Sad Rex Begonia 😢

Question

#Begonia my begonia is just not enjoying anywhere I put her. Avoiding direct sunlight, watering every 1-2 weeks. I’ve tried a bit more indirect sun spot, I’ve tried farther away from the sun (but still within 3 feet) … any advice ?!?

@TheConservator · Accepted Answer

If the water just runs atound the sides and out the bottom but the media never soaks it up? Thats hydrophobic soil. Basically its become so dehydrated it wont hold water anymore. Its best to repot if thats the case. But you can soak it in a bowl of wayer until it rebydrates for short term.

@Preciousplants1 · Answer

@StoutGoldwire I’m so sorry but I went through everything you’re going through and I was told that begonias need special care.

@Preciousplants1 · Answer

@StoutGoldwire I have 3 left, red is barely hanging on 😢

@Preciousplants1 · Answer

@StoutGoldwire the bi color green is a goner. it under a grow light trying to save it. 😭

@Preciousplants1 · Answer

@StoutGoldwire sorry here’s a pic of it

@Preciousplants1 · Answer

@StoutGoldwire I’m trying but I’ve lost if I can’t get this last two to grow.  I’m done except this one. It’s doing well darker room, a bit more humid . But it’s growing very well

@Preciousplants1 · Answer

@StoutGoldwire don’t give up! Try letting it dry out before watering, a sip here and a sip there until it gets its strength back. I’m still trying because they’re just so beautiful 🤩 👍🏽 with me I guess it’s trail n error. But I’ll only buy the last picture again lol hahaha

@HappySelah25 · Answer

I placed mine in a north facing window and sometimes move her to a shelf on the side of a grow light.  Not directly under it.  I use a moisture meter and only add water when she’s about 3/4 dry.  This is my first Begonia but she’s doing well.

@HappySelah25 · Answer

Here’s a photo

@TheConservator · Answer

That soil looks hydrophobic dry!

@HappySelah25 · Answer

@StoutGoldwire grow light can never really replace the sun but my plants do well under them.  I recently put a lot of my plants outside and they do better in the real sunlight.  But, my home does not have a good spot for the sun to shine through so grow lights are my best option until I move to my new house with lots of windows 🪟

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