What are the cultural requirements of this begonia? I really like it but don't want to bother with a Terrarium.
Begonia Solimutata
They seem to do a lot better with humid conditions but this year I decided to try them without a dome and so far they seem to be doing okay. I even have an imperialis without a dome that seems to be growing very well. I water all of these heavy when I do water. I don't think they like to dry out as much as other begonias do.
Well I went ahead and got one I will try to keep it watered. BTW if you are ever in Dallas you must go visit North Haven Gardens. They have a good selection of begonias. Many of them not available anywhere else.
So I have heard that NHG is a great place for begonias (Don Miller's place?) I wished they did mail order or at least had some pictures.
Yes Don is there. He is such a great guy to talk to about begonias. When I was there this afternoon they were having the meeting of the Begonia society. I did not have time to stay so I came back home.
I have had this begonia for a couple years and have never had it in a terrarium--it seems to be ok-- does decline somewhat during winter but comes back just fine in spring.
I agree Gran but I think it grows better in a terrarium or like I did - just a simple lid over the pot.
Here was my biggest pot of it last year (I used a 16 inch dome over this pot so some of the wayward shoots were not covered and the height of the plant did keep the lid cracked an inch or so)
This message was edited Jan 11, 2010 12:08 PM
This year (2009) the leaves are smaller and there are gaps between the plants and that was from growing outdoors all summer. I'm about to put the lid back on it if I find a space for the pot and the lid.
Here it is with the lid on last year.
I got this one when I was new to begonias-- and wasn't aware at the time that some required different cultural requirements.Since it never looked really rough--I never thought about it. It does resmble your second photo tho-- so I will move it to a more humid environ-- I have a small aquarium--no lid for it-- but it should help, also have another I need to stick in there-- I will have to post a photo of that one later and maybe you can help me ID it.
tommie