Begonia

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed with houseplant food

Using a balanced houseplant fertiliser, feed at alternate waterings.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water to keep soil moist

Water regularly, but do not leave the plant sodden or with water in a saucer at its feet. It likes to be dry during the winter months.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth.

Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Spring · Planting

Repot yearly

Repot yearly if grown in a pot. Move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. Some of the old compost can be shaken away, but don't disturb the roots too much.

Be careful to ensure the roots are spread out in the new pot, and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and make sure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.

Summer - early · Outdoors

Apply slow release fertiliser

Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Winter-Spring · Indoors

Water lightly in winter

The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.

The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.

Indoors

Feed some varieties differently

Some plant varieties within this genus require additional feeding. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.

Indoors

Water some varieties differently

Some plant varieties within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance, and/or check the label.

Outdoors

Feed & mulch some rose varieties differently

To keep roses healthy and produce more flowers, feed during the growing season before and after flowering. Roses in containers should be fed more often than those planted in the ground, every two weeks from mid spring to late summer. Adding a mulch around the base of a rose will trap moisture and enrich the soil as it biodegrades.

Outdoors

Water some varieties differently

Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.

Planting

Prune some varieties

Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for pruning. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for pruning guidance.

Planting

Support some varieties

Some plants within this genus may require support for young plants and/or long stems. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.

Planting

Winter protection required by some varieties

Some plants within this genus require protection from winter cold. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.

Compost · Planting

Houseplant compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality house plant compost.

Indoor temperature · Planting

18C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 18 Centigrade.

Compost · Planting

Compost requirements vary

Some plant varieties within this genus have differing requirements for compost. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in indirect light indoors

Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.