# Overwintering Begonias Indoors: A Simple Guide
## Introduction
Begonias are among the most versatile and rewarding plants in the summer garden. Their lush foliage and brilliant blooms bring a tropical feel to patios, window boxes, and shaded garden beds. While these plants are often treated as annuals in most parts of the United States, they are actually tender perennials. This means they can live for many years if they are protected from the winter cold.
At Longfield Gardens, we believe that saving your favorite plants should be an enjoyable part of the gardening cycle. Overwintering begonias indoors allows you to keep your favorite varieties from season to season. It is a cost-effective way to enjoy larger, more robust plants each year. Whether you have a favorite tuberous variety or a stunning Rex begonia, the process is straightforward and beginner-friendly. For a broader overview, see our [All About Begonias](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/all-about-begonias/) guide.
This guide covers the simple steps for overwintering different types of begonias. You will learn how to identify which variety you have and how to provide the specific care it needs during the cooler months. By following these basic principles, you can ensure your begonias return even stronger next spring.
## Identifying Your Begonia Type
Before you bring your plants inside, you must determine which type of begonia you are growing. Different varieties have different needs during the winter. Some require a period of complete dormancy, while others prefer to keep growing as houseplants. If you want a quick reminder of the light conditions begonias prefer, our [Are Begonias Shade or Sun Plants?](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/blogs/begonia-care/are-begonias-shade-or-sun-plants) guide is a helpful next step.
### Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are famous for their large, rose-like flowers and vibrant colors. Varieties like the [Non-Stop Begonias](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/non-stop) or Picotee series grow from a thick, potato-like root called a tuber. These plants naturally want to go dormant in the winter. They will drop their leaves and stems, resting until the warm weather returns. If you have begonias with very large, showy flowers and a distinct tuber at the soil line, they fall into this category.
### Wax and Fibrous Begonias
Wax begonias are the classic bedding plants often found in garden borders. They have fleshy, succulent-like leaves that are either green or bronze. Their flowers are smaller but very numerous. These begonias have a fibrous root system rather than a tuber. They do not go dormant and can be kept as active houseplants all winter long.
### Rex and foliage Begonias
Rex begonias are grown primarily for their incredible leaf patterns and colors. They do not go dormant in the winter, though their growth will slow down significantly. These plants thrive in humid indoor environments and can add a splash of color to your home when the outdoor garden is resting.
### Cane and Angel Wing Begonias
These begonias have upright, bamboo-like stems and often feature spotted, wing-shaped leaves. Like wax begonias, these are fibrous-rooted plants. They can grow quite tall and will continue to produce foliage and occasional flowers indoors if given enough light.
> **Key Takeaway**
> Successful overwintering starts with identification. Tuberous begonias need a nap (dormancy), while fibrous and rhizomatous types prefer to stay awake as houseplants.
## Overwintering Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are tropical plants that cannot survive a freeze. However, they need a rest period to bloom well the following year. The goal is to safely store the tuber in a cool, dry place until spring. If you are deciding when to start the process, our [Begonia planting timing guide](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/blogs/begonia-care/when-should-you-plant-begonias-outside) covers the seasonal window in more detail.
### When to Start the Process
In most regions, you should begin the overwintering process in late September or October. As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, the plant will naturally start to look a bit tired. This is a sign that it is moving energy from the leaves down into the tuber for storage.
Wait until the first light frost kills the top growth, or until the foliage turns yellow and begins to wither. A light touch of frost often helps signal the plant to go fully dormant. However, do not let the ground freeze, as this can damage the tuber itself.
### Digging and Curing the Tubers
If your begonias are in the ground, carefully dig them up using a garden fork or trowel. Be sure to stay several inches away from the stem to avoid nicking the tuber. If they are in containers, you can simply pull the entire root ball out of the pot. For step-by-step spring prep, our [How to Plant a Begonia Hanging Basket](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/blogs/begonia-care/how-to-plant-a-begonia-hanging-basket) guide shows how Longfield Gardens handles tubers for container growing.
1. **Trim the stems:** Cut the stems back to about one or two inches above the tuber.
2. **Clean gently:** Shake off the excess soil. Do not wash the tubers with water, as excess moisture can lead to rot during storage.
3. **Cure the tubers:** Place the tubers in a warm, dry, and airy spot out of direct sunlight. Let them sit for about two weeks. This "cures" the skin and helps prevent disease.
4. **Final cleaning:** After two weeks, the remaining stem stubs should be dry and brittle. They will usually pop off easily with a gentle touch. Any remaining loose soil can be brushed away.
