How to Grow and Care for Wax Begonia

Plant Care

Wax Begonias are very versatile and low effort-requiring plants, whether you are planting them in flower beds, window boxes, or pots. Warm weather is what they love, and also benefit from regular feeding to keep the blooms coming.

Plant in spring after the danger of frost is past. Amend the soil with compost, and space plants 6–12 inches apart to allow for airflow. Deadhead (remove spent blooms) regularly to promote additional flowering, though some varieties are self-cleaning. Feed regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer (every 2 –4 weeks) during growing season. If grown in partial shade, they'll still bloom—just a little less profusely.

Light

Wax Begonias are very flexible with light. They perform best in full sun to partial shade, and their performance does vary a bit based on your climate. In cooler, northern zones, full sun is best for most blooms and compact growth. 

However, in hotter southern climates, strong afternoon sun can be too intense—causing leaf scorch or faded color. In those places, a location with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade is best. If you grow indoors, place them near a bright window and indirect light. Whether in the garden or in containers, aim for 4–6 hours of sunlight a day for best results.

Soil

Good soil is crucial for Wax Begonias. They like rich, loose, and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5 is perfect). Improve the structure and drainage of heavy clay or excessively sandy soils in garden beds by incorporating compost or peat moss. Make sure to avoid too wet or soggy spots that will soon cause the roots to rot. 

If you’re planting in a container, choose a good quality potting mix formulated for flowering annuals. Some extra perlite can aid in drainage. 

*Remember: the roots want to breathe, not sit in water.

Watering

Wax Begonias prefer consistent moisture, but are not fans of soggy soil. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch — that can be every few days in summer heat, but less often in cooler conditions. Check more often in containers, as pots will dry out more quickly than in the garden. 

Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, a condition that can foster fungal problems like powdery mildew. Watering early in the morning is preferable, so that the leaves have time to dry out. Cut back on watering during the cooler months or when there's been extended periods of rain to avoid overwatering stress.

Pruning

Trimming Wax Begonia keeps it tidy and encourages more blooms. Here's how to do it. Here's how to do it:

• When to prune: Prune anytime during the growing season
• What to prune:  Dead or faded blooms and leggy stems
• Remove: Foliage that is yellowed or damaged at the base
• Pro tip: Pinching back tips will promote bushier growth.
• Bonus: Pruning can extend flowering well into fall

Propagating

Wax Begonias are easy to propagate by cuttings from the stem:

• Use a 3–4 inch stem cutting with at least one node
• Remove lower leaves and place in water or moist soil
• Maintain bright, indirect light
• Roots form in 2–3 weeks; transplant when well- established

Growing in Pots

Wax Begonias are perfect for pot culture. Plant in containers with good drainage holes and filled with a rich, lightweight potting mix. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and feed monthly with a diluted fertilizer..

They look particularly striking in hanging baskets, mixed planters or patio containers. Compact and self-contained, they won’t overwhelm other plants. Rotate your pot regularly (about once a week) for even growth and bloom coverage.

Overwintering

Wax Begonias are tender perennials, though not hardy enough to withstand frost. In zones below USDA 10, they’re usually grown as annuals. For overwintering, you can bring healthy plants indoors before the first frost and grow them as houseplants in a bright window. Cut back on watering in the winter and begin fertilizing again in early spring.

Blooming

Wax Begonias are near-continuous bloomers from late spring to frost. Their blossoms come in white, pink, or red, often nicely contrasting with green or bronze leaves. Deadheading can encourage more blooms, though most new varieties are self-cleaning.

Common Issues

Wax Begonias are easygoing, but watch for a few potential concerns.

• Yellow leaves →  Overwatering or poor drainage can be the cause. Monitor your watering schedule to fix the issue.
• Wilting → Often underwatering or root rot — check soil's moisture and drainage
• Powdery mildew > Develops in humid conditions with poor circulation; prune and improve spacing
• Leggy growth → Inadequate light; relocate plant to a brighter spot or pinch back stems
• No flowering → Too much shade or not enough fertilizer

Summary

Wax Begonias are true summer workhorses—easy to grow, endlessly blooming, and perfect for everything from formal borders to playful patio pots. Glossy-leaved and cheery-flowered, they provide long-lasting color with surprisingly little effort. Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned grower, this classic plant brings dependable beauty to any space from spring through fall.