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The Begonia Maculata loves bright, indirect light, but can also survive in slighter lower light situations. Never expose it to direct sunlight, because that will burn the leaves and dry them out. Water it once per week and add liquid fertilizer once every two weeks in the growing season.
Why is my spotted begonia dying?
Underwatering and excess direct sunlight are the most common causes of begonia leaves turning brown. Brown leaf tips and edges are usually due to watering problems or low humidity. Brown patches or spots are usually caused by excess direct sunlight or disease.
Are polka dot begonias hard to take care of?
The Polka dot Begonia maculata is a houseplant that is pretty easy to care for. No need for a green thumb to impress with this houseplant.
When should I water my polka dot begonia?
The best time to water Begonia Maculata (Polka Dot Begonia) is once the top inch or two of soil is dry. You can check the moisture level of the soil by sticking your finger an inch or two into the soil, or you can use a moisture meter. Once the moisture meter reads 3-4, it’s time to water.
Why is my polka dot Begonia dropping leaves?
Why is my Polka Dot Begonia losing leaves? If you notice quite a few leaves dropping from your Polka Dot Begonia this indicates too much water or temperature shock. Check the moisture in the soil and move your plant away from any drafty doors or windows.
How do I bring my begonias back to life?
Clean the pot with bleach, then add sterile potting mix. Replant the begonia and water it, making sure the water drains well, as root rot is more common in waterlogged soil. If the plant is outdoors, move the plant to new location to help prevent reinfection by the root rot fungus.
What do Overwatered begonias look like?
Look for the following symptoms and conditions that make it more likely that overwatering is the cause of your begonia drooping; Yellowing leaves, particularly affecting the lower leaves first. Brown leaf tips despite good humidity and soil moisture. Leaves dropping from the plant, often with soggy, limp petioles.
Should I mist my Begonia Maculata?
Even though begonia maculata is relatively easy to look after, it has some specific care requirements. The five basic care requirements are: Humidity—Keep humidity levels high by regularly misting to prevent leaf drop. Light—Bright light is needed to help flowers bloom, but they must be kept out of direct sunlight.
Can a begonia live indoors?
Begonias fall into three main types, with many sub-categories, and over 1,000 species worldwide. Fibrous and rhizomatous Begonias are usually the easiest to grow indoors. They have showy leaves, but less significant flowers. Tuberous Begonias are the ones with the big showy blossoms that do best outside.
How much light do polka dot begonias need?
Your Polka Dot Begonia will do the best bright indirect light. It will tolerate medium light but watch to make sure your plant does not become leggy and stretch for the sun. However, do not place in full sun, as the leaves can burn and dry out.
How do you care for indoor begonias?
Keep soil evenly moist, allowing it to dry only slightly between waterings. Reduce water in winter (stop watering tuberous begonias in fall). Always avoid wet or waterlogged soil. When plant is in full growth, fertilize with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength at alternate waterings.
Do begonias need to be staked?
The next task that becomes urgent as the upright begonias grow taller is staking. Even though the plant stems appear thick and strong, it is very necessary to provide some additional support for those stems so that the weight of the blooms and gravity don’t cause the stems to topple and snap away from the tuber.
Do begonias need fertilizer?
Many begonia varieties are bred for continuous bloom with little to no effort. Fertilizing can help keep the blooms coming. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks, and make sure the begonia gets the right amount of sun, shade, and water.
How do you clean begonia leaves?
The best ways are to wipe them with a cloth, duster or brush, rinse them with water, spray them with a dilute soap solution or use compressed air to remove dirt. Cleaning your indoor plant leaves doesn’t have to be a difficult job.
Why are the tips of my begonia leaves turning brown?
The most common cause of brown leaf edges is that your Begonia is incredibly dry. Your Begonia likes consistent moisture. Begonias do not like soggy soil or to sit in water, so be sure to discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer after watering.
Why are my begonia leaves crispy?
According to Bloomscape, the most common cause of crisping leaves in a rex begonia is lack of water. Begonias like consistent moisture, but they do not like to sit in soggy soil or water. Low humidity can also cause brown, dry, crispy leaves in a rex begonia.
Does begonias like sun or shade?
They do best in situations with shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Most varieties have flowers that hang down a little, making tuberous begonias ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes rather than garden beds and borders. No matter where you grow them, make sure they have good drainage to prevent rot.
Do begonias come back every year?
There are no perennial begonias. There are forms that make great houseplants and will grow year-round indoors, but outdoors the plants are all unable to tolerate frost.
Can you overwater begonias?
General Rules. The main rule of thumb for watering begonias is to not let the soil dry out completely. Stick your finger into the soil, and if it dry to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, which will cause the foliage to turn yellow and eventually drop.
