
If you are looking for some advice about begonia care, you’re in the right place. This article contains tips on watering, fertilizing, pruning and spraying fungicides. You’ll also find an explanation of growing the plants in a cloche.
Pruning
Pruning is an important part of growing a plant. This is because it will encourage the plant to produce new leaves. It also helps keep the plant looking bushy. The secret to pruning is to prune when you see the new leaves appear.
When polka dot begonias start to fade, prune them back to promote new growth. Cuttings should be made about a quarter of an inch above the leaf. In addition, the plant should be placed in bright indirect light.
If you have a large polka dot begonia, you may want to repot. This will ensure that the roots of the plant will be well-drained. Also, you can use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer to help the plant grow and bloom.
There are a few common begonia diseases. They include powdery mildew, botrytis, and mealybugs. These are easily transmitted by human contact or dirty garden tools. You can treat powdery mildew by using a fungicide. Botrytis, on the other hand, is caused by too much moisture.
Watering
The begonia plant is a popular ornamental plant that needs to be grown properly to achieve its maximum potential. Whether you’re growing the plant in a pot or in the garden, it’s important to water it correctly. If you don’t, you might be wasting valuable nutrients and causing your plant to suffer from fungal diseases and other problems.
Begonias need to be aerated, but should not be left standing in water for too long. This will cause the plant to develop a fungal disease and may lead to the roots rotting. Watering the plant as soon as the top inch of the soil is dry will help prevent this.
When you’re watering, make sure the pot has been thoroughly drained. Otherwise, your plant could develop a waterlogged root system, which will kill it.
Fertilizing
If you have a Begonia Maculata, you may want to consider fertilizing it in order to promote good blooms and foliage. It is a great choice for a statement piece plant.
This type of begonia can grow to a relatively tall height. In addition to fertilizing, you should ensure that your plant is getting plenty of light. You should also protect it from direct sunlight. The leaves can burn if they are exposed to too much sunlight.
Aside from feeding your Begonia Maculata, you can also prune the leaves for a fuller look. Proper pruning will encourage healthy growth, while improper pruning will lead to unhealthy growth.
You can either fertilize your Begonia Maculata with a liquid organic fertilizer. You can use a quarter-strength fertilizer in the early spring or a weekly application in the summer.
Growing in a cloche
Using a cloche is a great way to protect your houseplants from frost or cold temperatures. They also help to maintain humidity levels and protect the plants from drafts and insects.
A cloche is a glass or plastic container that is used to shelter plants from the weather. These cloches can be made from materials such as wire hoops, glass bell jars, or even plastic milk jugs.
During the winter, you can use a cloche to protect your begonias from frost. However, begonias do not do well in cold temperatures. The most important factor for keeping your begonias healthy is maintaining a high level of humidity.
Begonias are easy to care for and they come in a wide range of varieties. However, they are also the most sensitive to changes in environmental conditions.
Spraying with fungicide
When you notice symptoms of a plant disease, spraying with a fungicide is an effective method of controlling it. However, you need to use it according to the label directions. Also, be sure to keep your hands clean after handling a sick plant.
If the infection is not severe, you may not need to use a fungicide. Instead, you can apply a bacterial leaf spray. This is most effective in humid conditions.
You can also try home remedies. For example, if you’re battling powdery mildew, you can mix horticultural oil and baking soda into a spray. Alternatively, you can use sulfur. Neither one will completely eliminate the fungus, but both will slow its spread.
To prevent the fungus from spreading, remove infected leaves and spent flowers. In addition, you can move the infected plants outside and away from other plants.