Begonias need to be watered every 2–4 days, depending on the climate. If you live in a dry, hot region, plan on watering your begonias every other day throughout the warmest part of the year. In cool climates, watering your begonias twice per week is usually sufficient.
How Much Water Do Begonias Need Per Day?
Begonias don’t require daily watering, so it is easier to think of watering in terms of moisture. Begonias do not like soil to be too wet, but they don’t thrive if it dries out with too much sun either. Follow a schedule where you water once every 2–4 days to keep soil moisture in the ideal range.
- Begonias don’t need daily water.
- Your begonias will grow best in soil that is neither dried nor saturated.
- Water your begonias every 2–4 days as the general rule.
- Allow the consistency of the soil to be your guide when watering begonias.
Generally speaking, if the soil is dry to the touch, particularly when the dryness goes deeper than ½ inch (1 cm), your begonias need water. Regardless of how often you plan to water begonias, always base your final decision on how the soil feels.
How Do You Water Begonias?
To water begonias properly, first test the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to give your begonias some water. Grab your watering pail or your hose to get the job done. If using a garden hose, choose a light setting.
- Test the soil for dryness before watering begonias.
- If watering with a garden hose, don’t select a strong setting.
- Water your begonias from the top.
- Water until a minimum of ¼ inch (6 mm) of soil is moist.
Water from the top, since this will help the leaves retain moisture. This method also wets the surrounding soil in the process. Water until at least the top ¼ inch (6 mm) of the soil is saturated. If you are watering begonias in planters, make sure you drain off the excess water from the soil.
Do Begonias Like Wet or Dry Soil?
Begonias do not like soil that is too dry or too wet. They thrive in soil that is moist but not saturated, and they will quickly wilt if the soil becomes too dry.
- Begonias like soil that is neither saturated nor dry.
- Begonias that have wilted due to dry soil may not come back to life.
- Overly moist soil can cause begonia flowers to droop and leaves to die.
Begonias are hard to bring back to life once they have wilted from overly dry soil. However, soil that is too moist can result in drooping flowers and dead leaves that eventually fall off. Ultimately, begonias prefer a “happy medium” regarding the moisture levels of their soil.
Can You Overwater Begonias?
Like all plants, it is possible to overwater begonias. Root rot is a common side effect of too much moisture in the soil where your begonias are planted. Begonias may also droop and wilt if they are overwatered. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a begonia plant is wilting from being overwatered or underwatered.
- Overwatered begonias often have droopy, soft leaves.
- Brown, curly leaves may also be a sign of too much water.
- The soil around overwatered begonias frequently features powdery mildew on its surface.
One of the easiest ways to determine if you have overwatered your begonias is the specific way in which the leaves wilt. Begonia leaves that are wilting from dry soil will have a crisp, flaky texture. When they are overwatered, however, the drooping leaves will feel rubbery and soft. Curling, brown leaves, and powdery mildew on the surface of the soil are also sure signs of overwatering.
How Do You Know If Begonias Need Water?
A failsafe way to determine if begonias need water is to push your finger into the soil. If it is dry up to the first knuckle, it is definitely time for a good watering. If you press into the soil and feel moisture just under the top, it’s usually safe to wait until the next day.
- Water your begonias if you place your finger in the soil and it is dry.
- If your begonias’ leaves are dry and crinkly to the touch, your plants need water.
- Dry leaves and wilting in combination are a sign that water is desperately needed.
If the leaves of the plant feel dry or crinkly, your begonias definitely need water right away to help them continue blooming. A combination of wilting and dry leaves usually indicates your begonias are in desperate need of water.
Do Begonias Need Plenty of Water?
Depending on the climate, your begonias should be watered once every 2–4 days. In warm, dry climates, they need plenty of water, so plan on watering them every other day through the hottest part of the year. In milder climates, watering them twice per week is typically enough.
- Water your begonias every 2–4 days.
- In dry, hot weather zones, water them every other day.
- Watering twice a week is usually enough in mild climates.
- If the soil is particularly dry, you may need to water your plants as many as 5 times per week.
- If you live in a climate where soil retains moisture, water your begonias less frequently.
- If your begonias are planted in shade, watering once a week may be enough.
Begonias are delicate flowers that require a balance of moist-but-not-wet soil. Test the soil before each watering to see how moist it feels. Keep track of soil conditions and how your begonias perform. With a little experience and our simple rules, you’ll help your begonias thrive.