What's the best way to keep begonias alive?

I just received a gift of beautiful yellow begonias in a pot. I'm not much of a gardener, but I am bound and determined to keep these alive. Can anyone give me tips on taking care of these flowers? How much should I water them, what kind of light do they need, should I pluck a flower if the petals get dry, etc.

What's the best way to keep begonias alive?
yellow blooms --------------------- sounds like a tuberous bebonia





TUBEROUS BEGONIAS





WATER: keep soil moist not wet. fell the soil with you fingers and if the soil feels dry to touch, water. when the soil surface is dark and damp to the touch the root ball is moist. while it dries out the soil surface color gets lighter tho it will feel moist.


let the top "feel" of the soil be your indicator when to water so the root ball won't dry out.





LIGHT: bright diffused light [partial shade] OR 3 ft from south, easr or west window.





FERTILIZE: use liquid plant food 15-30-15 for bloomung plants . Feed once a month





If plant is in bloom ,after the danger of frost is past and the night temperatures are 50-55 you can place [ or hang ] the potted begonia on your patio or porch. and day temperature from 65- 75 in the sun [ morning sun]





if your plant is a tuberous begonia then when it quits blooming reduce the watering and stop ferttilizing as leaves die back. STORE THE TUBERS IN A POT OF DRY SOIL., IN A DARK PLACE.. in late winter [ middle of Feb - middle of march ; replant in fresh soil and water well, placing in bright light to encourage growth.keep the soil moist. Once the first leaves are expanded resume monthly fertilizer applications.





hope this helps and good luck with your begonia.