Begonias are often grown in containers or pots due to their fondness of being slightly root-bound and so that they can be easily moved to a pride of place when looking their best.
A group of tender flowering perennials, begonias are often grown as container or hanging basket half hardy annuals or as houseplants here in the UK.
Begonias are popular flowering plants loved for their colorful and abundant blooms as well as their attractive foliage They come in a wide array of flower colors like pink, red, white, orange and yellow With over 1,800 species, begonias can be found in many growth habits including upright, trailing, cascading and mound shaped.
While begonias like to be somewhat rootbound, transplanting them periodically is an essential care task. Repotting to a larger container with fresh potting mix gives begonias room to grow while replenishing nutrients and improving drainage. If done properly, transplanting will keep your begonias thriving for years.
When to Repot Begonias
Begonias should be repotted when:
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Roots are circling the inside of the pot or visible through the drainage holes. This indicates the plant is rootbound.
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Soil pulls away from the pot sides.
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Nutrient deficiencies show up from soil exhaustion.
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Plants become top heavy or droop without support.
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Growth is leggy and lower leaves drop off.
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Repotting is needed when bringing plants indoors or outdoors seasonally.
Ideally, transplant begonias in early spring before the growing season takes off. Mature container begonias may only need repotting every 2-3 years. Avoid transplanting during bloom time.
Supplies for Repotting Begonias
Gather these supplies before beginning:
- Potting container 1-2 inches larger than the current pot
- Bagged potting mix formulated for begonias
- Sharp, clean shears or knife to prune roots
- Plant tray or newspaper to contain mess
- Small trowel, scoop or spoon for planting
Avoid oversized pots that retain excessive moisture, Cover your work area to contain spilled soil and debris
Step-by-Step Guide to Transplanting Begonias
Follow these easy steps for successful begonia transplants:
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Fill the new container about 1/3 full with moistened potting mix suitable for begonias. Look for a lightweight, porous mix.
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Gently remove the begonia from its old pot. Loosen any circled or tangled roots with your fingers or pruning shears.
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Set the begonia in the new pot and fill around it with more pre-moistened soil mix. Pack gently but avoid compressing.
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Leave 1 inch between the soil and pot rim. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom drainage holes.
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Place the freshly repotted begonia in bright filtered light while it re-establishes, then gradually move back into its normal light exposure.
Begonia Transplant Aftercare
Follow these tips to help your transplanted begonia adapt and flourish:
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Water more frequently after repotting until new roots develop and plant stabilizes. Then resume normal watering based on soil dryness tests.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth seasons.
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Prune or pinch back any overgrown, leggy stems to reshape the plant.
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Monitor for pests like aphids or mealybugs that may attack disturbed roots and treat promptly.
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Consider a grow light if indoor sunlight is insufficient while begonia recovers.
With close monitoring, your newly transplanted begonia will settle in quickly and grow even stronger in its roomy new container.
Best Potting Mix for Transplanting Begonias
Begonias need a lightweight, porous and fast-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix. The ideal transplanting soil contains:
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Peat moss to improve moisture retention and texture
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Perlite to prevent compaction and improve drainage
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Vermiculite to hold moisture and nutrients
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Compost/composted manure to feed plants and beneficial microbes
You can purchase specialty begonia potting mixes or make your own by blending equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite with 10-20% compost. Avoid standard potting soils which stay too wet.
Troubleshooting Common Begonia Transplant Problems
Watch for these potential transplant issues and remedy them quickly:
- Wilting, drooping – Acclimate to partial shade until begonia recovers
- Few new blooms – Can indicate excess nitrogen fertilizer, reduce strength
- Leaf drop – Check for temperature stress or improper watering
- Leggy growth – Give more sunlight, pinch back long stems by half
- Failure to thrive – Could signal root damage, treat with fungicide drench
When issues pop up, fix them promptly and keep a close eye on your begonia to get its health back on track. With attentive aftercare, it will soon grow vigorously in its roomier container.
