Introduction
Begonias are some of the most rewarding plants you can add to your garden or home. Their lush foliage and vibrant flowers bring a tropical feel to any space. Many gardeners treat these beauties as annuals, but they are actually perennials in their native warm climates. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping you get the most out of your begonias year after year. Learning how to overwinter begonias indoors is a simple way to protect your investment and enjoy even larger, more impressive displays next season.
This guide is designed for home gardeners who want to keep their favorite begonias healthy during the cold winter months. We will cover the different types of begonias and the specific care each one needs to survive indoors. Whether you have tuberous varieties in window boxes or Rex begonias in pots, you can keep them thriving until spring returns. If you’re planning to save hanging types, our Hanging Begonias collection is a helpful place to start.
By following a few basic steps, you can ensure your plants remain strong and ready for another season of growth. With the right timing and a little bit of space, overwintering becomes a natural and enjoyable part of your gardening routine. Protecting your begonias from frost today means you will have a head start on a beautiful garden tomorrow.
Identifying Your Begonia Type
Before you start bringing plants inside, you need to know exactly what kind of begonias you have. This is the first and most important step. Different begonias have different biological clocks. Some need to go completely dormant and "sleep" through the winter. Others prefer to stay active and grow as houseplants near a sunny window.
Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias, botanically known as Begonia x tuberhybrida, are famous for their large, rose-like flowers and dramatic colors. Varieties like the Non-Stop or Illumination series fall into this category. These plants grow from a thick, fleshy root called a tuber. In nature, these tubers act as energy storage tanks. When the weather gets cold, the plant uses that energy to stay alive while the leaves and stems die back. Tuberous begonias require a period of dormancy to bloom well the following year.
Fibrous and Cane-Like Begonias
Fibrous begonias, often called bedding begonias or wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens Cultorum Group), have smaller leaves and clusters of tiny flowers. They have a more traditional root system that looks like a tangled web of fine hairs. Cane-like begonias, such as the popular Dragon Wing or Angel Wing types, have tall, segmented stems that look a bit like bamboo. These types do not go dormant. They are happy to live as houseplants all winter long if they get enough light and warmth. For more on keeping these plants going indoors, see our How to Grow Dragon Wing Begonias guide.
Rex Begonias
Rex begonias are grown primarily for their stunning, colorful foliage. Their leaves can feature swirls of silver, purple, pink, and deep green. Like cane-like begonias, Rex varieties (which are a type of Rhizomatous begonias) do not need a dormancy period. They enjoy consistent temperatures and high humidity. If you have these in outdoor containers, they should be moved indoors as potted plants before the first frost hits. Our Rex begonia care guide covers indoor conditions in more detail.
Key Takeaway: Identify if your begonia has a tuber (needs dormancy) or fibrous roots (needs to stay active) before the first frost arrives.
Which Overwintering Method Should I Use?
Knowing how to winter over begonias properly depends entirely on which botanical group your plant belongs to. Use this quick decision path to choose the right strategy:
- Dormant Storage (The "Lift and Store" Method): Use this for Begonia x tuberhybrida (tuberous types like Non-Stop). These must be dug up and stored in a cool, dark place to rest.
- Indoor Houseplant Care: Use this for Begonia semperflorens (wax/bedding types), cane-like (Angel Wing/Dragon Wing), and Rex or Rhizomatous begonias. These stay in their pots and continue growing near a window.
- Outdoor Protection (Hardy Exception): Use this only for Begonia grandis, which can stay in the ground with heavy mulching in many temperate climates.
How to Overwinter Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are quite easy to store if you follow a few simple steps. The goal is to let the plant naturally wind down as the days get shorter. We use this method for our Non-Stop Mix and pendula varieties to ensure they come back even bigger next year.
Step 1: Reduce Water and Fertilizer
As late summer turns into early fall, stop fertilizing your tuberous begonias. You should also begin to cut back on watering. This signals to the plant that the growing season is ending. The leaves may start to turn yellow or look a bit tired, which is exactly what you want to see. The plant is moving its nutrients from the stems down into the tuber.
Step 2: Watch the Temperature
Wait for the first light frost to touch the foliage. A light frost will blacken the leaves but won't hurt the tuber underground or in a pot. This frost acts as a final "off switch" for the plant. If you live in an area where the ground freezes deeply, do not wait too long. You want to dig them up before the soil itself reaches freezing temperatures.
