QA

Question: Why Is My Begonia Dropping Leaves

Sometimes when conditions are unfavorable, the begonia may begin to drop a significant number of leaves. There is a wide variety of reasons for this, including overwatering, insufficient sunlight, lack of hydration, improper repotting, and worm infestation.

Why are the leaves falling off my begonia?

Water. The most common reason begonia leaves rot is too frequent watering. Begonias are succulent plants with stems that are mostly water, which makes them very sensitive to moisture and fungus. Eventually, those leaves rot and then fall off.

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.

How often should you water a begonia?

Water Needs A good rule of thumb is to water every two to four days. When it’s hot and dry you’ll need to water more often than when the air cools down and the soil holds more moisture. Begonia plants in full sun will also require more water than plants in shady locations.

How do you revive a begonia plant?

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.

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.

How do I know if my begonia has root rot?

When begonia stem and root rot infects your plants, they are likely to show a variety of symptoms. These include darkened foliage, blackened and rotting roots, rotting stems just above ground level, and collapsing crown. Stem and root rot of begonia usually kills seedlings by damping off.

Should I water begonias everyday?

Like other indoor plants, begonias enter a dormancy period in the colder months. During this time, you’ll want to water only once every three to four weeks to avoid similar situations with the plant drowning in water. Once growth begins in the spring, you can resume the regular watering schedule.

Do begonias need a lot of sun?

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.

How do you know when a begonia needs water?

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.

What’s wrong with my begonia?

Begonia plants can collapse and die from advanced stem rot diseases. Rhizoctonia fungus causes fine webbing and sunken, brown, dry areas of stem rot at the soil surface. Botrytis stem rot symptoms include a soft, brown rot in begonia stems, with gray, fuzzy Botrytis spores in the rotting stem tissue.

How do you care for potted begonias?

Avoid giving them too much water and allow them to dry out slightly between waterings. If they are kept cool, you may notice they can tolerate a longer time without water. Place the begonia pot in a bright spot where it can receive morning sunlight and a bit of afternoon shade.

Can I save my begonia?

CORVALLIS – Many people enjoy the lush blossoms of tuberous begonias in pots on patios and as outdoor hanging plants. There’s no need to throw them away when cold weather hits and the tops die. The tubers can be saved over the winter and planted again the next spring for another year of showy color.

Should I cut off damaged begonia leaves?

I often remove every leaf off a plant if the leaves are torn, infected, or just downright ugly – hydrangeas, begonias, and most recently a Chionanthus. The plant will respond with a new flush of growth if it wants to live and most plants want to continue living.

Why are my begonia leaves curling?

Temperature – Since many begonia plants are native to tropical regions, curling begonia leaves may occur when plants have been exposed to wide temperature change. Ideally, the plants will grow best when temperatures do not fall below 60 F.

How do you save an overwatered plant?

Rescue Techniques for Wilting Plants Move your plant to a shady area even if it is a full-sun plant. Check your pot for proper drainage and, if possible, create additional air space around the roots. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, but do not let it get too dry. Treat with a fungicide.

How do you save begonia with stem rot?

Begonia-Stem Rot Remove and destroy infected plants, increase ventilation, and avoid moistening leaves by watering. Sterilize soil or media before replanting. Do not overwater, and keep water-hose ends off the ground. Be careful not to bury begonia seed too deeply when planting. Do not overfertilize.