Easy Begonia Plant Care: How I Grow My Tall Begonia

[@lindsey4178]

To anyone looking into water options, you should definitely try the fish tank conditioner if you haven't already. I have one plant in particular (red maranta prayer plant) that ALWAYS had browning edges no matter what I did. Since using the conditioner, no more brown edges and my other plants are improving in ways I didn't expect as well. It's super cheap because it only takes 1 ml per gallon of water and you can buy 16 oz for about $9.....thats enough to condition 473 gallons of water. There are two types by API Marine that do about the same thing. There is a simple water conditioner and then one called stress coat. The only difference is that stress coat contains a bit of aloe to help fish with their slime coat. Hope this helps someone.

[@erinmeghan7347]

So I've got fish tanks and I use SeaChem Prime. Would this be okay to use as a conditioner for my plants to your knowledge?

[@lindsey4178]

@@erinmeghan7347 I'm not super knowledgeable on that one but from looking at its chemical effects, I see no reason why not. I read that it can be used as an emergency balance (hence fish in the tank at the time) when the tank gets out of hand. As far as I can tell, if it's immediate use is safe for fish, it's also safe for plants rather than a treatment you have to wait before adding life. Again, I'm NOT an expert but I've only read into these things in some depth. Do you have a fresh or salt water tank? It makes no difference to my answer, lol I just LOVE tanks. I don't have the time or space for a full tank but I've seriously concidered 2 smallish jars (maybe 1 to 2 gallons?) of salt and fresh water to grow aquatic plants of each. I'd love to make some bio environment (only with maybe snails or something else that will be happy in a small area) and focus on both salt and fresh water plants. Maybe brine shrimp or something? I have no idea but it's something I'd love to try. Hope my answer to your comment helps!

[@erinmeghan7347]

@@lindsey4178 ugh wtf you're literally the BEST to take your time and energy to help me. I too LOVE tanks! I've got 2 betta in individual 5 gallons, a 10 gallon with zebra danios and platys, a 14 gallon with dwarf gourami, long fin leopard danios, and albino corydoras. Then I've got a 29 gallon with blushing tetra, 3 striped kuhli loaches (I plan on adding 4 more and naming them after the 7 deadly sins), then I'll be adding galaxy raspbora, a long fin German Blue ram, and an opal gourami! I've also got an empty 3 gallon that I plan on turning into a shrimp tank!!!! I think it'd be DOPE if you did a fish tank or plant tank with shrimp!!!! PetSmart has GREAT deals. I got my 29 gallon, the filter, heater, lid, and light for $95!!!!!!!!!! They often have discounts on their topfin set ups, and almost always offer money off to buy online and pickup in store! I think it'd be awesome to get a variety of colored shrimp and put them in their own little bio environment! The bigger the tank the easier they are to maintain though. If you do get a tank, have the time, money, and space, I'd recommend a 20+ gallon. As far as plants I love: anubias, hornwort, Camboba, water sprite, Amazon swords, and rosette swords. Oh and I LOVE my marimo moss balls but if you get those please make sure they're not imported, as there was a zebra mussels outbreak due to moss balls in 2019-2021 ish and they've just now been approved for sale again. I can't recommend Marcus Fish Tanks enough for plants. They've got an eBay, Etsy, Amazon, and personal website. Each site has their own deals and bundles. If you go on their website use code 10OFF for 10% off your order. PetSmart also has guaranteed snail free plants that I love. They have great prices on anubias and they run $1-$3 cheaper than the average market price.

[@jonasjohansson5038]

Any waterconditioner is fine to use. They all do the same thing.

[@brandigoff556]

I agree. My calathea’s no longer have brown tips since I added the water conditioner.

[@MountainHomeThrift]

I discovered one of these growing in a pot with a cutting that my gram gave me. I thought it was like a weird tree that hat sprouted in the compost from my gram’s house. I only realized what it was after your one video featuring yours! I’m so obsessed with it now!

