Hey friends! I posted this in foliage heaven first, but I think I’m more likely to get answers here. I got my first two begonias yesterday, and I have no clue how to care for them. Everything I’ve read on the internet contradicts something else I read, and I’m a little lost. Any advice would be appreciated! Also if you know what they are please tell me. Thank you!
The things that are most important are indirect light and to not overwater. For lighting, place near a window where it won’t be in direct sun, it’ll love that. Watering will depend on your soil content. If your soil is very porous, then you may have to water more frequently. If it’s a little more dense and holds moisture, than less frequently. I look at the top of the soil and when that starts to get dry, I’ll put my finger down in and see if it’s dry below. Try to water with the same amount of water consistently each time for its size. They are sensitive to overwatering which may cause wilting and soft spots on the leaves. The other indicator to watch is if some of the stems start to droop. That is also an indicator that it needs some water if you can see when you last watered to when it starts to droop that will give you an idea of the number of days between waterings. If you set up in the Custom watering schedule in Planta, it will keep you on a fixed cycle of watering. The other thing I use Is Jack’s classic 20-20-20 Fertilizer. I use 1/4 teaspoon. to a gallon of water. I fill a gallon of water with tap water but then leave it sit with the lid off so the chlorine can dissipate. After that happens, I then mix in the fertilizer. I always keep 2 gallons when I’m using the other that is in prep. I use Jack’s during the growing season and I’ve had some pretty phenomenal growth on my Zumba, Asian tundra and Escargot as seen in the picture.
