Hi -
I have really fallen a bit (not as much as some of the experts on this forum (yet...)) for begonias since moving to a place with great morning sun. I've got some small ones that are growing rapidly - Matchmaker, Sinbad, and Miniperba - so I think/hope that overall the environment must not be too bad. There are a few dry leaf tips from the dry winter air. I also have some pretty healthy "no ID" rex types (see previous thread).
Anyhow, I got all enthusiastic and bought a couple from Kartuz. One is called "Shadowfax" and is an "easy to grow" new Thompson rhizomatous begonia. Unfortunately, it is not that happy and I can't tell why. It is making new leaves, but they are looking kind of shriveled and the stems are narrow and get black at the end. I had this problem with a "Benitochiba" before - it put out lots of leaves, looked great for a while, and then all the leaves (even new ones) would fall off when small. Eventually it just croaked.
If anyone can tell me if there is something obvious I am doing wrong, any hints would be greatly appreciated! I got it very recently and have about 40-50% humidity in the place now, which I hoped would be OK. I'm hoping the "Lomita Lady" will fare better; it seems happier than that...
Thanks!
...rhizomatous begonia growing hints?
Begonias can be very "iffy" at times - especially growing indoors. Given adequate light, humidity, and fertilizer they should do fine indoors as well. I would start with providing ample humidity (that probably means some kind of enclosure) and lots of light (artificial if you don't have enough sunshine). Once they become established start weaning it from the humidity chamber. Young plants have to be treated like babies - so set up a nursery for them until they can fend for themselves.
I have a couple in the main house that are doing great without a lot of life support but then they are mature plants. The rest of my horde have to manage in the basement for six months out of the year which takes the wind out of their sails. The other six months are spent outside where they usually thrive despite torrential rain at times, sunburn to begin with, drought, critters, wind, falling debris, and other hazards.
Thanks - it is still definitely a baby with 3 leaves in a 2" pot...I have a container I can use as a terrarium and will give it a try!