Preparing Begonia ‘Joyful Blaze’

1

This Rex-type begonia is potbound and will dry rapidly when the heating comes on. There is time for it to settle into new compost. First, remove unwanted flower buds and the tattiest leaves.

2

Inspect the potting compost. If it seems heavy with small particles, mix in a little bit of perlite or coarse vermiculite to ‘open it up’ and create air spaces for new roots to grow.

3

Choosing a pot slightly larger than the original, pop some compost in the base, sit the plant centrally at the right depth and fill in around the rootball, firming gently.

4

Water in using a fine rose (sprinkler) on the can. Place the pot inside a sleeve and put it back in the house, in medium light, ready to tackle winter.