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Troubleshooting

Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'Dragon Wing Red' problems — and how to fix them

Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'Dragon Wing Red' (Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'Dragon Wing Red') 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

White dusty patches on leaves in crowded, damp, low-airflow conditions. Improve spacing and ventilation, avoid overhead evening watering, and remove affected leaves.

Root rot

Soggy soil from overwatering or poor drainage causes mushy stems and wilting. Use a free-draining mix and let the surface dry between waterings.

Leaf scorch

Sudden exposure to harsh midday sun bleaches or browns leaves. Acclimatise gradually and provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

Botrytis (grey mould)

Fuzzy grey mould on spent flowers and leaves in cool, wet, stagnant air. Remove debris promptly and increase airflow.

Prevent begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'dragon wing red' problems before they start

Most begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'dragon wing red' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:

Looking for the species overview? Begonia — the full care guide.

Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'Dragon Wing Red' problems — FAQ

Why is my begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'dragon wing red' powdery mildew?

White dusty patches on leaves in crowded, damp, low-airflow conditions. Improve spacing and ventilation, avoid overhead evening watering, and remove affected leaves.

Why is my begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'dragon wing red' root rot?

Soggy soil from overwatering or poor drainage causes mushy stems and wilting. Use a free-draining mix and let the surface dry between waterings.

Why is my begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'dragon wing red' leaf scorch?

Sudden exposure to harsh midday sun bleaches or browns leaves. Acclimatise gradually and provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

Why is my begonia × semperflorens-cultorum 'dragon wing red' botrytis (grey mould)?

Fuzzy grey mould on spent flowers and leaves in cool, wet, stagnant air. Remove debris promptly and increase airflow.