So I rescued this sweet girl from a Bigbox store, where s...
So I rescued this sweet girl from a Bigbox store, where she was obviously not treated properly. Any suggestions on the best way to help her recover would be lovely! Also, does anyone know what the burnt, brown crispy edges, and half missing leaves would be from? I’m guessing she was getting too much sun? Although I have always wanted one, this is my first Polka Dot Begonia, so I am still unsure of her needs and signs of distress, and or happiness. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all in advance! I hope to help her recover.
0ft to light, indirect
5” pot with drainage
Last watered 3 days ago
3
@JavaJunkie219 Brown, crispy leaves on a Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata) are typically caused by low household humidity, inconsistent watering, tap water sensitivity, or excessive direct sunlight. The specific environmental factors contributing to this issue include:Humidity: These plants originate from the tropics and suffer in dry air, developing crisp edges and tips.Watering Issues: Allowing the soil to dry out completely or watering inconsistently shocks the plant's fine root system, leading to foliage dieback. Conversely, overwatering can cause the same crispy-wilt symptom by rotting the roots so they can't hydrate the leaves.Water Quality: Begonias are sensitive to salts, chlorine, and fluoride often found in standard tap water, which can cause chemical burn on the foliage.Sunburn: While they require bright light, harsh direct sun rays will quickly scorch and dry out the delicate leaves.Drafts: Proximity to drafty windows, air conditioning units, or heating vents can rapidly dry out the leaves.
@JavaJunkie219 What a beautiful rescue! I agree that the brown spots are likely sunburn and holes look like physical damage.
I think your baby will recover well, now that you have it 😊
I’m not a fan of the self-watering pots myself. I like to keep my begonias in plastic pots inside cache pots.
Mine are currently happy in the northwest corner of the dining room with windows in both sides. The west window has a sun sail outside in the summer, so nice bright light without direct sun.
I water with plain tap water and try to do so when it’s just dried out (which I’m sure I’ve missed many times 😂).
These are also the EASIEST propagators ever and they tolerate pruning very well (they’ll put out lots of new growth, even on leafless stems).
Here are my three Cane Begonias. My Maculata started off very small and sad too (and it’s been cut back MANY times 😂). You’re going to LOVE yours!!! 🪴
I think your baby will recover well, now that you have it 😊
I’m not a fan of the self-watering pots myself. I like to keep my begonias in plastic pots inside cache pots.
Mine are currently happy in the northwest corner of the dining room with windows in both sides. The west window has a sun sail outside in the summer, so nice bright light without direct sun.
I water with plain tap water and try to do so when it’s just dried out (which I’m sure I’ve missed many times 😂).
These are also the EASIEST propagators ever and they tolerate pruning very well (they’ll put out lots of new growth, even on leafless stems).
Here are my three Cane Begonias. My Maculata started off very small and sad too (and it’s been cut back MANY times 😂). You’re going to LOVE yours!!! 🪴
