Easy Annual Toxic to pets

Wax Begonia

Begonia semperflorens

A classic bedding plant, Wax Begonias offer continuous blooms and glossy foliage, thriving in various light conditions.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 3 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

50–70 %
Temperature

15–28 °C

How to care for your Wax Begonia

Everything you need to keep your Wax Begonia healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Begonia semperflorens, commonly known as Wax Begonia, is a popular annual or tender perennial valued for its consistent flowering and neat, compact habit. It features waxy green or bronze leaves and delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. Ideal for borders, containers, and mass plantings, it performs best in partial shade but can tolerate sun in cooler climates. Ensure well-draining soil and consistent moisture for optimal growth.

Watering your Wax Begonia

Every 3 days

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess to drain.

How to know it needs water

Soil surface dry to touch
Leaves show slight wilting

How much light a Wax Begonia needs

Full sun

Partial shade to full sun (cooler climates)

Direct sun tolerated: 4 to 8 h a day
Orientations that suit it: East, South-east, South, South-west, West

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

Moderate Not typically required; can encourage fungal issues in high humidity.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 14 days

Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season; reduce frequency in late fall.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer · 10-10-10

Repotting your Wax Begonia

Every 12 months

Move to a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots visible at drainage holes
Plant becoming top-heavy

Pruning your Wax Begonia

As needed Pinch back spent blooms and leggy stems to encourage bushiness.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 4 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 2 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in pets. The roots are the most toxic.

Good to know

Known for its continuous flowering, hence 'semperflorens'.
Popular choice for mass plantings and bedding displays.

Frequently asked questions about the Wax Begonia

How do you care for a Wax Begonia?

Water it every 3 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Ideal temperature: 15–28 °C. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess to drain.

How often should you water a Wax Begonia?

Every 3 days Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing excess to drain. How to know it needs water : Soil surface dry to touch ; Leaves show slight wilting.

How much light does a Wax Begonia need?

Full sun Partial shade to full sun (cooler climates) 4 to 8 h a day

Is the Wax Begonia toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains soluble calcium oxalates; ingestion can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in pets. The roots are the most toxic. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Wax Begonia leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Wax Begonia?

Repot every 12 months, ideally in spring. Move to a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.