Begonias are beautiful plants with stunning flowers and even iridescent blue leaves.
Hence, gardeners worldwide would want to know the best-kept secrets for growing begonias.
The best soil for begonias is the key to helping them grow in any home.
We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Table of Contents
Best Soil for Begonias
The best soil for begonias provides a well-draining environment with all the nutrients they need to grow. This soil should have an ample amount of perlite or vermiculite for enough air space, as well as a balanced range of nutrients. Too much nitrogen can harm begonias.
What Gardeners Should Know About Soil for Begonias
I’m always amazed by how interesting begonias are.
They have some of the most stunning leaves out there as well as some of the most interesting soil requirements.
Let’s dig into what begonias need to thrive.
Why Begonias Need Well-Draining Soil
One of the most important things that you can do for your begonias is to keep them in well-draining soil.
This is because begonias are highly susceptible to root rot.
Root rot is a condition caused by exposure to damp soil and can be caused by a number of bacterial or fungal infections.
Even if you follow the proper watering schedule for begonias, they can still develop root rot if the soil is not well-draining.
One tip that I wish I knew earlier was that adding perlite or vermiculite to your potting soil is a great way to make it drain easier for your begonias.
How Much Soil Begonias Need
Begonias, unlike most plants you have in your garden, love being pot-bound.
I already know what you’re thinking. It is surprising that begonias actually enjoy being pot-bound.
Usually, this condition is bad for plants, but it’s actually ideal for begonias.
This means that begonias don’t need much soil to grow. You should select a pot that appears to be a bit too small for the size of your begonias and add soil accordingly.
Your begonias should be planted about 2 inches down if they are being grown from bulbs. You should fully submerge the root ball in the soil if they are being transplanted.
Either way, your begonias will have light soil requirements.
What Nutrients Begonias Need
Begonias require nutrient-rich soil in order to grow.
Begonias require soil that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
However, it’s crucial that begonias don’t require an excessive amount of nitrogen.
Too much nitrogen can cause a condition known as nitrogen burn which can harm your begonias.
The Best Soil Moisture for Begonias
The ideal soil for begonias will be moist to the touch. Ensure the soil’s dry before you water your begonia again.
Begonias needed regular water in order to thrive.
Over-watering the soil that you’ve planted your begonias in will cause them to develop conditions like root rot and other infections.
Begonias can also be damaged by being allowed to dry out too much.
Finding the right balance is the key to having ideal soil moisture for begonias.
Keeping the Soil Fertilized
Begonias require a type of fertilizer known as 10-10-10. This fertilizer is made of equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
This fertilizer will give your begonias everything they need to grow.
You then add this fertilizer when the begonia is transplanted. More fertilizer should be added every 3 to 4 weeks according to the instructions on the bag of fertilizer.
Repotting Begonias in New Soil
You can repot your begonias in new soil, but there are a few things you need to know first.
Unlike other plants that are typically repotted into larger containers, begonias often need to be repotted in smaller pots.
If your begonia starts to droop or look a little worse for wear, try repotting it in a smaller container and give it time to become root-bound.
You’ll know it’s time to upgrade your begonia’s pot based on how its roots are doing. If you can pull your begonia up and all of the soil comes with the roots, then it’s time to upgrade pot size.
Ensure that the new pot you’re planting your begonia into is an inch greater than the previous one.
Begonias can struggle if they are potted in too much soil, so it’s best to take it slow and easy when upgrading pot sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Soil for Begonias
Can You Make DIY Soil Mix for Begonias?
You can make a DIY soil mix for begonias by mixing equal parts perlite, soil, and peat moss. This mix creates an ideally light and well-draining soil for your begonias.
Is Miracle-Gro Potting Soil Good for Begonias?
Miracle-Gro potting soil on its own can be too moist for begonias. Begonias prefer dry soil. If you’re going to use Miracle-Gro, you should try to mix in some perlite to make the soil more suitable for begonias.
What is the Best Compost for Begonias?
Some guides say that begonias should not be potted with compost. However, you can pot your begonias with compost as long as the compost is well-draining. Begonias prefer nutrient-rich compost that drains easily. A more advanced begonia gardening technique is to mix a nutrient-rich compost with a well-draining substrate such as sand.
Wrapping Up The Best Soil for Begonias
Among all the plants in the world, begonias are one of the most alluring ones you’ll ever have in your garden.
My begonias are a success year after year because I use well-draining soil that provides the begonias with enough nutrients to grow.
Follow the tips that I’ve laid out here, and your begonias are sure to be a hit as well!
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API