I don't know if 2 of the 6 begonias I bought online will make it. And another 2 are not doing as well as I'd like. I like the seller, she certainly packaged well--I think the plants were just too small and not ready to be shipped off in the cold weather. What can I do to help these poor little ones? The Persian Brocade has barely anything left to it except for 2 semi-wilted stems; the black taffeta has one shooting straight up from the rhizome and the other 2 stems are barely holding up. Don't want to overwater, don't want to give too much sun. I talk to them and beg them to love me and grow for me. LOL. ruby
Begonias bought online, not doing so well
Ruby, I am a novice at this. I am sure some of the more experienced growers will give you some wonderful advice. I was just going to say that Persian Brocade was my first begonia. For me, she has been the hardiest little thing, well, she isn't little anymore, as a matter of fact she has blooms on her right now. I don't have to worry about her much. I water her when she gets dry, give her good indirect light and leave her alone. I have been trying my hand at propagating and she is the only one so far that has given me any babies !! But boy has she given me the babies. The last time I counted I have gotten around 12 different plants started off of her. All of my family and friends have little baby Persian Brocades. This might not be correct advice but I am going to tell you what I would do. If I get it wrong, someone please correct me. I would make sure that the pot you have her in isn't too big. I would suggest a small azalea pot. Make sure you have good soil that drains well, as with all begonia's. Give her a good light source and just be patient. She might not do anything for a while but eventually she will grow. Even if she looses all her leaves. My first batch of begonia's that I got off e-bay lost all of their leaves not knowing any better I threw them away. I have learned that just because all the leaves fall off and all that is left is the rhizome, doesn't necessarily mean the plant is dead. Now, I have several that lost all of their leaves and I put the rhizome in a small azalea pot. It took a while, but now they are putting on leaves again. Actually, I have noticed that the leaves that have come back are doing much better. I guess because they are more acclimated to my home. Just be patient, don't overwater and they will come along. Hope this was the right advice. Kristi
Ruby,
If you have a terrarium enclosure (fish tank/aquarium/glass jar/etc) put them in there on top of a layer of gravel or sand or soil and water enough to cover the bottom for humidity. Then place some lights over them 12 to 24 hours a day ASAP. It has helped me in the past if they are still salvageable. If the soil in your pots is wet do not water them any more. The humidity is about all you will need for a while.
Some sellers do ship way too small and only offer a 7 to 14 day return policy.
Butch
Thank you both. I have hope! They are in little pots and even tho I look at them constantly (they are in ICU as far as I'm concerned) I'm not touching them or even breathing too hard on them. Since writing the post earlier, another stem has come off from both the P. Brocade and the Black T. No more winter ordering online for me. I have a really good nursery just 3 miles away and while they tend to order really splashy and bright colored begonias, they do get some subdued pinky dark violet gray green which is what I like. BTW, some that I ordered are doing really really well--a lovely variegated and one a bright apple green that makes me smile. Bye. ruby
Ruby, If you have no luck with your Persian Brocade I would love to send you one of mine. They are babies but are growing by the day. If you are interested, let me know. I can wait for milder weather conditions to send, if you would like one. `-)
~ Kristi
Kristi, thanks a lot. Are you going to the Knoxville RU by any chance on May 27? It's only 2 hours from me but probably lots more driving for you. My first RU. My first a lot of things--first outdoor container garden. I will be growing 2 kinds of basil--one is purple for gorgeousness and one is for making pesto, catnip mint, chamomile and parsley from seed so maybe there is something you would like. (And some flowering plants, too.) Bye. ruby
I don't think Knoxville is too far. I will have to check on it. I have never been to a show but can't wait to go to one. On second thought maybe I shouldn't go. It will be for me like a kid in candy store. Im sure I will leave broke!!! Thaks, Ruby
Kristi--it's not a show. From what I understand (see Round Up and look for Smoky Mountains RU) it is being held at DG person Nathalyn's house and as we get closer to the time, people will be letting her know what they will bring for the communal potluck meal in the evening. I have gotten a Motel 8 room for the night so I can do a little sight-seeing before I head home on Sunday. People will be trading plants and as I have read on the thread, newbies as well as old-timers are welcome. Last year (I wasn't there and don't know anybody) everyone went to either a nursery or the Univ of TN botanical gardens. Bye. ruby
Ruby thank you for clarifying that for me. I am not familar with everything on DG yet. Thanks for the info! ~ Kristi