Enjoying Your Begonias After Transplanting
Once settled into fresh growing mix in a properly sized pot, transplanted begonias will provide:
- Cascades of delicate blooms lasting over a long season
- Colorful “flowers” that are actually showy bracts surrounding small flowers
- Dark glossy leaves in attractive shapes like hearts or ovals
- A variety of growth habits from trailing types to upright bushy plants
- Wax begonias filling baskets and pots with cheery blossoms
- Houseplants that brighten indoor spaces year-round
Taking time to carefully repot begonias pays off with healthy, thriving plants that delight indoors and out. Follow the steps above for successful transplants, and your begonias will thank you with their joyful blooms and foliage.
Loosen The Plant’s Soil
Before repotting, it is important to loosen the soil around the plant so it can be easily removed from its current container.
If the plant has become severely rootbound or has not been re-potted in a few years, this can be easier said than done.
If a plant cannot easily be extracted from its current home, gently squeezing the sides of the pot or sliding a thin object between the soil and the pot side, such as a plant label can help.
Choose An Appropriate Pot
Begonias grow best when they are slightly constrained, so don’t be tempted to plant them in a huge pot, as they will often struggle.
Instead, choose a new pot just one or two sizes up, with plenty of drainage holes so any excess water can easily drain away.
How to Replant Begonias : Begonias
FAQ
Do begonias transplant well?
Do not repot a Begonia into a much larger pot. Generally, move up one pot size at a time. It is better for the plant to be repotted more frequently in smaller jumps, than to make one big jump and over-pot. Over-potting will lead to the soil mix staying too wet, souring, and rotting the roots.
Do begonias need sun or shade?
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Kaw Valley Greenhouseshttps://www.kawvalleygreenhouses.comBest 3 Annuals for Shade – Blog – Kaw Valley GreenhousesDepending on the type of begonia, some can handle more sun than others, but they all thrive better in shade. Wax (fibrous) begonias, especially the dark-leafed …
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Better Homes & Gardenshttps://www.bhg.comDo Begonias Like Sun? 5 Types That Thrive in Lots of LightMar 11, 2024 — Do Begonias Like Sun or Shade? Most types of begonias grow in shady areas in nature. However, plant breeders have been able to increase sun toleranc…
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Lively Roothttps://www.livelyroot.comBegonia: Sun or Shade? Learn More About Begonia’s Light …Dec 10, 2024 — A: Begonias prefer bright, indirect sunlight to bloom well. Too much direct sunlight can burn their delicate leaves, while too little light can prev…
Can you root begonias in water?
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1. Take cuttings:Snip healthy, strong stems from your begonia plant, ensuring each cutting has at least 2-3 nodes (joints).
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2. Prepare the cuttings:Remove all but the top leaves, trim the bottom stem to within a quarter inch of the bottom node, and discard any thin or floppy ends.
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3. Root in water:Place the cuttings in a clear vase or jar of clean, fresh water, ensuring at least one node is submerged.
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4. Monitor and change water:Change the water every few weeks to prevent the growth of algae and ensure optimal rooting conditions.
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5. Transplant:Once the roots are about ½ inch long, the cuttings are ready to transplant into a pot with well-draining soil.
Can you put potted begonias outside?
Most begonias can be grown as indoor or outdoor plants – growing begonias indoors is particularly handy if you live in a frost prone climate. Begonias prefer a moist, but free draining soil that’s slightly acidic with a pH around 5.5 – 6.0.
When should a Begonia be transplanted?
If there is still loose soil, allow the begonia to continue growing. When the plant’s roots hold all of the soil, it’s time for a transplant. A begonia transplant may not always need a larger container. Sometimes a begonia may wither and fall over.
How do you transplant begonias?
Note on bare root begonias: Transplanting bare roots should be accomplished as soon as possible after purchase. Gently spread roots and work into soil as you plant into suitable holes. In all cases, water the transplanted begonia well and protect it from direct sun until it is firmly established.
Should Begonia be transplanted to a bigger pot?
When moving begonia to a bigger pot, select a slightly larger pot for the transplant. Slightly means to choose a pot that is an inch (2.5 cm.) larger than its previous pot. It is better to gradually increase the size of the pot as the plant grows, rather than plunking it into a huge container, which can lead to root rot.