Species begonia
Green leaves and hanging on pink-white flowers on green-pink stalks.

begonia

Begonia 'Martha Stewart'

The Begonia 'Martha Stewart' is a beautiful, easy-to-care for option for any garden. It features colorful leaves with yellow and green variegation, as well as spectacular blooms in shades of pink and white. Consequently, it adds a unique and uplifting ambience to the entire space. It is also fairly tolerant of dry air and doesn't require a lot of water, which makes it an ideal choice for those with busy lifestyles. Additionally, it grows best in partial shade and only needs to be pruned occasionally making it a low-maintenance option. With its unique charm and easy-care routine, the Begonia 'Martha Stewart' will definitely bring beauty and life to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Leaf Cutting,Division,Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green,white

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Begonia 'Martha Stewart' is an easy-to-care-for indoor flowering plant. It responds well to regular watering. Water well, then allow the soil to dry between watering. Aim to water every 3 to 5 days during the active growth period. Reduce watering to every 7 to 10 days during the winter and other dormant phases. Watch your plant’s leaves and feel the soil. If the soil is still moist, wait another few days before watering. Keeping the foliage dry helps reduce the chances of disease. As a general rule, overwatering is more of an issue with begonias than underwatering.

sunlight

Begonia 'Martha Stewart' is best grown in bright, indirect sunlight. Plants should receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day, with morning or late afternoon sun preferable and shade between 12 and 2pm when the sun is at its strongest. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, turning them yellow and crispy, so locate where indirect sunlight comes in contact with the leaves of the plant. Too little sunlight can result in pale, elongated stems and fewer flowers.

pruning

Pruning a Begonia 'Martha Stewart' should be done during the plant's active growth phase from spring until midsummer. It is best to trim the plant by removing any old, dead leaves and stems back to a couple of inches above the soil level. Regular pruning is important for vigorous, healthy growth. When the Begonia 'Martha Stewart' is done growing, it can be trimmed back in fall or winter for shape and size control.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Begonia 'Martha Stewart' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Starts Flowering

Begonia 'Martha Stewart' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and July.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Could Begonias be grown indoors?

Yes, Begonias can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny area. Begonias do best in temperatures between 60-70F and require a lot of moisture for healthy growth so consistent watering is key. They prefer indirect light and should be placed in a spot where they will receive indirect sunlight from a window or artificial lights that are around 12-14 hours each day. Begonias should also be fertilized with a house plant fertilizer once every 2 weeks and have their soil monitored to ensure proper drainage.

Are Begonias frost-tolerant?

Begonias are not typically very frost tolerant plants. While they can tolerate temperatures that dip slightly below the freezing mark, they cannot handle sustained cold temperatures or extended periods of frost. If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, it is best to treat your begonias as annuals and replant them in the spring and summer months.

Should Begonias be deadheaded regularly?

Yes, Begonias should be deadheaded regularly to support lush blooming and encourage healthy plants. Deadheading involves trimming off dead flowers and foliage and can be done with scissors or by pinching stems between your fingers. This helps promote new blooms and ensures Begonias remain healthy and vigorous. While the act itself is simple, it is important to deadhead regularly and consistently to keep your Begonia looking its best.

Could Begonias be propagated by stem cuttings?

Yes, begonias can be propagated by stem cuttings. To do so, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stem just below a node - that is the place on the stem where the leaves are growing. Make sure you have at least two set of leaves on each cutting and a few centimetres of stem above each node. Once you have your cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then place the cutting into a moist peat moss and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag. Keep the pot in bright indirect light and make sure it's kept moist, misting it occasionally. After a few weeks, you should see roots beginning to form. Once the roots are established, you can transfer the plant to a pot with its permanent home.

Do Begonias have a strong scent?

No, Begonias do not have a strong scent. They have a thin, mild scent that is not especially overpowering or noticeable, especially when compared to other flowers such as roses or jasmine. Begonias are primarily known for their wide variety of colors, textures and sizes, rather than their scent.

Are Begonias invasive?

No, Begonias are not invasive. Begonias are classified as "tender perennials" and they remain in the same place year-round. While they can spread in favorable growing conditions, they are not considered an invasive species, as they are not capable of forming large colonies that can out-compete native vegetation. Begonias require consistent and frequent care as they do not survive heavy pruning, drought, or extreme heat or cold.

Could Begonias be grown from seeds?

Yes, begonias can be grown from seeds. They are easy to sow, and can be started indoors or outdoors. Starting begonia seeds indoors is recommended since they take a while to germinate and grow. Begonias need light to germinate, so keep in mind to sow the seeds shallowly and not to cover them with soil. Additionally, water the soil regularly to ensure it doesn't dry out and be sure to use a soilless seed starting mix for optimum germination.

Is Begonia a good plant for a shady garden?

Yes, Begonia is indeed a great plant for a shady garden. Its showy, brightly colored blooms will add some brightness to the area, and its easy-to-care-for nature means you won't have to worry about maintenance. Its shallow roots and bushy nature makes it the perfect plant for adding texture and interest to a garden. With its delicate leaves and vibrant blooms, the Begonia is perfect for providing a surprising pop of color to a shady garden.