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It can be alarming to see the leaves of your Begonia plant start to brown, but don't fret! Let's investigate and get to the bottom of this.
Watering
The most common cause of brown leaf edges on your Begonia is that it is getting too dry between waterings. Be sure to water when the soil volume is 50-75% dry and avoid letting it dry out more than this. Always water thoroughly until you see water flow out of the drainage hole. Discard any excess water in the tray after a few minutes.
Is the soil completely dried out? Give it a good soak by bottom watering.
Here’s how to bottom-water your Begonia:
- Place your plant in your sink or tub without the saucer. Fill your basin up with about 3-4″ of water. Make sure the water isn’t hot!
- Allow your plant to soak up water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for at least 45 min.
- Feel the top of the soil after your plant has been soaking–has the water reached the top 2-3” of soil?
- If not all the soil feels saturated, water your Begonia slightly from the top of the soil to help speed up the saturation.
- When your plant’s soil is evenly damp, drain the sink/tub and allow the plant to rest while it drains thoroughly. Place the plant back on its saucer and back in its proper spot.
Low humidity
Increasing humidity will help prevent dry edges on your Begonia in addition to a consistent watering routine. Try adding a pebble tray, or using a humidifier. Although we normally recommend misting your plants, your Begonia is an exception. Begonias are prone to powdery mildew that can occur if their leaves are kept wet. It is okay to mist the area around your plant, but do not mist directly on the leaves, and avoid getting the leaves wet while watering.
Sunburn
If you are keeping your begonia in a location where it is receiving harsh direct sun rays, it can lead to leaf burn and drying out. Place your Begonia in a location where it receives bright indirect light. Next to an eastern window is great, but if your window faces south or west, place it a few feet from the window.
Need more help?
We're confident your Begonia will be back to normal in no-time, but if you've followed the steps above and things just aren't improving you can contact us here.
I'm a horticulture enthusiast with a deep passion for plant care and maintenance. Over the years, I've cultivated an extensive knowledge base through hands-on experience and continuous research in the field of gardening. My expertise spans various plant species, and I pride myself on being able to troubleshoot and address common issues that arise in caring for plants.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about common issues with Begonia plants.
1. Watering:
The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining the right moisture levels for Begonia plants. Brown leaf edges are often a result of the soil drying out too much between waterings. The recommended approach is to water when the soil volume is 50-75% dry and to ensure thorough watering until water flows out of the drainage hole. The method of bottom-watering is also suggested, where the plant is allowed to soak up water through the drainage hole for at least 45 minutes.
2. Low Humidity:
Low humidity is identified as another potential cause of dry edges on Begonia leaves. The article suggests increasing humidity by using methods such as a pebble tray or a humidifier. However, it cautions against misting Begonias directly, as they are prone to powdery mildew if their leaves remain wet. Instead, it advises misting the area around the plant.
3. Sunburn:
Exposure to harsh direct sunlight can lead to sunburn and drying out of Begonia leaves. The article recommends placing the Begonia in a location with bright indirect light, especially if the window faces south or west. An eastern window is considered ideal, but if that's not available, positioning the plant a few feet away from a south or west-facing window is suggested.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the health and vitality of your Begonia plant. If issues persist despite these measures, reaching out for further assistance is recommended. I'm confident that with proper care, your Begonia will thrive and return to its normal, vibrant state.
