Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Help me not kill Benitochiba? , 1 by hcmcdole

hcmcdole wrote:
Okay, first of all Escargot is probably the worst begonia out there for anyone to grow (looks great but is a real prima donna). If you must grow it put it under glass and hope for the best.

Next, Benitochiba can be easy at times or quite a pain at other times. I don't believe warm humid air is the problem (I have a feeling we are a lot hotter and muggier here than in Ohio) and it grows like a weed outdoors here. The problem (like a lot of begonias) is getting it through the winter months. Benitochiba will usually defoliate in winter so don't despair and think it needs water and lots of TLC. It doesn't. Cut back on water when you see this happen (don't let it get completely dry though - water sparingly). When you start seeing new growth then start watering again on a more regular schedule. It may still drop leaves and grow some new ones as a lot of rexes do in winter. Finally when it warms enough to move it outdoors, then place it in a shaded area and watch it take off.