About Bakerplanter Expertise My mother gave me a geranium to put in my own pot, now years later, I`m a Master gardener,with my own landscaping business. I don`t like putting my tender plants in the 10 acres of rocky-clay where I live, so I garden in a million containers of every size, on a large Plexaglass covered deck, in a greenhouse, and a solarium. I`m full of advise and eager to help you.
I have a huge library of gardening books, and I use GOOGLE search to find many answers to more difficult questions.
Experience I have graduated from four horticultural schools. I am still studying. I study soils, fertilizers, and water management. I am still doing experiments. I also have learned to "read" my plants to determine if they need attention. I have some very old, healthy plants in very large containers. I have owned my Landscaping business for ten years.
Organizations Master Gardeners, local garden club, National Home garden club, Northwest garden club, Landscapers Ass., Arbor Day Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, National Audubon Society, and Many internet garden sites.
Question I am going to try my hand at growing a couple of these this year. Since it appears to be a relatively new Begonia what advise do you have or what should I NOT do. I will have it in a container in a shade garden, other than that?
Thanks,
Kat in Chattanooga
Answer Rex begonias are fairly easy. They have the basic requirements. Good rich potting soil, moist, but not wet, good light, but no direct sun. If the temperature drops below 45 degrees, bring them inside. Hold back on the water in the winter. They will loose some leaves, but don't be alarmed, that is natural. As they age, they tend to loose the compact look. Simply prune the old growth off and leave the new growth in the center. These pruned pieces that you take off can be started in water and made into new plants.Watch for bugs and slugs or snails. You will need to control them or they will distroy the plants. Try to keep water off of the leaves. Fertilize only if they look like they need it. Don't fertilize if the temperature is over 90 degrees. Don't fertilize if the plant is stressed or the soil is too wet or dry. Turn the plant so that the leaves will grow on all sides, unless you prefer the leaves on one side. Pot up to a larger pot only when they are root bound. Only go to the next size pot. Don't put a small plant in a big pot.
They are beautiful plants, and if all goes well, they should last for many years.
bakerplanter
