, it is much easier to treat them while the plant is still outside. A gentle spray from a garden hose or a quick application of insecticidal soap (following the label instructions) usually does the trick.
Trimming and Cleaning
Remove any yellowing or dead leaves and spent flowers. This not only makes the plant look better but also prevents mold or fungus from developing in the lower light levels of the indoors. For larger cane-stemmed begonias, you might want to prune them back slightly to make them more manageable for your indoor space.
The Potting Transition
If your begonias are planted directly in the ground, you will need to carefully dig them up and place them in pots. See our Can Begonias Be Planted in the Ground? guide for more on growing them outdoors. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. "Drainage" is a term we use to describe how quickly water moves through the soil; begonias hate "wet feet," so ensure your pots have holes in the bottom to let excess water escape. If your plants are already in containers, you are one step ahead. Just wipe down the outside of the pots to remove any dirt or garden debris.
Option 1: Growing Begonias as Houseplants
Wax, Rex, and Cane-stemmed begonias are the best varieties to keep as active houseplants. They can provide a lovely splash of green and even occasional blooms during the darkest months of the year. If you are comparing indoor care options, Can You Bring Begonia Plants Inside for the Winter? is a helpful companion read.
Choosing the Right Spot
Light is the biggest challenge for indoor begonias. In the garden, they might enjoy filtered shade, but indoors, they need much more light to stay healthy. Do Begonias Grow in Sun or Shade? explains how different types respond to light. An east-facing window that provides bright, indirect morning sun is often the "sweet spot." A south-facing window can also work, but you may need a sheer curtain to protect the leaves from the intense midday sun, which can cause scorching.
Watering Wisdom
Indoor plants grow more slowly in the winter, which means they need less water than they did in the heat of July. The best rule of thumb is to touch the soil. If the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. Pour water onto the soil until it begins to run out of the drainage holes, then stop. Never let your begonias sit in a saucer of standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
Managing Humidity
Most homes become very dry once the heat is turned on. Begonias, especially Rex varieties, crave humidity. You can help them feel at home by creating a simple pebble tray. Fill a shallow tray with small stones and add water until it is just below the tops of the stones. Place your potted begonia on top of the stones. As the water evaporates, it creates a little "micro-zone" of moisture around the leaves.
What to Do Next:
- Identify a bright window away from cold drafts or heating vents.
- Clean the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust.
- Check the soil moisture every 5–7 days.
- Avoid fertilizing during the winter; wait until you see new growth in the spring.
Option 2: Overwintering Tuberous Begonias via Dormancy
If you are growing tuberous begonias, you have a different but very effective option. These plants naturally want to rest during the winter. By encouraging dormancy, you save space in your home and allow the tuber to store up energy for massive blooms next year.
Step 1: Triggering the Rest Period
As autumn progresses, stop fertilizing and gradually reduce the amount of water you give your tuberous begonias. When the temperatures drop, the leaves will begin to turn yellow. This is a sign that the plant is moving its nutrients down into the tuber. If a light frost nips the foliage, don't worry—this actually helps signal to the plant that it is time to sleep.
Step 2: Digging and Curing
After the foliage has wilted or been hit by a light frost, cut the stems back to about one inch above the soil. Carefully lift the tubers out of the soil with a garden trowel or fork. Be gentle, as the tubers can be brittle. Shake off the excess soil but don't worry about getting them perfectly clean.
Place the tubers in a warm, dry, and airy spot (like a garage or a porch) for about two weeks. This is called "curing." During this time, the outer skin of the tuber will toughen up, and any remaining stem bits will dry up and fall off naturally.
Step 3: Proper Storage
Once cured, store the tubers in a breathable container. We find that a cardboard box or a paper bag works perfectly. Pack the tubers in a dry material like peat moss, vermiculite, or even shredded newspaper. This keeps the tubers separate and prevents them from drying out completely while also discouraging rot.
Store the box in a cool, dark, and dry place where the temperature stays between 40°F and 50°F. A cool basement or an insulated crawl space is often ideal. Check on them once a month to ensure they are firm and dry. If a tuber feels mushy or looks moldy, remove it immediately so it doesn't affect the others.
Key Takeaway: Tuberous begonias are best stored as dormant tubers in a cool, dark place. The "curing" process is essential to prevent rot during the winter months.
Caring for Begonias in Late Winter
As the days begin to lengthen in late February or early March, your begonias will start to wake up. This is an exciting time for any gardener, as it marks the beginning of a new growing season.
Waking Up Dormant Tubers
If you stored tubers, check them for small pink or red "eyes" or buds. This is the signal that they are ready to grow. About 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area, you can pot them up. For more planting advice, see What is the Best Way to Plant Begonias? Place the tubers in shallow pots with the concave (hollow) side facing up. Cover them with just a light dusting of soil and place them in a warm, bright spot. Water sparingly at first, increasing the frequency as you see green shoots emerge.
Refreshing Houseplant Begonias
For your wax, Rex, or cane begonias that spent the winter as houseplants, late winter is the time to give them a little "refresh." If they have become "leggy"—which means they have long, thin stems with few leaves—don't be afraid to prune them back. This encourages the plant to grow bushier and stronger. You can also begin a regular feeding schedule with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength to support the new spring growth.