[@User-hg1jk]

I actually just brought this plant because I loved yours so much! It’s my first begonia and now I’m obsessed so this video couldn’t be better timed 🤩

[@hesherette]

your begonia is so gorgeous! begonias are some of my favorite plants, i love how dramatic so many of them look! i have gross, hard tap water (socal) + i started using the API Aquarium Water Conditioner earlier this year, omg what an insane difference it has made in my plants! i went from everything seeming fairly unhappy (brown tips, colors weren't super vibrant, growth wasn't super fast, etc)- the water conditioner has drastically improved all of my previous plant issues it's been life changing

[@Astara_star]

I agree with you 💯% It's a game changer, so happy that I started using it 3 months ago. Now even my calethea is happy! Very cost-effective, I love it ❤

[@hesherette]

@@Astara_star YES omg, my Calathea Rattlesnake is like a completely new plant! pushes out new, healthy growth so often + doesn't get the dreaded brown tips as much anymore. it's quite shocking bc my untreated tap water killed my Calathea Medallion

[@pudik2008]

I live in Australia and our temperatures are cold 6-9 Celsius to hot 40’s as high as 45 Celsius,it’s unbearable and also very dry low humidity. I have tons of different cane Begonias growing outdoors in high light. My soil mix is similar to yours. If mine get leg and lanky I just cut the tall pieces off and stick into the soil mix,plus it activates more growth points and makes it bushier. It’s such a good plant you can grow it under so many conditions just adjust care according to your environment.. great video Harli. 💚🪴🌿

[@LeanneInAdelaide]

Are you in South Australia?

[@pudik2008]

@@LeanneInAdelaide yes!

[@LeanneInAdelaide]

@@pudik2008 LOL. I thought so. I could not think of any other state in Australia that was even close to what you described. I still remember that nearly 46 degree day. And our humidity well when it is hot and dry it dries your eyeballs out in a few minutes if you step outside.

[@pudik2008]

@@LeanneInAdelaide Yep that’s Adelaide,😅 last winter was mild ante summer was mild as well,compared to other years. I put out some of my indoor plants on to the deck this year for their first winter outside,hoping for the best! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ani4ka5]

Congratulations for being the JUDGE on the challenge ! It was so fun to watch, i hope i see you in the next competition!! Your presentations are always on point and well thought!

[@jenc2329]

I starting using the fish tank water conditioner after hearing about it from another KZbinr. It makes a difference. Bigger and better leaves. Been wanting a Maculata but was afraid I’d kill it. With this information I feel like giving it a try. Thanks Harli!

[@ThePattiable]

I gave my friend a cutting of my maculata & was literally telling her the same thing. That my potting mix had so many things in it just because i like that part of it lol. We're in AZ & mine does great just in regular room himidity & temp. I don't fuss with her and just keep her watered with my regular hard city tap water. If you want a bushier plant, keep pruning. And I've propped in both water and soil and it's just been pretty easy going plant for me & it was one of my very first. I can't, however, keep a rex begonia alive for the life of me lol.

[@erinmeghan7347]

Harli!!!!!!! I know you love that begonia deeply and I'm happy to see you bask in the happiness it brings you 😊 I don't have any begonia in my collection but a begonia macullata is fo sho something i want. Ive always thought they were lovely and i was going to get one back in the day, however, it triggered my roomies trypophobia and i passed out of respect. I simply havent had the opportunity to add one to my plant family yet. Yours is GORGEOUS and definitely got me itching for one!

[@Astara_star]

Thank you for a relaxing and enjoyable plant vid. Your begonia is gorgeous! I'm so happy that your Grandma's plant lives on through you. Very special 🥹 Thanks Harli 😃

[@nakikiish]

The little arm coming through the door 😂😂😂

[@HarliG]

😂 they can’t be tamed

[@nakikiish]

@@HarliG I have three little boys. They are feral.

[@jackiewhitney5031]

@@HarliG He knew you were filming though and left........bless his heart :))

[@CocoButterfly88]

@@nakikiish😂😂😂😂

[@latinwaterpoloperez]

Ok I have an upstairs south facing window in CA. Never fertilize it! Just water it! Plant is crazy tall and blooms constantly! The plant sits in its original potting mix! Which I have no idea what it is!

[@laurenjohnson5880]

Thank you this was very helpful! I'm trying this plant again after failing in 2020. It's going much better, but I needed to hear that info about the water because that seems to be my biggest downfall. I'll try filtered and see if there's less brown tips 🤞

[@wandashaw3551]

Hi Harli, your plant is gorgeous 😍. I have one also growing in self watering in a mix of leca and pon. I totally agree with you on the type of water you use. Just for this one, I use bottled water, and she loves it. I was using tap water before, and her tips were so brown. ❤

[@yvonnevigil7489]

I am so happy see see her so happy. I asked and you delivered a video on her. Thanks ❤

[@All_things_Vic]

Love your video! I have a begonia that's 6 ft tall and growing. The leaves are huge and super healthy, but I'm thinking I need to get him down to a more manageable height. Crossing my fingers all goes well!

