Overwintering guide
How to overwinter cleopatra begonia
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — cleopatra begonia 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 cleopatra begonia in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and cleopatra begonia rots from the base.
More cleopatra begonia care
Overwintering cleopatra begonia — FAQ
Does cleopatra begonia need to come indoors for winter?
Cleopatra Begonia is hardy to roughly USDA zone 10 — winter lows around -1°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Cleopatra Begonia 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 cleopatra begonia for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water cleopatra begonia in winter?
Cut watering right back — cleopatra begonia uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills cleopatra begonia over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and cleopatra begonia rots from the base.