Troubleshooting
Begonia 'Illumination Salmon' problems — and how to fix them
Begonia 'Illumination Salmon' (Begonia × tuberhybrida 'Illumination Salmon') 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.
Tuber rot
Soft, rotting tubers from waterlogged baskets. Use free-draining compost, water at the base, and never let the basket sit in standing water.
Powdery mildew
White powdery patches in humid, crowded baskets. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves.
Wind and basket drying
Exposed baskets dry out and snap trailing stems. Shelter from strong wind and check moisture more often in hot, breezy weather.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Grey mould on faded flowers in damp, cool conditions. Deadhead regularly and improve ventilation around the basket.
Prevent begonia 'illumination salmon' problems before they start
Most begonia 'illumination salmon' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for the species overview? Begonia — the full care guide.
Begonia 'Illumination Salmon' problems — FAQ
Why is my begonia 'illumination salmon' tuber rot?
Soft, rotting tubers from waterlogged baskets. Use free-draining compost, water at the base, and never let the basket sit in standing water.
Why is my begonia 'illumination salmon' powdery mildew?
White powdery patches in humid, crowded baskets. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves.
Why is my begonia 'illumination salmon' wind and basket drying?
Exposed baskets dry out and snap trailing stems. Shelter from strong wind and check moisture more often in hot, breezy weather.
Why is my begonia 'illumination salmon' botrytis (grey mould)?
Grey mould on faded flowers in damp, cool conditions. Deadhead regularly and improve ventilation around the basket.