### Proper Storage Conditions
Once the tubers are clean and dry, they need a winter home. The ideal storage spot is cool, dark, and dry. A temperature between 40°F and 50°F is perfect. Many gardeners use a basement, a crawl space, or an insulated garage.
Store the tubers in a breathable container. A cardboard box, a paper bag, or a plastic bin with the lid left ajar works well. Bury the tubers in a dry packing medium to keep them insulated and prevent them from shriveling. Good options include:
* Peat moss
* Vermiculite
* Perlite
* Shredded newspaper
Check your tubers once a month during the winter. If any feel soft or show signs of mold, remove them immediately to keep the rest of the collection healthy.
> **What to do next**
> * Watch the weather for the first light frost.
> * Dig or remove tubers from pots carefully.
> * Let tubers dry in a protected area for two weeks.
> * Pack in dry peat moss and store in a cool, dark place.
## Overwintering Begonias as Houseplants
If you are growing wax, Rex, or cane begonias, you don't need to worry about dormancy. These plants are happy to move inside and live on a windowsill.
### The Importance of Timing
For begonias that will stay active, timing is everything. Do not wait for frost. These varieties are sensitive to cold nights. When evening temperatures consistently drop into the 50s, it is time to bring them indoors. Moving them while the indoor and outdoor temperatures are still somewhat similar helps reduce transplant shock. If you are comparing light levels for indoor placement, the [Begonia shade and sun guide](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/blogs/begonia-care/where-to-plant-begonias-sun-or-shade) can help you pick the right spot.
### Preparing for the Move
Before bringing any plant inside, you want to make sure you aren't bringing in unwanted guests.
* **Inspect for pests:** Check the undersides of leaves and the stems for insects.
* **Clean the foliage:** Give the plants a gentle spray with a garden hose to wash away dust and any hiding bugs.
* **Repot if necessary:** If your begonias were in the ground, transplant them into containers using a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. We recommend avoiding garden soil in pots, as it is too heavy and may contain pests.
### Acclimatizing Your Plants
Plants are sensitive to sudden changes in light and humidity. To help your begonias adjust, move them to a shaded spot on your porch or patio for a few days before bringing them all the way inside. Once indoors, place them in a spot with bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is often ideal.
## Caring for Begonias Indoors
Indoor conditions in the winter are very different from a summer garden. The air is drier and the light is weaker. A few simple adjustments will keep your begonias happy until spring.
### Managing Light and Water
Begonias need light to maintain their color, but they don't want to be scorched by a hot, south-facing window. If you see the leaves turning pale or the stems becoming "leggy" (long and thin), the plant may need more light. If you want more detail on soil depth when you repot, see [How Deep Should I Plant Begonias?](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/blogs/begonia-care/how-deep-should-i-plant-begonias).
Watering is where most indoor gardeners make mistakes. During the winter, begonias grow more slowly and need less water. Follow the "deep then dry" rule:
* Feel the soil with your finger.
* If the top inch of soil is dry, water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
* Discard any water that collects in the saucer.
* Wait until the soil dries out again before watering.
Overwatering is the fastest way to cause root issues, so when in doubt, it is better to wait a day or two.
### Boosting Humidity
Modern heating systems make indoor air very dry, which can be hard on Rex and foliage begonias. You can create a more comfortable environment using a simple pebble tray.
1. Find a shallow tray and fill it with small stones or pebbles.
2. Add water to the tray, but keep the water level just below the tops of the stones.
3. Place your begonia pot on top of the stones.
The water will evaporate around the plant, increasing the local humidity without keeping the roots soggy.
### Fertilizer and Pruning
In the winter, your begonias are in a resting phase. They do not need much, if any, fertilizer. Stop feeding them in late fall and resume only when you see new growth in the spring.
If your plants become too large or look a bit messy, don't be afraid to prune them. Use clean, sharp scissors to snip off any yellow leaves or spent flowers. For cane begonias, you can trim the tops to encourage a bushier shape.
> **Key Takeaway**
> Indoors, less is more. Provide bright indirect light, water only when the soil is dry, and use a pebble tray to help with dry winter air.
## Bringing Begonias Back Outside
As the days get longer and spring arrives, your begonias will start to wake up. This is an exciting time for any gardener!
### Waking Up Tuberous Begonias
In late February or March, you can give your stored tubers a head start.
1. Remove them from their storage boxes and inspect them.
2. Place them in a shallow tray of moist potting soil with the hollow side of the tuber facing up.
3. Set the tray in a warm, bright spot.
4. Once you see small pink or green buds appearing, you can move them into individual pots.
### The Hardening Off Process
Whether you are moving a houseplant back outside or transplanting a newly sprouted tuber, you must do it gradually. This is called "hardening off."
