Troubleshooting
Begonia 'Corbeille de Feu' problems — and how to fix them
Begonia 'Corbeille de Feu' (Begonia 'Corbeille de Feu') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Powdery mildew
A common problem for tuberous begonias in still, humid air. Space plants for airflow, avoid wetting foliage, remove affected leaves, and treat with a labelled fungicide.
Tuber rot
A soft, mushy tuber follows overwatering or wet winter storage. Drain baskets well in summer and store dormant tubers cool, dry, and frost-free over winter.
Brittle stem breakage
The succulent stems snap easily in wind or handling. Site baskets in a sheltered spot and handle gently; broken tips can sometimes be rooted as cuttings.
Bud drop in heat
Heat stress or drying out causes buds to fall. Provide afternoon shade in hot spells and keep the rootball evenly moist during peak flowering.
Prevent begonia 'corbeille de feu' problems before they start
Most begonia 'corbeille de feu' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for the species overview? Begonia — the full care guide.
Begonia 'Corbeille de Feu' problems — FAQ
Why is my begonia 'corbeille de feu' powdery mildew?
A common problem for tuberous begonias in still, humid air. Space plants for airflow, avoid wetting foliage, remove affected leaves, and treat with a labelled fungicide.
Why is my begonia 'corbeille de feu' tuber rot?
A soft, mushy tuber follows overwatering or wet winter storage. Drain baskets well in summer and store dormant tubers cool, dry, and frost-free over winter.
Why is my begonia 'corbeille de feu' brittle stem breakage?
The succulent stems snap easily in wind or handling. Site baskets in a sheltered spot and handle gently; broken tips can sometimes be rooted as cuttings.
Why is my begonia 'corbeille de feu' bud drop in heat?
Heat stress or drying out causes buds to fall. Provide afternoon shade in hot spells and keep the rootball evenly moist during peak flowering.