How to Care for the Bonfire Begonia

Bonfire begonias are commonly grown for their vibrant flowers and colorful foliage and are a popular pick among gardeners everywhere. Growing best in moist soil, bonfire begonias can be found growing well as houseplants, hanging basket plants, in pots, or in the ground. These evergreen bonfire begonias can be recognized by their colorful blossoms and foliage ranging in color from green to burgundy. Their long-lasting flowers are sure to bring beauty and personality to your garden.

Plant the bonfire begonia in an area that receives full to partial sun for most of the day. If you are growing the begonia in a container, place the container in an area that will receive partial to full sun for most of the day as well.

Water the begonia weekly as needed. The soil should stay moist but never soggy or wet. If the soil stays wet, the chances of fungal growth and plant disease are dramatically increased.

Add a water-soluble fertilizer to the watering session at the beginning of spring, when the begonia begins to bloom. Fertilize at the beginning of each month thereafter, until the first frost of the winter. You can purchase a water-soluble fertilizer at your local garden specialty store.

Prune away any dead or dying foliage on the bonfire begonia using sharp pruning shears. Dull pruning shears will pinch away the bad growth, harming the begonia. Unless there is dead or dying foliage that needs to be pruned away, pruning is not necessary.