Hey guys, The first batch of begonia's I purchased at the end of summer last year all croaked, or so I thought. All of the leaves fell off, within 1 week, and the rhizome was all that was left. I tossed them out. Since then I have been learning and slowly my mortality rate is going down. Still, I have some to occasionally drop all of their leaves. I have saved all of the rhizomes and put them into 3 " plastic containers. I water them just like I would if they had their leaves and give them good light. Two of them, Stained Glass and Flo Belle's Fatty have put out several new leaves so far. However, I have about four more that are doing nothing. Just sitting there. How do I tell if the rhizome is still good or not? Also, would it be benefical to put them in a terrarium until they begin to leaf up? I am not sure which ones have no hope and should be tossed.
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ~ Kristi
To Toss Or Not To Toss?
Kristi,
I have no idea really, but if two of them have started putting out leaves, I'd give the others a little more time.
Sharon
Kristi,
If the rhizomes still feel firm, I'd give them more time. They may still have some life and leaf out later. If they feel soft and mushy, you might try cutting that part away till you find some solid rhizome and let it air dry before repotting. If the entire rhizome is soft and mushy, I would toss it.
I prefer to place the rhizome on top of the porous potting mix, just barely pressed into it, and cover very lightly with perlite or potting mix. You will still see the rhizome. Do not bury it deeply in the mix.
Depending on the dampness of the mix, I may just mist/spray lightly. If the mix is dry, I'll water lightly if it is in a plastic pot. If the rhizome is in a clay pot, I'll let the pot sit in water until it seeps to the top of the soil. I always pre-soak clay pots before use. Let any excess water drain.
I like to place the pots in clear plastic bags and blow lots of air into them. If too much condensation appears in the bag, I will open it for a while. I keep the bags sitting under a flourescent light which generates some heat, or in the kitchen close to an east window (but not receiving any direct light). As soon as growth appears, I gradually begin hardening it off by leaving the bag open for longer periods of time until there are several new leaves.
Shirley
Shirley~ Thanks a bunch!! You answered all my questions about this. I just wasn't real sure what to look for when determining which rhizomes were dead. Actually all of mine are nice and hard, no soft spots and even the rhizome has red color to it, like the stems. So, I am hoping it isn't too late for them.
Thanks again! ~ Kristi
Kristi,
Sounds like they have a good chance to survive ..... good luck.
Shirley