From our perspective as plants, the concept of dormancy is not a choice but a vital survival strategy encoded in our genetics. For many begonia species, particularly the tuberous types, the answer is a definitive yes, we do go dormant. This process is triggered by environmental cues, primarily the shortening daylight hours and cooler temperatures that signal the end of the growing season. It is our way of conserving energy and protecting our core being—the tuber or rhizome—through a period that is unfavorable for active growth and flowering. Without this rest period, we would be unable to gather the strength for our next spectacular display of foliage and blooms.
Do not be alarmed when we begin to show signs of entering our rest phase. It is a natural and healthy part of our life cycle. You will notice that we gradually stop producing new flowers and leaves. Our existing foliage will begin to yellow, brown, and wilt. This is not a sign of disease or that you have failed us; it is simply us reabsorbing valuable nutrients from our leaves back into our storage organ underground. We are essentially shutting down non-essential systems above ground to focus all energy on the tuber, ensuring it remains plump and viable until conditions improve.
Once our foliage has yellowed completely, you can help us by cutting the stems back to about an inch or two above the soil line. The most crucial part of your care now revolves around our home in the soil. We require a period of dryness. Please stop watering us entirely. If left in wet soil during our dormancy, our tuber will rot, and we will perish. For begonias in pots, it is often best to move our container to a cool, dark, and dry location like a basement or garage where temperatures stay between 45-55°F (7-13°C). You may also choose to dig up our tuber, gently brush off the dry soil, and store us in a box of dry peat moss or vermiculite for the winter.
After a rest period of two to three months, we will begin to feel the urge to grow again as warmer temperatures and longer days return. You will see small, pinkish buds (eyes) beginning to swell on the crown of our tuber. This is your signal to repot us in fresh, well-draining potting mix. Place us in a warm, bright location and begin watering lightly, gradually increasing as our new shoots and leaves develop. This careful reintroduction to moisture and light wakes us gently and sets the stage for a season of vigorous growth, allowing us to reward your patience with a fresh canopy of beautiful leaves and flowers.
