Cane Begonia Care Tips. Includes potting-on and pruning. Trish. The Gong Gardener

Begonia care. Trish. The Gong Gardener.
I forgot to mention in the video, if you don't want your begonia to grow too tall, pinch out the tops.
Position:
• Cane begonias grow and flower best in dapple or morning sun.
• Suitable in pots or garden.
• Can be grown indoors in a very bright position avoiding direct sun. Begonia may not flower or may flower less indoors.
• In frost climates, move indoors or a protected spot outdoors for winter.
Soil/Potting mix:
• Begonias prefer a moist, well drained potting medium.
• Premium potting mixed with ¼ perlite and coir fibre if desired. Orchid bark on top as mulch.
• In the garden, they enjoy a well composted and mulched soil.
• Slightly acid to neutral pH.
• Mulch with quality orchid bark in garden setting as well.
When to prune:
• Prune early spring when frost has past.
How to prune:
• Cut out large old canes at the base. These are usually grey or brown in colour.
• Cut out any twiggy, weak growth at the base.
• Pinch tall canes off at the tips to reduce their height if needed or leave to grow.
Fertiliser:
• Begonias are moderate feeders.
• In pots - feed at potting-on stage using an organic complete fertiliser mixed through the potting mix. Supplement with a good liquid organic or organic based fertiliser or/and worm or weed tea.
• In the ground - Apply organic complete fertiliser in spring and autumn. Also, supplement occasionally with a good liquid organic or organic based fertiliser, or/and worm or weed tea. Add composts and mulch.
• Do not over fertilise as it promotes soft growth which is susceptible to damage from fungal and insects.
Water:
• Do not over-water.
• Water the potting mix to wet thoroughly then let dry out moderately then thoroughly water again.
• Water less frequently in winter.
• Overwatering causes fungal problems particularly if grown indoors. Underwatering causes branches and flowers to dry out.
Mulch:
• Mulch begonias in the garden. Apply manures and/or homemade compost using orchid bark or/and straw mulches.
• Mulch in pots using quality orchid bark.
• Mulches will gently feed your soil and keep it cool and moist during the warmer seasons. Keep mulched all year.
Propagation:
• Use spring prunings as propagation material.
• How to propagate - KZbin link. • How to propagate using...
Common Problems:
• Cane begonias do not often suffer from pest and disease problems.
• Overwatering can cause fungal and insect problems.
• Under watering (letting dry out for very extended periods) can cause plant leaves to thin and stems and leaves to brown off, become weak and collapse.

[@nubbyrose87]

Thank you for this video. It’s very helpful,

[@jacquimaxwell221]

Great information

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

Thank you very helpful and informative. I really, really love Cane Begonias. On my channel I have a video of the Irene Nuss Cane Begonia at my house. 3 meters high 2 meters wide.

[@trishrestante3865]

Thankyou. I'll take a look.

[@pitcher72]

How do you deal with powdery mildew?

[@trishrestante3865]

Hi Skye Do you know, I've never had a problem with powdery mildew. I have grown begonias for 40years. I think because I live in a temperate climate on the coast it's less prevalent. It would be worse in a cold climate. In saying that, I work in a cooler winter climate in Camden and I don't have an issue there as well. The begonias at work are in shade and glass houses and I mist them daily. Overhead watering washes spores off because it takes several hours for the spores to infiltrate into the leaves. Also it's really important to not overfertilise (which thins the leaves), and don't overwater. Let the plants dry out totally before watering again and water in the mornings, not afternoon. In winter remove leaves that are finishing life. I have noticed some people swear by rose shield. I've never used any chemical sprays. Hope this helps

[@jeanneduncan3522]

Rose Shield is effective in preventing & treating mildew on my begonias. I live in WA & mildew can be a problem when the weather cools down( early autumn) Warm days cool nights. Hope that helps.