How to prune begonia nelumbiifolia

Spring for rhizome trimming; year-round for removing dead leaves. Snap or cut dead leaves cleanly at the petiole base. Trim rhizome tips with a clean blade if they outgrow the container or lose leaves, leaving at least a few healthy growing points.

Rarely; tidy dead foliage as needed, rhizome trim every few years if necessary. Begonia nelumbiifolia is a large-leafed rhizomatous begonia grown primarily for its dramatic foliage. It needs very little pruning. Remove dead or yellowing leaves at their base as they appear. If the rhizome spreads beyond its pot or produces bare, leafless stems, trim the rhizome tips in spring.

Snap or cut dead leaves cleanly at the petiole base. Trim rhizome tips with a clean blade if they outgrow the container or lose leaves, leaving at least a few healthy growing points.