Why are my begonia leaves turning brown?

This is often caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering.

Do begonias need full sun?

Most prefer bright, indirect light, as direct sun can scorch their delicate leaves.

Plant guide

Begonia.

Begonia

Pronounced beh-GOH-nee-uh

Also known as Begonia, Begonias

Begonia glabra — Photo by D (CC0) via gbif

Begonias are a diverse group of plants known for their stunning foliage and vibrant blooms. They thrive in warm, humid environments and make excellent houseplants or garden additions. You will love how they add a splash of color to any shaded spot.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial or annual depending on climate.
Light: Partial shade to bright indirect light.
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: Varies widely by species, from 15 to 90 centimeters.
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 11
Bloom time: Spring to autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for drooping leaves, which often signal a need for water, or yellowing leaves, which might indicate overwatering. Ensure good air circulation to keep fungal issues at bay.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth and remove spent blooms.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or the soil breaks down.
Soil: Well draining, peat based potting mix.
Soil pH: Slightly acidic, 5.5 to 6.5.
Temperature: 15 to 24°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
The plant stops growing during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause significant irritation to the mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested.
Pets: Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, as they contain soluble calcium oxalates.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children and pets, as the leaves and stems are toxic if chewed or swallowed.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Begonias are generally not considered significant contributors to airborne allergies.
Edibility: While some begonias are technically edible, they contain soluble oxalates that can cause mouth irritation and kidney issues if consumed in quantity.

How to identify it

Asymmetrical, often lopsided leaf shapes
Succulent, fleshy stems
Diverse leaf colors and patterns
Clusters of delicate, colorful flowers

Height: 0.15 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.15 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, red, silver, bronze, evergreen
Flowers: pink, red, white, yellow, 1 to 8cm

Common problems

Powdery mildew — A white, dusty fungal growth appears on leaves due to poor air circulation or high humidity.
Botrytis blight — Gray mold develops on stems and flowers, often triggered by cool, damp conditions.
Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony insects suck sap from the undersides of leaves and stems.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division, seed
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: Bring outdoor begonias inside before the first frost. Reduce watering during the winter months as the plant enters a period of slower growth.
In containers: Begonias grow very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 6 inches wide.

Stem Cuttings

Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes.
Cut the stem just below a node.
Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix.
Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs together to make maintenance easier.

Grows well with

Ferns — They share similar requirements for shade and consistent moisture.
Impatiens — These plants thrive in the same low light conditions as begonias.
Coleus — Their colorful foliage provides a nice contrast to the textures of begonia leaves.

Keep away from

Succulents — Succulents require much drier soil and higher light than begonias can tolerate.

Similar species

Rex Begonia — Known for its stunning, patterned foliage rather than its flowers.
Wax Begonia — A common bedding plant with waxy leaves and constant blooms.

Science

Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Order: Cucurbitales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
Conservation: Most common garden begonias are cultivated hybrids and are not of conservation concern.

Begonias thrive in the dappled light of forest floors where they utilize high humidity and organic matter to grow.

Uses: indoor ornamental, shade garden bedding, container specimen

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Salinity: 2/9
Moisture: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are my begonia leaves turning brown?: This is often caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Do begonias need full sun?: Most prefer bright, indirect light, as direct sun can scorch their delicate leaves.

Where the name comes from

The genus was named by Charles Plumier to honor Michel Bégon. The name has remained a staple in horticulture since the 1700s.

Good to know

There are over 2,000 species of begonias found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Begonia flowers are unisexual, meaning individual flowers are either male or female on the same plant.
They are famous for their asymmetrical leaf shapes, which help them capture light in dense forest floors.

Is your begonia looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.