About Diana Hamilton Expertise I can answer questions related to flowering and non-flowering house plants, and herbs. I do not know very much about cactus, orchids and bonsai
Experience For 20 years I owned a florist where I sold cut flowers and all types of house plants and accessories and gave advice to my customers.
Publications I have not had any writings published but I have presented gardening programmes on television, showing viewers how to care for their plants, giving them ideas on suitable plants, discussed problems with experts in different fields and given practical demonstrations on growing seeds, planting tubs and hanging baskets, watering, feeding, pruning etc.
Education/Credentials I am completely self-taught
Awards and Honors I have exhibited plants and flower arrangements in many Flower Shows winning many prizes.
Question I HAVE A LARGE BIGONIA I PURCHASED 2 WEEKS AGO SITTING IN A BRIGHT HALLWAY. THE LOWER LEAVES ARE DYING AND THE OTHER LEAVES ARE TURNING BROWN AND CRUSTY AROUND THE EDGES. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG
Answer Hello Doris,
I always think Begonia Rex are splendid colourful plants but a bit dicey to grow and they never seem to last much more than a year. But yours is a new plant and obviously you want to save it.
They do like humidity but you have to be careful not to spray water on to the leaves and stems. You can spray the surrounding air or you could surround the pot in damp peat - put your plant pot into a larger covering pot and put damp peat between the two. Water the plant from the base.
They like plenty of light, but not direct sunlight although in the winter a little morning or evening sunlight will be beneficial.
Do you have a shady spot outside where you could put the plant for a while as it may be suffering from both lack of fresh air and humidity. Trim off all the dried up parts and the dead leaves and cross your fingers that all the new growth will be fresh and colourful.
Contact me again if you think I can be of any further help to you.
