I live in Chicago and I know summer time here can get very humid so I’m just wondering if I need a humidifier in order for my Begonias and Alocasias to survive.
by Sagiterrorist1989
I live in Chicago and I know summer time here can get very humid so I’m just wondering if I need a humidifier in order for my Begonias and Alocasias to survive.
by Sagiterrorist1989
11 Comments
For some, yes, others no. I have the same one as in your photo, and I had to put a humidity dome over it just while it recovered from shipping. Supposedly it does fine in regular house humidity. Even some begonias of the same breed can either be picky with humidity, or do fine in regular humidity.
I do have a Begonia fireworks as well. I feel like Begonias like the fireworks and every things else that has that type of stem may need the humidity. This pink one is more of a cane.
I live in a similar climate (Wisconsin) and don’t use a humidifier. I have a maculata, cracklin Rosie, snowcapped, and darthvaderina and they’ve been totally fine.
https://preview.redd.it/xzzl2l7xjezg1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4bc46b9da923121fc49e71996ec3c590f1fa0537
I have a begonia maculata in northern Colorado where humidity is very low. It had a bit of transplant shock after I moved it to soil, but is finally doing well. It’s putting out nice big new leaves and has new basal shoots, as well. You’d be surprised how tolerant they can be once adjusted.
ETA: I do keep my Rex begonias in containers covered in plastic wrap. They seem to be a bit more sensitive and that way I don’t have to worry about watering as often either.
Too much humidity is a one way ticket to powdery mildew taking out you whole collection. Ask me how I know 😭
Plants are unpredictable, I have two begonias growing outside in my yard and I live in Phoenix so there’s not a lick of humidity.
is this a Brevisimosa? the colors are so beautiful. i have one but they’re not black
Most species do require it yes. I have mine in bins. The brevirimosa will appreciate it especially if you want it to grow fast.
There are tons of Begonias that will survive just fine in a normal home environment.
Then again there are tons that will melt the second you pull them from the warmth and humidity of a terrarium.
It all depends on what you want to play with.
They’re do great on a porch in the summer, I keep them in a cabinet in the winter for better humidity.
i have my brevimosa at ambient humidity (about 40%) and it’s doing great!