Begonias

[Carolyn]

Maybe Newroo knows the answer to this, since she seems to be very knowledgeable about growing things.

We always buy begonias around Easter, the ones that are a gorgeous shade of golden yellow, but it seems no sooner do we get them home than the color starts to fade, and the subsequent flowers, such as they are, are pale yellow. And they get kind of weedy after a bit, and what I really like about them when I buy them is that they have those lusterous dark thick leaves.

I am the first to admit that I am not terribly good with indoor plants, although geraniums and I seem to do well together, but I would love to do better and to keep the begonias nice looking for longer than the week after I get them home from the shops.

Any suggestions anyone?

[Debbie]

Try plastic ? ? ?[/color]
;D ;D ;D ;D

[Carolyn]

Now, Debbie! No Wal-Marts here.

[Debbie]

Ekohallen? Just a Swedish Wal-Mart......

[Carolyn]

No Ekohallens in Örebro either. ;D

[Pam]

Do you have them in direct sunlight? Most Begonias prefer filtered sun or shade.

[Carolyn]

We did have it in a western window, but Anders moved it last week-end to our kitchen window, which is more northerly facing and it seems to be perkier.

[Newroo]

yeah well i have to admit , i worked in a plant nursery for seven years before the move here to Sweden...DOH! ( to think i worked outdoors all year long and was once somewhat tanned year round!!)...
Yes these Begonias...Begonia Elator...back in Australia they would be kept till they dropped which was around 12 to 18 months or so....but here i see my mother in law keeps hers quite happy and for quite a long time... again a warm temperate to tropical plant... it needs warmth and a sunny spot but not scorching by the sun ( when it is sunny here ). So secret 1). warmth and sunny spot... 2). They hate water being on them. So put water down in the pot it sits in or the saucer it sits in and let it drink it up of its own accord.Basically it will take water up from the bottom , so dont water the top of the pot...they rot easily and go weakor the flowers drop off before they open. Its a bit like african violets in that respect. #3) Yep ..beautiful ,abundant flowers mean regular feeding.... so use a liquid feed regularly for best results.
Keeping it bushy means when you stand there and admire it- pinch out branches at their top, that look like they will shoot out over the rest of the bush...
remember dryer is better than wet with these begonias.....you should try the Hibiscus plants...great value... and flowers are terrific, low maintenance...
Much success to you!!
Linda....
PS My husband suggests that plastic flowers can be placed in dishwasher when dusty

[Carolyn]

Pinching back, I can do. I used to grow coleuses (coleusi? ;D) and they have to be ruthlessly pinched back. I'll TRY not to water too much. I usually water plants from below anyway, 'cause I DO grow african violets with pretty good success. The only houseplants I used to REALLY do well with were succulents, particularly crassulas and sedums, but I feel the need for lots of green, growing things here.

[Pam]

I have an Angelwing Begonia that sits across the room from the window. It loves it there. And I just got my first African violet bloom of the year. I'm so proud! Indoor blooming plants and I don't usually have long-lasting relationships.