Step 3: Dig and Clean the Tubers
Carefully lift the tubers out of the soil using a garden fork or a small trowel. Be gentle, as the tubers can be brittle. Once they are out, cut the stems back to about one or two inches. Shake off the excess soil, but do not scrub them. Let the tubers sit in a dry, shaded area for a few days to "cure." This drying period helps the outer skin toughen up, which prevents rot during storage.
Step 4: Proper Storage Conditions
Once the tubers are dry to the touch, place them in a breathable container like a paper bag or a cardboard box. Fill the container with a dry, loose material such as vermiculite, dry sand, or wood shavings to provide insulation. This material prevents the tubers from drying out completely.
Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place. A basement or an attached garage that stays between 40°F and 50°F is ideal. If you do not have a garage or basement, a cool, dark closet on the north side of your home—away from heat vents—can also work.
Tuber Rescue and Problem Solving
Check your tubers once a month during the winter to catch problems early:
- Soft or Mushy Tubers: If a tuber feels soft when squeezed, it is likely rotting. Discard it immediately so the rot doesn't spread to healthy tubers.
- Fuzzy White Mold: If you see light surface mold, wipe it off with a cloth dipped in a weak solution of one part vinegar to nine parts water. Let the tuber dry thoroughly before returning it to storage, and ensure your storage media isn't too damp.
- Excessive Shriveling: If the tubers look very wrinkled and feel light, they are losing too much moisture. Give them a very light misting of water and consider adding more storage media.
What to Do Next:
- Label each container with the variety name and flower color.
- Check the tubers once a month during the winter.
- Discard any tubers that feel soft or show signs of mold.
- Mist them very lightly if they look extremely shriveled.
Bringing Wax and Dragon Wing Begonias Indoors
Fibrous and cane-like begonias do not need a rest. They can provide beautiful greenery and even a few flowers inside your home while it snows outside. The trick to success is making the transition from the garden to the living room as smooth as possible. If you prefer a plant made for hanging displays, the Begonia Hanging Golden Balcony is a standout choice for shady porches and window boxes.
Potting and Pruning
If your begonias are in the ground, you will need to pot them up. Choose a pot with excellent drainage holes and use a high-quality, soil-free potting mix. Before bringing them in, prune the plants back by about one-third. This makes them easier to manage indoors and encourages new, compact growth. It also reduces the amount of stress the plant feels as it adjusts to lower light levels.
Pest Inspection
Outdoor plants often host tiny hitchhikers like aphids or spider mites. Give your begonias a gentle rinse with a hose to knock off any insects. Check the undersides of the leaves carefully. It is much easier to deal with a few bugs while the plant is still outside than after they have spread to your other houseplants.
The Transition Period
If possible, move your plants to a porch or a shaded spot for a few days before bringing them all the way inside. This helps them get used to lower light levels gradually. Once they are in your home, place them in a bright spot. An east or west-facing window is usually perfect. They need bright, filtered light but can burn if they are in a hot, south-facing window all day without a sheer curtain. If you’re bringing in a basket plant, our How to Plant a Begonia Hanging Basket guide offers a useful comparison for setup and care.
Key Takeaway: Potted begonias should be pruned and cleaned before moving indoors to ensure they stay healthy and bug-free all winter.
Winter Care for Rex Begonias
Rex begonias are beloved for their artistic leaves, but they can be a bit more sensitive to indoor conditions. They are the "Goldilocks" of the begonia world. They don't like it too dry, but they also don't like to sit in soggy soil.
Managing Humidity
The biggest challenge with Rex begonias is the dry air in most heated homes. When the humidity drops, the edges of the leaves may turn brown and crispy. You can help by using a pebble tray. Fill a shallow tray with small stones and add water until it is just below the top of the pebbles. Place your pot on top of the stones. As the water evaporates, it creates a pocket of moist air around the plant.
Watering Rules
Rex begonias prefer to stay consistently moist but never wet. Check the soil with your finger every few days. If the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. Always water the soil directly rather than pouring water over the leaves. Wet leaves can lead to mildew or spotting, especially in the lower light of winter.
