Better Homes and Gardens Australia — December 2017

Begonia brevirimosa

Begonia pustulata

Begonias are fairly robust,

but you may need to treat

the odd problem to keep

your plants in tip-top shape.

1

When buying begonias,

inspect the plant

carefully for any signs of

disease or insect damage.

If it looks weak and leggy,

or has any holes, spots

or discolouration on the

leaves or stems, don’t buy

it, as it will not thrive.

2

Powdery mildew

This fungal disease

shows on the tops

and undersides of leaves as

a grey/white coating, and

affected foliage withers and

dies. To help prevent it, water

the soil around the plant and

avoid splashing the leaves,

watering in the morning

so any excess moisture

can evaporate during the

day. Remove any affected

leaves with sharp scissors or

secateurs and, if necessary,

spray with a fungicide.

3

Burn marks

Dark brown, crisp-

looking marks on leaf

edges are usually caused by

low humidity. Place the pot

in a tray with pebbles and

water, making sure the pot

base doesn’t sit in the water,

to prevent root rot. Begonias

also get sunburnt, seen as a

pale brown or yellow scorch

mark on all, or part, of the

leaf. Cut off affected foliage,

discard and move pots into

a more sheltered spot.

Try using them as hanging

basket plants for spring

and summer displays. The

double orange blooms of

this tuberous variety almost

smother the container.

CARE TIPS

essential

3

PLANT PROFILE