[@gaylegonzalez71]

I'm so excited mine is starting to get tall too! I propagate a piece in watee and it's growing crazy, it already grew 3 more leaves just from the 1 I propagated. I can't wait til he's as tall aa yours

[@dora9368]

I like your pretty Begonia🌿 great job 👍 growing her she is so big and healthy ❤️

[@nicolamacneill7274]

Ive had my begonia for 7 years now and she's like 10ft tall. We have taken cuttings for family and they are all still going strong 😍 such a beautiful plant 💞. Also I feed mine banana water now and then, so good for ur plant's 😊

[@thememoryguardians]

I've found mine to be such an easy plant to care for, I can not water it for a month and it's still fine. Really love it :)

[@Stephaniemickle]

They’re sooo forgiving. And propagate really easily in dirt and water. I’ve multiplied my bunch a ton this summer lol

[@akren86]

Super cool variety. I love the spots! I just lost my begonia edinburgh to a mealy infestation. I was smart and clipped a couple leaves that are doing well in my propagation box so I could start over. I'll be trying some of your tips once mine is mature enough to pot up.

[@dianavanderslice3372]

Love Begonia-have killed them all- just bought a Rex & am trying leca this time. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@GarySnowdon]

I make my own plant foot, usually bits of left over veg/ tea bags. Almost like a tea/soup. Occasionally I push a match stick in the soil, for the magnesium and sulphur.

[@HarliG]

Great tip!

[@Womynxx]

I’ve had a lot of luck with begonias in general using a wick and reservoir. It helps keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. I have 2 maculatas (cause I thought I’d killed one 😂) and I put them outside last summer and they loved it. One of them is still putting out new flower buds. I love this plant so much.

[@ILovePlants33]

I just bought my very 1st begonia, heavily influenced by you showing this frequently! I never really liked them until i saw the maculata in person, dang! A shop i went to today had theirs literally crawling up the wall...i didn't know they could do that?

[@wesleyhackney]

I keep mine outside 9 months out of year here in nw Florida area. I think being outside and the humid y my I’d hood for them plus all the natural rain water they get

[@videosrfunfunfun]

Beautiful Plant and it is growing so much! I hope you can make lots of propagation plants from it as time goes on since it is so pretty and was from your family too.

[@marie-joseelanglois1333]

Omg she is so beautiful mine is still very small can't wait for it to grow big like yours

[@katherinenightingale2205]

The tiny hand creeping through the door..... 😂😅😂

[@sylviagutierrez7676]

A very special plant💗,and doing so well ‼️ 💚🌱☘️🌵💚

[@jami-lee.young96]

Watered down coffee water wow so interesting! My begonia is very bushy but quite short, yours looks amazing!

[@lindaedwards4632]

I got a cutting of the Maculata from a friend last winter. I put it in Spagnum to root, it didn’t like it very much. After 3 weeks there were no roots. I transferred it to perlite and boom great roots in a couple of weeks. Mine is currently four feet tall with leaves 16 inches long 💕😀🇨🇦

[@dora9368]

I'm a new subbie to your channel and I like your content! Thrifty videos, everyday life, long plant chore videos, and longer videos seems to be a big request in the comments 🌿💦🤔🌼

[@agoodthinggrowing]

Hahahaha I love how you just see a little arm sticking through the crack in the door. just for a split second!

[@nicolem376]

I bought one at big box store, rinsed the roots and stuck the root portion in my aquarium. It adjusted for about a month and didn’t grow and then it exploded, I take cuttings & put in the water & they grow like crazy. I have more of this plant than I know what to do with 😂 it’s very tall also. The animal waste feeds the plants which keeps them happy and also improves the water quality in the tank which keeps the critters happy.

[@melissamonroe561]

Great tips! Thank u!🤎❣

[@PetraEmmy]

I keep mine in pon.. and have just managed to prop it with a leaf 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@sheldonmurphy6031]

At 5:33 Loved how your parental radar honed in on your kiddoe a second before we heard it in our end! 😂 Mine are 15 & 14. It never goes away. 😂😂😂 PS: Love That Begonia!

[@pixidanberty5530]

Hands down putting a cupful of water conditioner in my water i have noticed my plamts look amazing

[@chuck4714]

What?!?! Water conditioner???

