Three seemingly trivial oversights can transform a thriving begonia into a dull and fragile plant. Finding out what they are can really make a difference.
The begoniawith its elegant shape and fleshy leaves, easily deceives. It seems robust, capable of resisting anything, but with autumn something changes. The light goes down, the humidity rises, and she starts throwing tantrums. It’s not a written rule, but every year there are those who are surprised to see it lose vitality for no apparent reason.
Deep down, it’s always the same three mistakes that cause damage. Things that seem of little importance, but which can destroy even the fittest begonia. Out of distraction, habit or simply out of excess zeal. After all, who has never thought: “It’s been there for months now, it’s going great”? And yet it doesn’t take much. Like forgetting a scarf in the middle of October: only when the wind blows do you realize the mistake.
Begonia in autumn: avoid watering it too often
With the first cold weather and shorter days, many plants go into rest mode. Even begonia slows down, yet many continue water it as if it were July. The temptation is strong: a leaf that collapses, a vase that seems a little dry… and then water. But this is precisely where the problem arises. In autumn the soil dries more slowly. The air humidity is higher, the sun is less insistent. The result? The soil remains damp for days, and the roots, immersed in that constant humidity, begin to suffer. First the leaves turn yellow, then the mold arrives, and finally the dreaded rot.
Think of it as an extra blanket: useful only when you really need it. If it’s hot, it’s not a caress, it’s a useless burden. Do you want to be on the safe side? Touch the ground with your fingers. If it feels moist, wait. Otherwise, lift the : If it’s light, then yes, it’s time. If it’s heavy, better to postpone. In autumn, a little thirst makes it stronger.
Don’t keep your begonia outdoors for too long
October often brings days of warm sunshine, and it’s tempting to leave the plants outside as long as possible. But begonia is not made for cold nights. As soon as it drops below 12°C, it begins to suffer.
One evening that’s colder than expected and all of months’ work can be lost. The leaves become limp, the flowers close, and the plant seems to enter forced hibernation. And the wind? A humid gust is enough to make her catch a bad cold, in the vegetal sense.
Many people think: “As long as the sun is shining, what harm can it do?”. But the day is not the problem. It is the night, when the air becomes sharper and the vase cools quickly.
Better to bring her inside, but with caution. Here are some practical tips for :
- Move it inside as soon as the minimum temperatures reach 12°C
- Keep it near a well-exposed window, but away from drafts
- Protect it from sudden rain and excessive humidity
- Use breathable sheets if you must leave it outside temporarily
- Avoid placing the vase on cold or wet surfaces
Ultimately, a little is enough: a bright and sheltered corner is like a thin duvet, the right one in between seasons.
Never forget about air exchange and the right light
With the cold we tend to close everything. Windows, balconies, even curtains. But this creates a stagnant environment, and the begonia suffers. Light and fresh air are its oxygen.
Placing it near the radiator or in a dark corner is like parking a car in the garage and expecting it to run on its own. After a while it turns off. The leaves begin to stain, the flowers seem listless, and the whole plant loses tone.
You don’t need direct light, like the beach light in August. All you need is a window screened by a light curtain, and a little clean air every day. Opening even just for five minutes in the morning already makes a difference.
And a small gesture, often forgotten: rotate the vase once a week. It helps the begonia grow harmoniously, without creases or effort. A detail? Perhaps. But as we know, it’s the details that make the difference.
Closing a begonia in a room that is too hot and dark is a bit like putting a painting in the dark. You don’t ruin it, but you stop enjoying it.
Better to let it breathe, even in autumn.
Photo © stock.adobe
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