Moving Back Outdoors in Spring
The transition from the cozy indoors back to the garden should be a gradual one. This process is called "hardening off." Even though it is warm outside, the intensity of the sun and the movement of the wind are much stronger than what your plants experienced inside.
Wait until the danger of frost has completely passed and the soil has warmed up. Start by placing your pots in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours a day. Over the course of 7 to 10 days, gradually increase their time outside and their exposure to light. This slow introduction helps the leaves toughen up so they don't get "sunburned."
Once they are acclimated, you can plant your tuberous begonias back in the garden or move your potted varieties to their permanent summer homes. If you are using container displays, the Assorted Bold Container for Shade Collection is a handy starting point for shade-loving plants. You will likely notice that these overwintered plants grow much faster and larger than newly purchased nursery starts, as they already have an established root system.
Simple Steps for Success
Overwintering begonias might seem like a lot of steps, but it really comes down to matching the care to the type of plant you have. By focusing on light, moisture, and temperature, you can keep these beautiful flowers as a permanent part of your garden landscape.
- Wax and Rex Begonias: Treat them like houseplants with bright, indirect light and a pebble tray for humidity.
- Tuberous Begonias: Let them go dormant, cure the tubers, and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Watering: Always check the soil first; less is more during the winter months.
- Hardening Off: Take your time moving plants back outside in the spring to avoid leaf damage.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even with the best care, you might encounter a few minor hiccups. The key is to respond calmly and adjust your care slightly.
Dropping Leaves
It is very common for a begonia to drop a few leaves when it first moves indoors. This is simply the plant's way of adjusting to the lower light levels. As long as the stems remain firm and you see new growth eventually appearing, your plant is doing just fine. Ensure it is in the brightest spot possible and avoid overwatering during this adjustment period.
Leggy Growth
If your begonia stems are getting very long and thin with a lot of space between the leaves, it is telling you it needs more light. Move it to a sunnier window or consider using a small LED grow light. You can also pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage the plant to grow wider rather than taller.
Mold on the Soil
If you see a white, fuzzy growth on the surface of the soil, it is usually a sign that the air is too still or the soil is staying too wet. Scrape off the mold, reduce your watering frequency, and perhaps use a small fan to improve air circulation around the plants.
Small Blooms or No Blooms
Don't worry if your begonias stop blooming indoors. Many varieties use the winter to focus on root and leaf health rather than flower production. Once they move back outside in the spring and get a boost from the sun and fresh air, the flowers will return in abundance.
Summary of Winter Care by Begonia Type
| Begonia Type | Winter Method | Best Location | Key Care Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wax / Fibrous | Active Houseplant | Sunny Window | Keep soil lightly moist; avoid drafts. |
| Rex / Foliage | Active Houseplant | Bright Indirect Light | Use a pebble tray to boost humidity. |
| Tuberous | Dormant Storage | Cool Basement/Closet | Cure tubers for 2 weeks before storing. |
| Cane / Angel Wing | Active Houseplant | East or South Window | Prune in late winter to keep it bushy. |
We have found that once gardeners realize how easy it is to bring begonias indoors, it changes how they shop for plants. Instead of seeing them as temporary decorations, they become long-term investments in the beauty of their homes. If you want to compare different forms, browse Begonia Hanging and Upright Double Begonias. Our team at Longfield Gardens is always here to help you choose the best varieties for your climate and provide the support you need to keep them thriving year-round.
Conclusion
Bringing your begonias indoors for the winter is a rewarding way to extend the life of your garden and enjoy your favorite plants for years to come. Whether you choose to keep them as vibrant houseplants or store them as dormant tubers, the process is straightforward and achievable for gardeners of all levels. By paying attention to the specific needs of your begonia variety and timing your move correctly, you ensure a seamless transition between the seasons.
- Know your begonia type to choose the right overwintering method.
- Monitor temperatures and move plants inside before it hits 50°F.
- Provide plenty of light and humidity for active indoor plants.
- Check stored tubers monthly to ensure they remain healthy.
The joy of seeing a beloved begonia sprout new leaves in the spring is one of the true highlights of the gardening calendar. We invite you to explore our selection of premium begonias and resources to help you create a garden that brings you happiness in every season.
"Gardening is a cycle of growth and rest. By protecting your begonias through the winter, you are simply helping them prepare for their next spectacular performance."
FAQ
Can I keep my begonias in the ground over winter?
In most parts of the United States, begonias are not hardy enough to survive the winter in the ground. If you live in a region where temperatures drop below freezing, you must either bring the plants indoors as houseplants or dig up the tubers for dormant storage. For more detail, see Do Begonias Come Back Every Year?.
How often should I water my begonias while they are indoors?
Indoor begonias need much less water than those outdoors. You should only water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. For stored dormant tubers, you do not need to water them at all, though you should check them periodically to make sure they aren't shriveling up completely.
Do begonias need fertilizer during the winter?
It is best to stop fertilizing begonias in the late autumn and throughout the winter. During this time, the plants are either dormant or growing very slowly and do not need the extra nutrients. Resume feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer in the spring when you see new, active growth.
Why are the leaves on my Rex begonia turning crispy at the edges?
Crispy leaf edges on Rex begonias are usually a sign of low humidity. Most homes have very dry air in the winter due to heating systems. To fix this, place your pot on a pebble tray with water or group several plants together to create a more humid micro-environment.
