PAINTED-LEAF BEGONIA

Begonia rex

There are many varieties of painted-leaf begonia that have beautiful foliage in shades of crimson, silver, purple, green, and red.

HOW NOT TO KILL IT

Location – Ideally, keep the plant around 64-70F (18-21C) all year around, but don’t let it get any hotter. It can survive at 55F (13C) in winter, but no colder.

Light – Place it in good, but indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the leaves.

Watering + Feeding  - Water so the potting mix is moist, but allow it to dry out a little in between waterings during summer. It is best watered from below to stop water from accumulating at the base of the stems. Keep just moist in winter.

Care – repot if needed in spring. Turn the pot regularly to make sure the plant grows evenly. Make sure it has good ventilation.

WHITE POWDER ON THE LEAVES?
This is powdery mildew, often due to drought or too much heat, humid conditions, or poor air circulation.

SAVE IT – Remove the affected leaves and treat with fungicide.

YELLOWING LEAVES?
These could be due to too much or too little water, or not enough light.

SAVE IT – Check your plants care regimen and position

GRAY FLUFF ON PARTS OF THE PLANT?
This is gray mold (botrytis), due to cool, damp, crowded conditions, or water splashing onto the leaves.

SAVE IT – Move the plant away from other begonias to stop the infection spreading and improve ventilation. Remove any affected areas and treat with fungicide.