I kill them everytime... what am I doing wrong? I've got them on gravel beds, try not to over water, but the leaves get crispy, and the stems droop, and soon all I have is a little dried up nubby. ???
I'm a rex murderer!
Are you repotting them into a different potting mix? I have found that some of the potting mixes used by nurseries contain a high amount of peat which is very hard to rewet. It is possible that the roots are not getting enough water. You might want to try setting the pot in a container of water and let it soak up from the bottom. A little Hydrogen peroxide in the water will also help the roots.
I'll try.. thanks for the input
Cicada is right. I learned the hard way with a B. Rex 'River Nile'. The soil these nurseries use is almost all peat and it becomes very hard when left to dry too long. I rotted that one. Well, I racked up on begonias this Spring and repotted every one of them into my own soil a couple weeks after bringing them home. I used Pro-Mix, amended with extra Perlite. Works great for the Begonias, allows the roots to breathe more and it drains very well. Now, this winter, I will give each of them their own pebble trays. Rexes are finicky, but worth it if you can get them to live through the winters! Rhizos are so much easier. Canes are even easier. LOL
GH
I have mine planted in African Violet soil and it is doing quite well. I also have it in a self watering pot. Works for me.
I love the feel of AV soil. I may try it on Rex one day. Works great for my AVs!
makshi, by selfwatering pots do you mean the AV type pots with the pot within a pot of water? and how often then would you have to pot up to a bigger size? and do rex like to be rootbound?
Do you make up your own AV soil?
Ok, I've repotted in AV soil, they are looking better... crossing my fingers.. thanks all for the advice.