I bought this plant from a home repair store 3 days back, but I don't know what it is. Now it seems that its decaying. What is this plant and what do I need to do to take care of it?
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1If you bought it just 3 days ago, do you still have the receipt/tag on the plant? Are you watering the plant/have you watered since you bought it?– Lorem IpsumSep 10, 2011 at 17:31
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@yoda: thanks. yes, I've been watering since I bought it. Does matter where I put that plat? I've been moving it around since I found it loosing its shape. And I do not have the tag/receipt :(– hariSep 10, 2011 at 17:36
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1You could also go back to the store to see if they still have them on sale. it should, probably have had a care tag.– winwaedSep 10, 2011 at 17:40
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1This is a begonia. Is it only the flowers that are browning, or are the leaves browning (first at the edges) and shriveling, too? Is there any rot on the stem or leaves? It's hard to judge from the photo. How often are you watering the plant, how much water do you give it and is it standing in direct sunlight? Answers to these questions would be a great help in diagnosing the problem. Thanks.– MancuniensisSep 10, 2011 at 19:16
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2 Answers
It is a begonia, probably a Rieger begonia. Check this begonia care site for details.
Begonias commonly get gray mold (Botrytis). Since this fungus moves from dead tissue into living, pick off any dead flowers or leaves as soon as you can. Try to keep the foliage and flowers dry.
Does your pot have drain holes? The begonia is very sensitive to wet feet. Allow the plant to dry out somewhat in-between watering. In most areas this plant is an annual. I'm not sure where you live, if you can and if you have a covered patio, this plant would thrive outside.
Cut flowers off as soon as you can. Annuals have one purpose in life and that is to produce seed. Thus lots of flower display. But once it's made seed the whole plant just starts relaxing. It has done its job. To help the plant remain vigorous and produce flowers all season, cut the flowers off as soon as possible.
All that energy going into making flowers (seed) is diverted back to the plant. If it hasn't already been fertilized by a greenhouse or the nursery (something else you should ask if you go back to the store is when was it fertilized last, what kind of fertilizer) fertilize it with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. If you use a higher percentage of Nitrogen in relation to phosphorus and potassium you will get lots of vegetative growth and little or no blooms.
Put it in indirect sunlight when indoors, but still a brightly lit area. For the summer it would love to go outside on the covered porch but protect from wind. If you have winter, bring it back inside by gradually increasing the time inside. It'll need to get used to the dry air again. And keep an eye out for spider mite or other insects. Gray mold, too as Eric brought up!
