What can I do to make this plant happy?

Discussion in 'Houseplants' started by Ronni, Jun 11, 2019.

  1. Ronni

    Ronni Hardy Maple

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    D222FC14-60C6-4C77-852A-B0D4D91F7399.jpeg Help! I don’t know what this plant is but it clearly needs rescuing. What can I do to make it more comfortable? Are those roots and are they exposed? It’s Ron’s plant that he’s had for years and he’s asking me for help to keep it alive. It’s been in the same soil for years so I know I need to give it some new stuff. Is the pot too big? Should I cover those exposed roots if that’s what they are? What do I doooooo???
     
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  3. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

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    its a begonia. first I would put it outside in the shade. on a covered porch or north patio where it won't get direct sun would be fine. feed it. when was the last time it had fertilizer? mild dose not strong ( you don't want to burn the leaves) and keep it moist. don't pour water on it daily but maybe set it in a shallow tray with a bit of water for extra humidity and to actually moisten the soil if it is really dry.. and wait.
     
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  4. AAnightowl

    AAnightowl Young Pine

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    If it helps any, it is a rhizomatous begonia. The stems will have reddish 'hair' if it is.
    They need filtered light (I am looking in my Better Homes and Gardens houseplant book...) year round. If you have it near a window without curtains, put it in a window with sheer curtains, or out on a covered porch in the summer like Carolyn suggests. They do not like the harsh summer sun.

    There are two other kinds of begonias--fibrous and tuberous begonias. The hairy ones are the rhizomatous.

    My book also says they like a loose soil with plenty of organic matter. I try to water my angel wing begonia about once a week (and have not been good at it lately).
     
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  5. Ronni

    Ronni Hardy Maple

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    I appreciate everyone's advice. It definitely needs better soil! It's hard packed and looks like it's been there since the dinosaur age! I think I'll repot it this weekend. Ron has amazing compost, the plants seem to just love it! I'll use that and some fresh, nutrient rich soil, in a new pot, and yeah, I can put it on the back porch and give it a change of scenery for a while. Thanks guys!
     
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