What are common spotted begonia problems?
Some diseases that could affect your begonias are bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, botrytis, Pythium root rot, and rhizoctonia crown rot. Some signs that your plant may have bacterial leaf spot are water-soaked areas on leaves surrounded by yellow rings. Some stem rot may also be present. The most common viral infections in begonias are caused by the following viruses: Begonia Flower Break Virus, Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, and Tobacco Rattle Virus.
Do begonias grow better in pots or ground?
Many types of begonias grow well in clay pots, such as rhizomatous begonias which do not thrive in wet potting mix. The mix in clay pots dries out faster, so clay will especially help growers who are chronic over-waterers. Nearly all begonias can be grown well in clay pots. If you’ve had trouble with powdery mildew on Tuberous Begonias in the past, you can prevent future outbreaks by spraying with a mild fungicide that you can prepare yourself by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda and 2 or 3 drops of insecticidal soap in a gallon of tepid water.Water your Begonia every five to seven days during the growing season (March to September) and every ten to fourteen days in winter. Let the top 3-4cm of compost dry out between waterings. Bottom watering is ideal as it keeps moisture off the leaves and prevents powdery mildew.
How to make begonias grow big?
Fertilization: Feed your BIG Begonias with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for optimal growth. Choose a fertilizer formulated for flowering plants and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates. An easy-going plant, the polka-dot begonia loves bright indirect light but will still grow alright in low light! However, if you want your plant to bloom (with small pink or white flowers) then it will need a brighter light situation.Begonias are often thought of as shade plants but Begonia maculata needs a good amount (at least six hours) of indirect sunlight to bloom. If your window doesn’t provide adequate light, add a grow light.
Do you water begonias from top or bottom?
Learning to properly water a begonia from below is essential in preventing disease and supporting function. Using drip irrigation lines or soaker hoses are amongst the best options for watering begonias, as well as submerging the pots or hand-watering. The Polka Dot Begonia likes its soil to be nice and moist, so it needs frequent and consistent watering. However, that doesn’t mean it likes sitting in excess water. You can check whether your plant’s due a drink by putting your finger into the top layer of soil. If it feels dry, you can confidently water your plant.Prune your polka dot begonia regularly to promote bushy growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant, and be sure to sanitise your tools between uses to prevent the spread of disease. Simply snip off any leaves that look past their best.