Overwintering guide
How to overwinter begonia 'cowardly lion'
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — begonia 'cowardly lion' uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
The mistake that kills begonia 'cowardly lion' in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and begonia 'cowardly lion' rots from the base.
More begonia 'cowardly lion' care
Overwintering begonia 'cowardly lion' — FAQ
Does begonia 'cowardly lion' need to come indoors for winter?
Begonia 'Cowardly Lion' is hardy to roughly USDA zone 10 — winter lows around -1°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Begonia 'Cowardly Lion' is frost-tender, so overwintering means bringing it inside and letting it rest rather than pushing it to grow. Move it indoors well before the first frost, give it the brightest spot you have (light levels indoors drop sharply in winter), and keep it away from both cold window glass and hot radiators — the swing between the two does more damage than the cold itself.
When should I move begonia 'cowardly lion' for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water begonia 'cowardly lion' in winter?
Cut watering right back — begonia 'cowardly lion' uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills begonia 'cowardly lion' over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and begonia 'cowardly lion' rots from the base.