🌿 Begonia

Use a loose, aerated, humus-rich medium that drains freely but retains some moisture. A good general mix is a quality peat or coir-based mixture, amended with perlite and pumice, plus some fine orchid bark (or other coarse material) to keep the space porous. Avoid heavy garden soil and any compacted, waterlogged substrate; always use a pot with clear drainage. Slightly acidic mixtures are generally suitable. Re-pot when the mix decomposes and becomes fine/compact (loss of structure reduces aeration and increases the risk of rotting).

Feed begonias lightly during active growth (spring to early autumn). Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10 or similar) diluted 1/4-1/2 every 2-4 weeks. Apply the fertilizer only to moist soil (water first) to reduce the risk of root burn, and rinse the container periodically with clear water to avoid the build-up of soluble salts. Reduce fertilizing when light and temperatures drop, and stop fertilizing in winter or when growth slows. If the plant enters a resting/dormant period (as with some types of begonias), do not fertilize until new growth resumes.