Begonias
(V)
Watering
You should
water the Begonia every other day. For the best results, you should
try and water them in the morning, preferably before 10 in the morning.
You should do this so that the plant is protected during the hottest
part of the day.
Plagues
and common illnesses
Begonias
are always susceptible to certain plagues and illnesses. The fact
that they are in pots and that they grow in a prepared earth mixture
decreases the risk.
a) Plagues
a.1.
Nematodes
They
are microscopic animals that usually invade the roots. You will
find dark stains on the leaves, which slowly cause the leaf to blacken
and dry out. The plant stops flowering and its appearance deteriorates.
On the roots you will find small cysts.
Treatment
It is
best to get rid of the plant and prevent the presence of nematodes
using a mixture of disinfected earth.
a.2 Flees
They
are insects with a coffee colour or green appearance. They appear
on the buds or underside of the leaves. They feed on the sap from
the plant. They cause stains, the plant to deform and the leaves
to turn yellow.
Treatment
When
it is not too serious we can apply a hyssop with alcohol or soapy
water to clean the effected parts. If the situation is serious,
we should use a chemical that the garden centre recommends to us.
a.3 Scales
This
plague is less frequent. They are like brown or grey coloured blisters
which stick to the stems and weaken the Begonia as they feed on
the plants sap.
Treatment
Clean
the plant with soapy water or alcohol. We can also use some chemical
products that exist in the market to eliminate them.
b) Illnesses
b.1.
Botritis
It is
an illness that attacks the leaves, stems and flowers that penetrates
through the wounds caused by pruning. The plant begins to turn yellow.
This illness favours humidity and low circulation of air.
Treatment
We should
isolate the plant so that it doesn't infect others. Eliminate the
infected parts. Apply a fungicide to prevent any more outbreaks.
You should avoid humid places and places where the air flow is weak.
b.2.
Rotting stem or crown
This
illness occurs when you water the plants too much. You will notice
the plant wilting.
Treatment
You should
avoid watering the Begonia too much. However, make sure you water
it enough. If there are parts of the plant that we can rescue, elminate
the dammaged parts and apply a fungicide or sulphur to the cuts.
Make sure you re-plant the Begonia.
