Hi -
I'm new to begonias and have an unidentified rex from Home Depot that has been doing quite well. I think it is Benitochiba as in link below. My problem is that the last several new leaves have sprouted and opened, and looked normal... but then when they are medium-sized, they get black and curly, and the whole stem falls off with a light touch. The plant otherwise looks healthy and keeps making new leaves. I was wondering if this is a symptom of over- or underwatering. It also made a little flower for me, but the last couple buds dropped as well. Would much appreciate any suggestions. I've been watering it to keep moist and using a little Miracle-Gro. The environment is quite humid already. Thanks!!!
http://www.terranovanurseries.com/wholesale/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=18
leaf drop question
Hey Scubadoobie (love that handle!!) it might be a water issue. Hard to diagnose without looking at it. It's been my own experience that the soil they come in is too heavy and may stay too wet. I try to not over water Rexies as they start acting out.
Here's a great link from the American Begonia Society about rexies. http://www.begonias.org/greenhouse/bArticle.asp?ArticleID=29
you'll see that they suggest almost allowing rexies to dry out before watering again, and high humidity.
hope this helps.
Thanks so much! Perhaps I've fallen prey to that "too much TLC" trap and overwatered :)
LOL, been there, done that, and have numerous rex corpses in my compost!
Me too! LOL. I let mine dry out too much. I have a few I have been failthfully watering and low and behold they are getting new leaves and look just great. I have little humidity here, and it is too bad.
Kell, another way to increase humidity is to replant your begonias into clay pots (take care not to 'over pot' they like to be somewhat root bound). As the clay pot dries (evaporates) it creates more humidity around the plant (especially rexies)
While I think Mabel's article is more specific to California gardening, the theory is the same. This is from Brad Thompson's web site.
http://www.bradsbegoniaworld.com/rex.htm
She had gravel under her benches. I use redwood or cedar bark to achieve the same thing.
The other thing I have found that works well for me (and may or may not for others) is to add lots of amendments to the potting soil. 1/3 orchid bark, 1/3 large perlite and 1/3 sandy potting mix. The water drains right through yet stays wet, not soggy and heavy. I water every day, sometimes twice a day and so far so good. so just a little FYI of what works for me.