How to Grow Candlelight Series Begonia
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Candlelight Series Begonia
Begonia × wattii 'Candlelight Series'
flowerThe Candlelight Series comprises compact, floriferous begonias bred for indoor and outdoor container gardening, featuring vibrant orange to red flowers that glow against dark foliage. These hybrid begonias are prized for their continuous blooming, dramatic color contrasts, and ease of cultivation. They perform exceptionally well as houseplants and tender perennials in temperate climates.
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Example Candlelight Series Begonia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Candlelight Series Begonia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Candlelight Series Begonia blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Candlelight Series Begonia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; grow as annuals or bring indoors in cooler zones
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Seedling/Propagation
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings or fresh propagations with 2-4 true leaves; very delicate and small
Maintain high humidity (70-80%), warm temperatures (70-75°F), and keep soil lightly moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems, bushy form, and increasingly dense dark foliage; compact mounding habit establishes
Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching. Maintain bright indirect light and consistent moisture. Begin fertilizing weekly with diluted balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer.
Flowering
8-12+ weeks (can persist 6+ months indoors)Abundant clusters of glowing orange-red flowers emerge continuously above dark foliage; flowers typically 1-1.5 inches across
Continue regular fertilization (weekly). Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Maintain consistent watering and humidity. Ensure adequate light without direct sun.
Peak Blooming
2-4 months or longerHeavy, continuous flower production; plant becomes entirely covered with glowing blooms creating dramatic display
Deadhead regularly for best appearance. Maintain nutrient supply. Monitor for pests and diseases. Keep humidity moderate to high.
Maintenance/Winter Rest (optional)
3-4 monthsIf kept over winter, plant may slow flowering; foliage persists but blooms become sporadic
Reduce watering frequency but maintain some moisture. Lower fertilization rate. Provide cooler temperatures (60-65°F) if possible. Prune back in spring to rejuvenate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, reduce humidity slightly, apply sulfur dust or neem oil. Ensure foliage dries quickly after watering.
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Increase humidity, spray foliage with water, apply horticultural oil or miticide if severe.
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, increase air circulation.
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Improve drainage, allow soil surface to dry between waterings, repot in fresh soil if severe.
Uses
Indoor décor and houseplant
HouseholdIdeal for brightening indoor spaces with their glowing orange-red flowers against dark foliage. Their compact size makes them perfect for shelves, tables, and windowsills. [source]
Edible flowers
CulinaryBegonia flowers are technically edible with a slightly tart, citrusy flavor and are used as garnishes in fine dining and cocktails. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftThe vibrant blooms add striking color and texture to fresh arrangements and can be used in bouquets or floral designs. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeBegonia flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity when grown in outdoor spaces. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalSome begonia species have been used in traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory properties, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Candlelight Series begonias are ornamental flowers; enjoy blooms fresh on the plant. Cut stems for indoor arrangements, preferably in early morning. They typically last 1-2 weeks in a vase with fresh water changed every 2-3 days. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Candlelight' name refers to the glowing appearance of the flowers, which seem to emit light when displayed against the deep burgundy or dark green foliage.
- 🌱 Begonias are named after Michel Bégon, a 17th-century French botanist and colonial administrator, and are one of the largest plant families with over 1,800 recognized species.
- 🌱 Candlelight Series begonias were specifically bred for their compact, mounding habit and continuous blooming, making them more reliable than some older begonia varieties for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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