---
title: "My begonia is browning where the leaf connects to the stem… is this…"
description: "My begonia is browning where the leaf connects to the stem… is this mechanical damage or something more sinister? This is my first begonia so all advice is…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/qIIRWdL48gbNcah1DurEKN"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Steph"
published: "2026-09-17T00:00:51.838575Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Nv_HhQHbWoKNtNvp_Bm7wEwJFDrKqJz-f44YPtSfzOc/x7kvn4XCSH-dnbqSIdCpCA.webp?size=large"
---

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# My begonia is browning where the leaf connects to the stem… is this…

_Posted by Steph on 2026-09-17_

My begonia is browning where the leaf connects to the stem… is this mechanical damage or something more sinister?

This is my first begonia so all advice is appreciated!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Nv_HhQHbWoKNtNvp_Bm7wEwJFDrKqJz-f44YPtSfzOc/x7kvn4XCSH-dnbqSIdCpCA.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Dracula Spectacula commented on 2026-09-17

How moist is the soil and when was the last time it was watered?

#### Steph replied on 2026-09-17

The top inch is dry, it’s in a self-watering pot that was just refilled yesterday.

#### Dracula Spectacula replied on 2026-09-17

If the pot is self watering I would look for a new one with better drainage. The self watering ones tend to hold way too much water :( I agree with the other person that it is most likely inadvertent overwatering. My only other worry would be of pests causing the plant to stress. But if you don't see any evidence of that then dw abt it. The brown markings can just mean stress and not be a bug thing

### Plantingsherry commented on 2026-09-17

To me, it looks too wet, which is why my plants die when they die. You can take a chopstick or something like it and araete the soil so it’ll dry more quickly. I wouldn’t self water just because I’ve had so much trouble with overwatering, but I’m also a beginner and you might know more than I so. I use moisture indicator sticks in all of my plants so I know when they need water and then I double check when they turn white by putting my finger in the dirt, but I don’t have to stick my finger in the dirt every day for 50 Plants that way.

My begonia almost died when I got it, and I think it was from a combination of transplant shock and too much water.

This is the begonia on June 8 and how it is now but after it almost died. Someone said begonias are drama queens.

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-bEa8Q3g1ge-IURFOEOQ2kXlRgS9V83P42PKbIR09wg/Rc2ztlQDRvq7cD4KyC45jw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-bEa8Q3g1ge-IURFOEOQ2kXlRgS9V83P42PKbIR09wg/LLrH6UCIRvqxsl8dzW7ekg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-bEa8Q3g1ge-IURFOEOQ2kXlRgS9V83P42PKbIR09wg/dk5Ab4PTTkGnU2Dy2dfZLA.webp?size=large)

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