Hardy Begonias and Mild-Climate Exceptions
While most begonias are tender tropicals, Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana is a notable exception known as the "Hardy Begonia." In USDA zones 6 through 9, these plants can actually overwinter in the ground.
If you live in a mild climate or are growing Begonia grandis, you do not need to lift the plants. Instead, after the first frost kills the top growth, apply a thick 3- to 4-inch layer of shredded leaves or bark mulch over the crown of the plant. This insulation protects the roots from freeze-thaw cycles. In the spring, simply pull the mulch back once the danger of frost has passed to allow the new shoots to emerge.
Light and Temperature Requirements
All begonias kept as houseplants need consistent conditions to stay healthy. Most homes stay within a temperature range that begonias enjoy. If you are comfortable in a light sweater, your begonias are likely comfortable too.
Light Levels
In the winter, the sun is lower in the sky and the days are shorter. You might need to move your plants closer to the windows than you would in the summer. If your plants start to look "leggy"—meaning the stems are long and thin with a lot of space between leaves—they are reaching for more light. You can supplement natural light with a simple LED grow light if your home is particularly dark.
Avoiding Chills
While begonias like bright windows, they do not like cold drafts. Keep them away from drafty doors or poorly insulated window panes. If a leaf is touching a freezing cold window, it may turn black and die. Also, keep them away from heat vents or fireplaces, as the direct hot air will dry them out too quickly.
Waking Up Your Begonias in Spring
The most exciting part of overwintering is seeing your plants spring back to life. For tuberous begonias, this usually happens in late February or March. We find that giving them an early start indoors leads to a much better floral show in the summer.
Starting Tubers
Take your stored tubers out of their box and look for small pink or red "eyes" or buds. This is a sign that the plant is waking up. Follow this spring restart checklist for the best results:
- Select the Pot: Choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches wider than the tuber.
- Positioning: Place the tuber in the center with the hollow (concave) side facing up.
- Planting Depth: Cover the tuber with exactly 1/2 inch of fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Initial Watering: Water lightly just to settle the soil. Do not soak it until you see active green growth.
- Placement: Move the pot to a warm (70°F) spot with bright, indirect light.
Transitioning Potted Plants Back Outside
For the begonias you kept as houseplants, wait until the nights are reliably above 50°F before moving them back outdoors. Just like the transition into the house, the move back out should be gradual. Put them in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours a day, slowly increasing their time outside over the course of a week. This "hardening off" process prevents the leaves from getting sunburned or wind-whipped. If you want to compare summer options, our How to Grow Dragon Wing Begonias article is a good next step.
What to Do Next:
- Start tubers indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
- Use a fresh potting mix to give them the best nutrients.
- Wait for warm nights before leaving plants outside permanently.
- Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once you see at least 2 or 3 inches of active new growth.
Simple Troubleshooting Tips
Even with the best care, you might run into a few minor issues. The key is to react quickly and keep things simple. Most begonia problems are caused by either too much water or too little light.
Dropping Leaves
It is very common for a begonia to drop a few leaves right after you move it indoors. Do not panic. The plant is simply adjusting to the lower light and humidity. As long as the stems look firm and there is new growth at the tips, your plant will be fine. Simply pick up the fallen leaves to keep the soil surface clean.
Leggy Growth
If your cane-type or wax begonias are getting too tall and spindly, you can pinch off the tips of the stems. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier. It also gives you a chance to check for any hidden pests. Remember, bright light is the best cure for leggy plants.
Mold or Mildew
If you see a white, powdery substance on the leaves, the air might be too stagnant. This is called powdery mildew. Increase the air circulation around your plants by using a small fan on a low setting nearby. Avoid misting the leaves with water, as this can make the problem worse. If the soil stays wet for too long and you see mold on the surface, hold off on watering and let the soil dry out significantly.
Soil and Fertilizer Basics
During the winter, begonias grow very slowly. This means they do not need much "food." Over-fertilizing in the winter can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the roots.
Hold the Fertilizer
Most gardeners should stop fertilizing their indoor begonias from October through February. Once you see vigorous new growth in the spring and the days get longer, you can start using a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength. This gives the plant a gentle boost without overwhelming it.
