leaf drop on Begonia Rex Escargot
Quick answer
If your Begonia Rex Escargot has leaf drop, the most likely cause is: Begonia rex 'Escargot' drops its leaves in winter when the surrounding air temperature falls below the painted-leaf begonia's tolerance, because the Begonia rex species originated in the tropical rain forests of Assam where winter temperatures stay around 60F/16C and a cool, under-heated room in a temperate home can push the soft rhizomatous foliage below its minimum.
Start here:
- 1. Move the Begonia rex 'Escargot' to a warmer room where the minimum temperature is held at 55F/13C or just above through the winter months so cold does not trigger leaf abscission on the spiraled foliage.
- 2. Keep the compost just moist in winter, watering only every 7 to 10 days so cold damp roots do not add to the cold-stress that is causing the Begonia rex 'Escargot' leaves to fall.
Why Begonia Rex Escargot gets leaf drop
begonia rex escargot
Begonia rex 'Escargot' drops its leaves in winter when the surrounding air temperature falls below the painted-leaf begonia's tolerance, because the Begonia rex species originated in the tropical rain forests of Assam where winter temperatures stay around 60F/16C and a cool, under-heated room in a temperate home can push the soft rhizomatous foliage below its minimum.
How to reverse leaf drop on Begonia Rex Escargot
- 1
Move the Begonia rex 'Escargot' to a warmer room where the minimum temperature is held at 55F/13C or just above through the winter months so cold does not trigger leaf abscission on the spiraled foliage.
- 2
Keep the compost just moist in winter, watering only every 7 to 10 days so cold damp roots do not add to the cold-stress that is causing the Begonia rex 'Escargot' leaves to fall.
- 3
Place the plant in bright light but out of direct sun during the recovery period so the remaining Begonia rex 'Escargot' foliage can support the plant until new leaves emerge in spring.
Keep leaf drop off this Begonia Rex Escargot
Maintain a steady winter minimum of 55F/13C around Begonia rex 'Escargot', never let it sit in a cold draught or an unheated room, and keep the compost only just moist rather than wet through the darker months so cold-induced leaf drop does not strip the spiraled foliage.