[@CalamityCannon]

A cupful?! Water conditioner is great for a lot of plants but the ratio should be like a drop per average indoor watering can. To the point where it is hard to put in a small enough amount! Unless we are using _very_ different products or you are preparing a fishtank-size amount of water at once

[@pudik2008]

Funny you should say that,but years ago my parents used to water everything with their water from the washing machine, and everything grew like crazy!, so there’s something to it. I’ve started using diluted dish soap to treat hydrophobic soil and it works just like store bought stuff. 😅

[@jackiewhitney5031]

@@pudik2008 It probably keeps the pests down as well, huh?

[@potato1233]

Thanks for this video I really struggle with begonia. Also I dont know what to make of this situation but I don’t have any wishlist plants anymore. This sounds kinda silly but I bought my last wishlist plants on my birthday a couple days ago and ya. What are your guys favorite or wish list plants. It feels wrong not having any.😅😂

[@jackiewhitney5031]

I don't have any wishlist for plants right now. So, that is not weird at all. I don't have any room for more at this time.

[@JuanellHopper]

i only have one begonia in the house, and that is a rex begonia that is silver and red. it definitely doesnt like being dry. i have to make sure it doesnt get too dry, and I am thinking about getting a dragon wing begonia next year and try to raise it in the house. I usually put them outside in a hanging pot and they get so huge. I just love them.

[@nicolejohn5407]

Love your content so much! This video was super helpful! ❤❤

[@HarliG]

I'm so glad! Thank you

[@rosegold6270]

I use the stuff to treat fish tank water, it works. No more brown edges on my calathea

[@lleo9703]

Nice video on begonia maculata. Since my house is set to 64F during the winter, I now know to give this one a miss. Yours is beautiful!

[@larrycahoon8465]

If you like it enough I'd say give it a try. While I don't have that particular Begonia the dozen or so I do have sit at a North window for the winter where the temperatures regularly get down to the upper 50's and only occasionally get over 65. They are doing just fine.

[@erinmeghan7347]

64° 😭😭 my anemic ass could never

[@lleo9703]

@@larrycahoon8465 Thanks for your information. If I see a maculata at a reasonable price I’ll give it a go….

[@CalamityCannon]

I have a plant that I got as a cutting I was told was a scarlet/red rex begonia. Its growth behavior seems really similar (and my instinct is that the advice on soil and moisture here would be great) but I am confused and a bit overwhelmed by all the names for begonia varieties. Is a maculata a type of rex begonia or cane begonia? Or vice versa? Anyone know?

[@CalamityCannon]

I think I found a source that might actually be helpful to anyone who has a similar question but hasn't found a good resource? Courtesy of a knowledgeable Irish lady: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaHUp2mkZ7WJmJYsi=XVFlY9VgVFuIGTPv

[@justjenn9011]

Ive tried twice to have a begonia like this. And both times ive killed it. So i enjoy this very much because i love the look of it and want one sooooo much and hope itll help me to actually keep one alive 😅 ❤ they are beautiful.

[@justjenn9011]

I may say, i have a good green thumb and i have many happy healthy plants, but the begonia, i havent been able to keep alive 😢

[@bettesimpson1614]

I have trouble with it too. Summer it does great and is dead by the end of winter. I always keep a piece of it going in a prop box where it does great. My house is cold during fall and winter so I kinda think temperatures has alot to do with it. I currently have a cutting going so wish me luck lol

[@1101naomi]

So your mix doesn’t start with a bag of soil? I’m confused by coco coir cuz I’ve seen the powdery stuff that looks like soil and then there’s chunks, shreds etc. are they allll called coco coir?

[@rosewagner4018]

What a beauty begonia ❤

[@christiemiller8851]

I love my begonia maculata too. Thank you for sharing your tips. Mine has stalled and is growing slowly, so I will try moving into higher light and water a bit more. Fingers crossed :) 🪴

[@tonyg5597]

I was struggling with my Maculata and some other spotted variety (with green back)....I threw both outside and ignored them....they flourished and didn't seem to mind the cold. Although live in Australia without snow or frost but temps would go down to 10c (50F)...have brought them back in for summer as I expect they will fry with 40-45c (104-113F) temps....thanks for your insights though, as I do struggle to keep them happy....think its a winter holiday for them in the future

[@rickyt3961]

incredible looking plant 🪴

[@wendyambruson6378]

I have one of these too. Thank you for the care video!