* Start by placing the plants outside in a sheltered, shady spot for an hour or two during the day.
* Gradually increase their time outside over the course of 7 to 10 days.
* Bring them back inside at night if temperatures are expected to drop below 50°F.
Only plant them in their permanent garden home once all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. At Longfield Gardens, we want you to have the best results possible, so we always suggest checking your local frost dates before making the final move. You can also use our [Hardiness Zone Map](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/hardiness-zone-map) and [Shipping Information](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/pages/shipping-information) pages to plan ahead.
## Simple Troubleshooting
If your begonias aren't looking their best indoors, don't worry. Most issues are easy to fix with a few small changes.
### Leaf Drop
It is very common for begonias to drop a few leaves when they first move indoors. This is just the plant's way of adjusting to the lower light levels. As long as the stems look healthy and new leaves are forming, your plant is doing fine.
### Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves usually mean the soil is staying too wet. Double-check your watering routine and make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes. If the soil feels like a wet sponge, let it dry out completely before watering again.
### Leggy Growth
If your begonia is reaching toward the window and looks thin and weak, it needs more light. Move it to a brighter location or consider using a simple LED grow light to supplement the natural sunshine.
### Powdery Mildew
Sometimes, a white, flour-like dust can appear on the leaves. This is a fungus called powdery mildew. It usually happens when the air is still and the leaves stay wet. Improve the airflow around your plants by not crowding them too closely together, and avoid getting water on the leaves when you water the soil. If you want a wider overview of begonia care, our [How to Plant and Care for Begonias](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/blogs/begonia-care/how-to-plant-and-care-for-begonias) guide is a useful reference.
> **What to do next**
> * Monitor soil moisture weekly with the finger test.
> * Rotate pots every week so all sides of the plant get light.
> * Remove any dead or yellowing foliage to keep the plant clean.
> * Wait for consistent 60°F weather before moving plants back to the garden.
## Summary of Success
Overwintering begonias is a rewarding habit that connects the seasons of your garden. It transforms what could be a one-time purchase into a long-term investment in your landscape's beauty. By understanding whether your begonia needs a dormant rest or a cozy spot on a windowsill, you can ensure these tropical beauties thrive for years to come.
Remember that gardening is a learning process. Every home has its own unique microclimate, and your begonias will tell you what they need if you observe them closely. With a little patience and the right environment, you will be rewarded with spectacular blooms and lush foliage every summer.
At Longfield Gardens, our goal is to help you grow a garden you love. We take pride in providing high-quality bulbs and plants, and we stand behind them with our quality guarantee. If you ever have questions about your plants or need advice on a specific variety, our team is here to support you. For more on how we support gardeners, see our [About Us](https://www.longfield-gardens.com/pages/about-us) page.
> "Saving begonias for next year is one of the easiest ways to feel like a pro gardener. It's a simple cycle of rest and regrowth that makes the spring season even more exciting."
* Identify if your begonia is tuberous (needs dormancy) or fibrous (stays as a houseplant).
* Store tubers in a cool, dry, dark place in a medium like peat moss.
* Bring indoor begonias inside before the nights drop below 50°F.
* Water sparingly during the winter and avoid fertilizing until spring growth appears.
## FAQ
### How do I know if my begonia tuber is still alive in storage?
A healthy tuber should feel firm and heavy for its size, similar to a fresh potato. If you gently squeeze it, there should be no "give" or soft spots. If a tuber feels very light, hollow, or shriveled, it may have dried out too much. If it is mushy or smells bad, it has likely rotted and should be discarded to protect your other tubers.
### Can I leave my begonias in their outdoor pots all winter?
This depends on where you live. If you are in a frost-free climate (Zones 9-11), you can often leave them outside in a protected area. However, in most of the U.S., the soil in a pot will freeze much faster than the ground. If you want to keep them in their pots, you must bring the entire container into a frost-free area like a basement or garage. For tuberous types, stop watering so the soil dries out and the plant goes dormant.
### Do begonias need a grow light to survive indoors?
Most begonias can survive the winter near a bright window without extra lighting. Wax and Rex begonias are particularly good at adapting to lower light. However, if your home is very dark or you want the plants to continue blooming vigorously, a simple LED grow light can help. Keep the light on for 10–12 hours a day to mimic summer conditions.
### Why did my begonia stems fall off the tuber when I dug it up?
This is actually a good thing! When a tuberous begonia goes dormant, it creates a "separation layer" between the stem and the tuber. If the stems fall off easily, it means the plant was fully ready for its winter rest. If the stems are still firmly attached, you may need to wait another week or two for the curing process to finish before gently removing them.
