Here's how to do it right

Do I need to prune begonias?

A pruning is included Begonia houseplants not necessary. So it depends on how you keep your begonias. Free-growing begonias that are sensitive to frost and to hibernate are brought into a protected space, you should already cut back. Take a sharp pruning tool and trim the plant a few inches off the ground. After pruning, bring the begonia to a frost-free room. The plant will now go into its natural dormant phase.

What can I use to prune begonias?

Use one secateurs or a sharp one Knife. In general, you should use a cutting tool with a sharp blade. Otherwise injuries may occur at the interface. Clean the blade before using it to cut back the begonias. In this way you avoid contamination at open interfaces, which can promote fungal infections.

Do I need protective gloves when pruning begonias?

The sap of some begonia varieties contains irritants or even poisonous. In this case, protective gloves are recommended. In this way you avoid contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Protective gloves are recommended, especially when cutting back these begonias:

• Trout Begonia (Begonia maculata)
• shrub begonia (Begonia gracilis)
• Royal Begonia (Begonia rex)

With most other begonia varieties, you usually don't have to worry as much about the harmful effects of the sap or essential oils. In the case of the ice begonia, the flowers are even edible.

How do I care for begonias after pruning?

When the plants go into their winter dormancy after pruning, you only need one reduced supply. You should therefore no longer use the substrate for the begonias after this pruning fertilize and water only a little. Otherwise the natural annual rhythm of the begonia will be confused. Repotting is usually not done in late autumn, but in spring after wintering. Then there is less sap in the roots and minor injuries are not so serious.