Tropicals & Tender Perennials: angel wing begonia, 0 by Gitagal

Gitagal wrote:
Pattischell,

I have never grown Rex Begonias (well-maybe once, and it died too), but from all the years I have worked in Greenhouses and in the Houseplant section of two major retail stores, Rexes are not the easiest plants to grow. They do need to stay on the dry side, but at the same time, they need a huge amount of humidity to thrive.

Many times, as they arrive from YOUR state to all the stores here and there, they will go through a slight "temper tantrun" and yellow and lose a bunch of leaves. Patience!!! They will re-grow once the plant gets settled in the new environment. Many people just do not have patience to see a new plant through it's adjustment period.

I think Rexes are just beautiful! Love all the leaf shapes and patterns! In big stores (like HD where I work), it really takes a knowlegable person to be selective as to WHAT they water and how much they water (individual) plants in a HUGE greenhouse. Most people just would turn on the hose and treat everything the same. I am still at HD, but have not worked in the Greenhouse for two and a half years now. I am a Phone Operator now--old age, bad knees--and you get to SIT! My heart is still with the Houseplants, though! Grateful I still have a decent-paying job, though! I love all the people in our store, even though they come and go--like the tides of the seas.....I have been there 7 years now.

I think the "Iron Cross" Begonia is one of the most impressive, however, if my memory serves me right, it is NOT in the Rex family....Anyone out there that can verify this? Or correct me???

SO, Patti--if you want some cuttings from my AWB, send me an e-mail! I will be glad to share! And, YES!!! Keeping them cut back and rooting all the cut off tops, really DOES produce nice, full plants. Next Spring--you do the same thing all over again! This way, there is always a lot to share! ALWAYS a nice gift to take to someone's house when invited. I always bring plants!

Have you seen my posts and pictures of mt "Beefsteak Begonia"??? MNot the most common, but a single leaf can be groen in a decent sized plant in about 3 years. I will add a picture here, just in case you have not "cruised" all the foruns enough to have caught it. I think it is on the Begonias Forum---DAH!.....

Have you fallen head-over-heels in love with the Sun Coleus like half the people on DG???? They are just awsome!!! And the Kongs?? Got a bunch this year! Read up on those on the Coleus Forum. Ain't Daves great!!!! All this knowlege out there made simple for you!!!!

Sunny wishes to you, Gita


Here's m,y "Beefsteak Begonia" last Summer. There are about 4 plants in this 14" pot--all strated from a single leaf by the "leaf-propogation" methid a few years ago. Note the trowel next to it to give you some idea of it's size....