[@TheAssumedSelf]

Great vibe and great plant. 😊🌱

[@samantharobertson974]

I tried using the aquarium water conditioner, it took around a month to be obvious but my plants did NOT like it. It works using ion exchange where it exchanges the ions of certain minerals with sodium ions. I think combined with fertilizer, it caused way too much sodium/mineral buildup.

[@heatherdegreeff1092]

Thays so great that you can root just a leaf!! Too bad more plants arent like that :)

[@Tammy-jl2io]

No potting mix with the mixture? wish there was a link to the Full Mixture. GREAT plant you have there!

[@RomitaChaudhuri]

This is my first plant and yours is beautiful! My only worry is, how do I keep it watered while away on a long vacation, say 1 month?

[@hammindeezy2280]

Do you think a meyer lemon tree would like your diluted coffee water?? Omg girl, you need to make a video on that too, you're so smart!!!😊🙏

[@marialisamotley5843]

Beautiful!♥️ plant!😊

[@mestimac]

That coffee trick is interesting. I wonder if it needs the acidity or something. Ive had a turbulent relationship with mine 😅 Had it for years and it's smaller now than when i got it. But I started watering it more frequently and it's regrowing. I also noticed it seems to be a heavy feeder.

[@jenniferbarkhouse7977]

Would you recommend this type of care to all begonias that are not living in a terrarium?

[@29jensen17]

I love this plant!... but i think it hates me though. I have struggled with it for so long, since it is the one plant i refuse to give up on. It is simply too georgious and special. Well... yours are, but mine is now down to only 3 small leaves and they😊 dont look too good. As for water, it only gets rain water so that is not the problem. Maybe the light is, as i live in the dark north of Europe. We will see. I will try follow your advise and pot it in a more chunky mix and see if it can survive then.

[@carolstuff]

Beautiful begonia!

[@ninapit]

They say cane begonias can't be propagated from their leaves only. You need to propagate the canes. I've done leaves, they stay green, but nothing can grow out of them and eventually they died. 😊

[@HarliG]

Damn, I’ve seen them rooting 😭

[@SheraSMS]

I received mine as a leaf cutting. From the plant I grew I have I propagated 7 other plants. You can DEFINITELY propagate them from leaves.

[@ninapit]

@@SheraSMS I don't know then, you may well be right. Mine rooted but never grew.

[@Nicole-ge4vg]

It is so beautiful!

[@zortiskoasko254]

Bayildin 🪄💫⭐⭐⭐👍🏼👌🏼

[@Stephaniemickle]

I needed this! I have a bunch in a pot and one of them is like 4 feet tall and I don’t know what to do with it hahah

[@HarliG]

Omg do you have Instagram? I’d love to see

[@Stephaniemickle]

@@HarliG I’ll have to take a picture and send it to you!

[@stephaniesouza1632]

Wait!! You live in Utah!?? ME TOO!!! 😃

[@Ana-v1o]

I have a sun room that faces North/East. Is this a good location for this plant?

[@HarliG]

Yes!

[@flatcreek4665]

Mine is about to outgrow the shelf in my Milsbo. I dread pulling it out..afraid it’s going to die. 😵

[@hberror404]

AHAHAHAHA the arm at the door @8:06

[@itst0000]

no issues with bits in mix having mold?

[@HarliG]

Bits are meant to mold in order to attract the larva to them

[@karolinekaddison]

I have a begonia that thrived When i got it but now the leaves are turning dull green and the growt has almost compleatly halted. I dont know What to do? 😓

[@HarliG]

Do you have an ig? If so, send me a photo of it & I can try to help!

[@karolinekaddison]

Yes i do! Just sent you a DM there :)

[@elminx1]

For what its worth, I have two cane begonias that have been growing actively in my house and the temp hasn't been over 64 in here for over a month. No brown tips whatsoever.

[@jessicaaustriaco]

I think you might’ve just saved my polka dot begonia’s life. Mine has terrible brown tips and the leaves stay red instead of turning green. Going to try treating my water with aqua safe!

[@kendravoracek3636]

💚💚

[@catherinec2967]

Thank you!

[@Ingjez1]

It was hard for me at first also, maybe we’re just better plant moms at this point

[@janedope2359]

Nitrogen is in coffee.

[@VickyHafler]

🪴🥰🪴

[@patsimmons3123]

🫶🏽🌱👍🏽