The Importance of Drainage
Begonias have sensitive roots. If they sit in water, the roots will rot, and the plant will collapse. Always use a potting mix that contains perlite or peat moss to keep it light and airy. If your decorative pot doesn't have a hole, keep the begonia in a plastic nursery liner inside the decorative pot. This allows you to take the plant to the sink, water it thoroughly, let it drain, and then put it back.
Key Takeaway: Use a well-draining, soil-free mix and avoid fertilizing during the dark winter months to keep roots healthy.
Success with Different Environments
Every home is different. Some people have cool, drafty houses, while others have warm, dry apartments. Your overwintering strategy might change slightly depending on your environment.
For Warm, Dry Homes
If your home stays very warm, your indoor begonias will need more frequent watering. You may also need to be more diligent with your pebble trays. Keep an eye on the leaves; if they start to droop despite the soil being moist, the humidity is likely too low.
For Cool, Dim Homes
In a cooler home, your begonias will grow even more slowly. They will need very little water because the moisture doesn't evaporate as fast. Be extra careful not to overwater. You may also find that your plants benefit from being moved to the brightest possible window, even if it is a south-facing one that would be too hot in the summer.
Realistic Expectations for Winter
Overwintering is a fun and practical way to garden, but it is important to remember that plants won't look as perfect in January as they do in July. You might see some brown tips or a loss of flowers. This is normal. The goal of overwintering is survival and health, not necessarily peak beauty.
By saving your tubers and plants, you are following the same cycles as professional growers. At our trial garden at Longfield Gardens, we observe how different varieties respond to these changes. Some begonias are more resilient than others, but almost all can be successfully kept through the winter with these simple techniques. The effort you put in now will be rewarded with a head start on a lush, colorful garden next year. For a broader overview of what Longfield offers, see our Learn with Longfield page.
Conclusion
Overwintering begonias is a rewarding skill that helps you build a more sustainable and beautiful garden. Whether you choose to let your tuberous begonias sleep in a cool basement or keep your Dragon Wings as houseplants, the process is straightforward. By matching your care to the specific type of begonia you own, you can enjoy these tropical favorites for many years.
- Identify whether your begonia needs a dormant period or can stay active.
- Dig and store tuberous varieties in a cool, dry place before the ground freezes.
- Move fibrous and Rex begonias indoors before the first frost.
- Provide bright light and extra humidity for plants kept indoors.
- Wait for warm spring temperatures before moving plants back to the garden.
Gardening is a journey of learning and observation. Every winter you spend caring for your begonias makes you a more confident gardener. We at Longfield Gardens are here to support you with quality plants and the practical advice you need to succeed. Start preparing your plants today, and look forward to the vibrant colors they will bring to your home and garden next season. If you’re ready to shop, our Begonia Flower Bulbs for Sale collection is the natural next stop.
Overwintering your favorite begonias is a simple way to enjoy larger plants and more flowers every year. It turns a summer favorite into a long-term part of your garden family.
FAQ
How do I know if my begonia is tuberous or fibrous?
Tuberous begonias typically have very large, showy flowers and thick, fleshy stems that grow from a single, potato-like root. Fibrous begonias have smaller flowers and leaves, and their roots look like a dense, hairy mat. If you aren't sure, check the plant's label or look for a thick tuber just below the soil surface.
Do I need to water my begonia tubers while they are in storage?
Generally, no. Tuberous begonias should be stored in a dry material like peat moss or vermiculite. However, if the tubers look extremely shriveled or feel bone-dry mid-winter, you can give them a very light misting of water. Be careful not to make them wet, as this will lead to rot. If you’re looking for a ready-to-plant option, the Begonia Upright Double Nonstop Apricot is one of the tuberous types we carry.
When is the best time to bring begonias indoors?
You should bring your begonias inside when the nighttime temperatures consistently drop to 50°F. For tuberous varieties, you can wait until the first light frost kills the top growth. For Rex or Dragon Wing begonias, it is better to move them inside before the first frost to avoid shocking the sensitive foliage. Our How to Overwinter Begonia Plants article covers the process step by step.
Why are the leaves on my Rex begonia turning brown at the edges?
This is usually caused by low humidity in the home. Indoor heating dries out the air, which affects the thin leaves of the Rex begonia. Using a pebble tray or a humidifier nearby can help. Also, make sure you are not letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
