It depends on the begonia. Tuberous begonias need to be lifted or otherwise protected from frost and stored as dormant tubers. Wax or fibrous, cane-stemmed, and rhizomatous begonias can often be kept indoors as plants, with winter care adjusted to their type. Identify yours before deciding what to bring inside.
First, identify which kind of begonia you have
Begonias are not all overwintered the same way. The University of Minnesota Extension groups them as wax, tuberous, cane, and rhizomatous begonias. Tuberous begonias die back into dormancy; the other groups discussed here may be overwintered indoors as leafy plants. See the Extension’s begonia guidance for its overview.
- Tuberous: Often grown outdoors for seasonal flowers; foliage yellows and dies back as the tuber goes dormant.
- Wax or fibrous: A leafy type that may be moved indoors as a houseplant.
- Cane-stemmed: Grows on upright, cane-like stems and can be kept as an indoor plant.
- Rhizomatous, including rex types: Grown for foliage and generally overwintered as a plant, with reduced watering.
If the plant’s label is gone, foliage and growth habit can offer clues, but do not assume every begonia with dying leaves is a tuberous type. Confirm its identity where possible before choosing dormant storage.
When should you bring a begonia inside?
Move leafy begonias indoors before frost threatens. The University of Illinois Extension recommends bringing tender perennials inside before the first frost; waiting for a hard freeze can leave too little time to protect a plant. Its overwintering guidance also recommends inspecting plants before they come indoors.
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For tuberous begonias, use foliage dieback and local frost risk as cues. Minnesota Extension advises digging when foliage begins to yellow or after the first killing frost. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends lifting tubers before the first frosts and reducing watering as leaves yellow. These timings differ, so follow guidance suited to your region and avoid leaving tubers exposed to a damaging freeze. The RHS advice is on its page for growing begonias.
How to store tuberous begonias while dormant
Tuberous begonias enter dormancy whether grown outdoors or in a greenhouse, so they are not suitable as year-round houseplants, according to Minnesota Extension. The Extension’s detailed steps reflect Minnesota conditions; adjust timing to your local climate.
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- Ease the plant toward dormancy. Minnesota Extension advises gradually reducing watering and stopping fertilizer at the end of August.
- Lift the tuber at the right time. Dig when foliage yellows or after the first killing frost, following regional advice on frost timing.
- Cure it indoors. Leave the tuber out of direct sunlight at room temperature until any remaining stems are dry and loose.
- Clean it without washing. Remove stems, roots, and soil; do not wash the tuber.
- Store and check it periodically. Minnesota Extension recommends a perforated plastic bag with peat moss or vermiculite in a cool, dark place at 40–50°F. Inspect occasionally and discard tubers that rot, soften, or wither. See Minnesota Extension’s full tuber-storage instructions.
The RHS gives a different regional approach: keep dry tubers in barely moist peat-free soil or sand in a frost-free shed, ideally at 7°C/45°F, and water occasionally to prevent shrivelling. It warns that overly wet conditions can cause rot. These are distinct recommendations, not a single combined recipe; whichever regional method you follow, avoid saturated packing material. The RHS also notes that ‘Million Kisses’ tubers may be small after the first season and that many gardeners replace these plants annually.
How to keep leafy begonias indoors
Before moving a plant indoors, check it for pests and disease and rinse its leaves, as advised by the University of Illinois Extension. Choose a sunny position; use supplemental light if natural light is inadequate. Water when the top inch of potting mix has dried, and skip winter fertilizer while the plant is not actively growing. Begonias are especially susceptible to root rot from overwatering, according to Minnesota Extension.
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Cane-stemmed begonias
The RHS recommends good light without direct sun, moist but well-drained compost, and a 15–22°C/58–72°F growing range for cane begonias. Reduce watering in winter. Its begonia care advice also notes that indoor conditions such as excessive humidity, overwatering, or low light can contribute to rotten leaves or leaf drop.
Rex and other rhizomatous begonias
Reduce winter watering and let the compost surface dry before watering again. The RHS gives a winter minimum of 10°C/50°F for many rex and rhizomatous begonias, but 13°C/55°F for Begonia bowerae, B. masoniana, and B. rex. These are group- and species-specific minimums, not a universal temperature for every begonia.
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Wax or fibrous begonias
Minnesota Extension includes wax begonias among the main types and says begonias can be overwintered as houseplants. The guidance here does not specify a separate winter temperature for wax begonias, so do not apply the RHS figures for cane or rex/rhizomatous types to them automatically.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the method that fits the plant and your space
| Question | Dormant tuber storage | Indoor leafy plant |
|---|---|---|
| Which type? | Tuberous begonia. | Wax/fibrous, cane-stemmed, or rhizomatous begonia. |
| What happens to the foliage? | It yellows and dies back as the tuber becomes dormant. | The plant is kept indoors as a leafy plant; winter watering is reduced according to type. |
| What space is needed? | A cool, dark, frost-free storage place; the specific temperature and packing advice differs by source. | A suitable indoor position with enough light and a temperature appropriate to the type. |
| What needs monitoring? | Check stored tubers for rot, softening, or shrivelling; keep packing material from becoming too wet. | Inspect for pests, water only as the mix dries, and watch for signs of overwatering or poor light. |
There is no single method that suits every begonia. The useful decision is whether you have a dormant tuber type or a leafy type you can maintain indoors—and whether you can provide the storage or indoor conditions that method requires.
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