Panda Begonia

Watering your Panda Begonia once every 5-7 days should be fine during the summer months when it is actively growing. During the cold winter months, water less often as the plant will be dormant. Only water when the soil has dried out about an inch deep. Try to avoid getting the leaves wet as this may cause brown spots or fungal disease. Always feel the soil and water the Begonia when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Panda Begonia plants are low-medium light plants. This means indirect to bright filtered light is perfect. Avoid direct sunlight for more than a few hours as this will damage the leaves, and turn them brown. The amount of available light will largely factor in when it comes to setting up the right watering schedule.

The Panda Begonia is very easy to keep happy temperature-wise. It is expected to be kept between 65°F - 80°F (18°C - 26°C). Major changes in temperature can cause the plant to go into shock.

Even though Panda Begonia prefers humidity of 80-90%, they can easily adapt to the normal indoor humidity levels, which are usually around 40-60%. If you live in a particularly dry climate, or if your home is air-conditioned, it would be beneficial to give your Begonia a boost of humidity. You can do this by misting it with a misting bottle or running a humidifier near to it.

Panda Begonia plants should be grown in an organically rich, moist but well-draining potting soil. This plant likes soils that are acidic and slightly damp. If you have potting soil that is a bit too dense, try mixing in some perlite, peat moss, or coarse sand to help improve the drainage.

Fertilize your Panda Begonia with a general-purpose fertilizer that has balanced levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. During spring and summer months, feed the plant every 10-14 days. During the winter months, fertilize less often, about every 3-4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to tip burn. If you are unsure about the strength of the fertilizer, ask the manufacturer or your local gardening center for advice.

Panda Begonias are fairly resistant to common houseplant pest issues. However, if left in the same environment for too long, they can still be susceptible to common pests like aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whiteflies. The best way to ensure this does not happen is to inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests. If you spot any, treat the plant with a horticultural soap solution. Make sure to spray both sides of the leaves and also the stems of the plant. Repeat this process 2-3 times, on consecutive days for good measure.

Your Panda Begonia should be repotted every 2-3 years depending on the size. Repotting should take place in the spring season or autumn as they are best times. When repotting, use a well-draining soil mix and pot your Begonia into a pot a size larger than the previous one. Put a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the pot before adding soil to ensure proper drainage.

Pruning your Panda Begonia should be done to control its size and shape as it grows. If you want to encourage bushy and fuller growth, prune it back a few times throughout the summer. Additionally, pruning can help to remove damaged or dead foliage. Wait until the end of the growing season (late summer or early autumn) for major pruning back.

Mulching your Panda Begonia is a great way to keep moisture in the soil. It helps prevent the soil from becoming too dry or waterlogged by trapping moisture. Use an organic mulch, like bark or cocoa hulls for best results.

Panda Begonias are easily propagated using stem cuttings. The best time to take a cutting is between spring and autumn. Remove a 4-inch stem with two or three sets of leaves, remove the bottom leaves, dip the cut end into rooting hormone then place in slightly moist potting soil. Wait for the cutting to produce new growth before watering.

As Panda Begonias grow they may need extra support to keep their stems from wilting and drooping. Try inserting a bamboo support or stake in the pot near the base of the stem to provide extra support.

Panda Begonias require very little rest. In the winter, reduce waterings and stop fertilizer. Try staging the Begonia in a spot with lower light levels and cooler temperatures..

The Panda Begonia is considered non-toxic to humans and animals. It is, however, rated as a mildly toxic plant to cats and dogs according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). If ingested, it may cause some stomach irritation or vomiting.