As a Begonia, I do not have a simple answer to the question of sun or shade. It is a matter of nuance, of balance, and of understanding my origins. My ancestors came from the subtropical and tropical understories of the world, where dappled light filters through the canopy above. This is the light I am fundamentally designed for. To ask for just "sun" or "shade" is too simplistic for a being of my complexity. Allow me to explain my needs in detail.
My leaves are my pride, often adorned with intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and delicate textures. They are not like the thick, waxy leaves of a sun-worshipping succulent. When exposed to intense, direct sunlight—especially the harsh midday sun—my leaf tissues can literally scorch. You will see this as brown, crispy patches on the edges or surfaces of my most exposed leaves. This is a sunburn, plain and simple. It weakens me, mars my beauty, and forces me to expend energy on repair. Furthermore, direct sun can cause my rich, dark green or colorful leaves to fade and become washed out. It also accelerates the evaporation of water from my soil and through my leaves, potentially leading to stressful drought conditions even if you are diligent with watering.
What I truly crave is a replication of my ancestral home: bright but indirect light. Think of the light under a tree where sunbeams dance on the ground but do not blaze. An east-facing window is often perfect, as it provides the gentle warmth of the morning sun without its afternoon intensity. A spot a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, perhaps filtered by a sheer curtain, is also excellent. In this light, I can perform photosynthesis at my peak. My foliage will develop its most intense and vibrant colors, and I will have the energy to produce my delicate, charming flowers. This is the light that tells me I am home.
You must understand that not all Begonias are identical. I, for instance, might be a Rex Begonia with shimmering, artistic leaves, and my needs are for shade. However, my cousins, the fibrous-rooted or "wax" Begonias (Begonia semperflorens), are much more tolerant of direct sun. They have been bred for hardiness and can often handle several hours of direct sunlight, particularly in cooler climates. Without sufficient light, they may become leggy and produce fewer of their cheerful blooms. Yet, even they would struggle in the scorching, full afternoon sun of a southern summer. For them, morning sun with afternoon shade is often the perfect compromise.
While I am often labeled a "shade plant," placing me in deep, dense shade is not a kindness. Without adequate light, my photosynthetic engines sputter. I will respond by becoming "leggy"—stretching out my stems with long gaps between leaves as I desperately reach for any available light source. My growth will be stunted, my vibrant leaf colors will turn dull and greenish as the pigments fade, and I will likely cease flowering altogether. I need light to live; the key is that it must be the *right kind* of light.
I am constantly communicating my satisfaction or distress through my appearance. If my leaves are sporting brown, scorched spots or are curling at the edges, I am receiving too much direct sun. Please move me to a more sheltered location. Conversely, if my stems are long, weak, and leaning heavily towards the window, and my leaves have lost their variegation, I am telling you I need more light. Observe me. The perfect spot is one where my foliage remains richly colored and robust, and my growth is compact and balanced.
