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Wax begonia

Begonia cucullata

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Wax begonia · Begonia cucullata

Glossy leaves and small pink, white or red flowers almost year-round.

Care and placement

Tolerates full sun to shade (best with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot places), water at the base in well-drained soil, balanced feed every 2–4 weeks; small flowers nearly year-round.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 30 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 30 cm

Things to consider

Begonia contains soluble calcium oxalates: ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (vomiting, salivation; kidney failure in grazing animals); the tubers and roots are most toxic. Keep pets and children from chewing it.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in pots or beds with loose, well-drained, humus-rich soil; pots need drainage holes. It can go in full sun to shade; indoors it needs bright indirect light.

  2. Light

    Tolerates full sun, part shade and even shade; in hot regions best with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade (about 4–6 hours of sun); indoors bright indirect light.

  3. Watering

    Water at the base to keep foliage dry and limit fungus; water until it drains, then wait until the top 2–3 cm is dry; moderately drought-tolerant once established.

  4. Feeding

    10-10-10 liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks in the growing season, or slow-release at planting then half-strength liquid every 2–3 weeks.

  5. Pruning

    Snip off about 2.5 cm of the stem tip just above a set of leaves so it grows two new stems and bushes out; deadhead to encourage more flowers.

  6. Propagation

    Cuttings 8–10 cm long, lower half stripped and 2–3 leaves kept at the top; rooting hormone is optional; root in water (change every few days) or moist mix in bright indirect light. Leaf cuttings or division also work.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Aphids, mealybugs and spider mites (mealybugs: insecticidal soap or alcohol swabs); powdery mildew and botrytis; overwatering causes root rot.

  8. For more flowers

    For many flowers: enough light, early pinching, deadheading, regular feeding in the growing season and base watering.