Hello all!
I have a pretty simple question here. I've fallen in love with the look of begonias. Although they are absolutely stunning to me, I have read that they do not tolerate standing water on their leaves. In my enclosure, I perform frequent mistings, and will eventually be purchasing a mistking. I accepted that this plant would not survive due to the standing water; however, I just can't shake the thought of how lovely they'd look in my enclosure.
Has anyone had any positive experience with this particular plant, while also misting frequently?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
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I keep several different species of begonia in a few tanks. They like high humidity, but a very good, well draining substrate. They can rot very easily. As far as standing water on leaves, I have found it depends on the species. My B. 'Tarapoto' does not like having standing water on it's leaves, but my B. 'Buttercup' has absolutely no problems with being wet all the time.
Which species are you planning in keeping?
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First off, I'd like to say how awesome it is that you are so active and helpful on this forum. I'm pretty sure you've responded to every thread I've posted, and it's been of great help!
I really love "Little Darling" and "Plum Paisly" (I don't know their scientific names).
Also, I'm not sure how well draining my enclosure is. Perhaps, you cans give me some advice on that as well. I have a big expanding foam island--which has two very large holes in it, about 6 inches deep, and 10 inches wide (a very rough estimate by the way). So they're pretty similar to large pots. I've purchased something very similar to hydro balls. Will that alone be well draining enough?
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Helping is not a biggie. I like to help. And since I'm the build/plant guy, this is my domain lol. Don't worry, after you get your frogs, you'll get to deal with someone else lol
I don't keep either of those cultivars, but begonias, for the most part, have the same requirements. As far as drainage, I really need to see a pic of the tank to give a true assessment. But if I am reading right, and island (I assume you are planning water around it) sealed to keep water out, will also keep water in, which means you need a way to remove the water from those to pots because with misting, they will eventually fill up. The plant can only absorb so much water through it's roots. And begonias do not like to have their roots soaking wet.
Lighting will also be a consideration. Begonias like a lot of light to go with their humidity. For them to thrive at their best, a t5ho or led light should be used. They will grow with a cfl or lower rated florescent, they will just be a little scraggly.
That should get ya thinking now
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Here's a couple pictures!
Here's the overall layout, I still need to add plants/moss, as well as rocks in the water area. In the top left hand corner I will have a waterfall.
And here is an aerial view of the island. Keep in mind, the pot-like holes are larger than they appear.
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It looks like it will work for begonia species. But I would be concerned about where the waterfall is going to run to. Water never goes where you plan unless you give it a man made channel. Have you filled and tested it yet to make sure no water gets in those pots?
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
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I have! It works out just fine, though I did run into a problem. Apparently, I hadn't sealed off the island quite enough, so I added an additional layer of silicone, paying very close attention to the remaining holes.
I am now just waiting for the odor to go away. It's almost gone, but still has traces of the smell. I don't want to add water/plants/frogs until the smell is TOTALLY gone. My family thinks a slight smell is no big deal, but I'm not comfortable with it.
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Tenny that looks great!
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Looks like you are all set. I would not worry about slight odor. It will pass.
And I am in agreement with paul, it does look great!! Nice job!!
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
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0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
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1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
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That does look wonderful, Teeny! I would not put anything in there, water, plants or frogs, until the smell is gone either. I agree with Bill though, begonias do not like to be waterlogged and it may be hard to keep them properly drained in the "pots." You will have to make sure you take them out often and check to make sure there is no standing water in the drainage layer.
When I managed a garden center, my biggest frustration was getting employees to stop overwatering the begonias! I would dump them over and show them the rotten roots and a week later they'd be over-watered and sitting in a bog again.
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Wow, thanks so much guys! I've worked really hard on this, and I'm enjoying the process! I just hope it works out!
So do you think it would be fine to add plants/frogs/water with a slight odor then?
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Noted, Lilypad! I suppose I should just stay away from the Begonia family then. Can you guys recommend a colorful or flowering plant that would not be at risk for root rot?
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I would start with water only. To help flush things out. Run it with only water for a few days, then drain and check for odor. If none, refill and plant. You really should let the plants acclimate before adding animals. I wait a minimum of a month. That's normally the amount of time my frogs are in quarantine anyway, so the timing works out well. It also gives you time to tweak the tank without disturbing the animals.
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
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Thank you! I'll begin running the water. Will adding water disrupt the curing process though? I assume the silicone is still curing if the odor is still there
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How long has it been since you put the last silicone layer on?
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No. As long as a skin has formed on the silicone (which it would have had to by now), water won't affect it.
There are some different begonias you can put in there. There are some rhizomatic begonias, like B. burkilli, that will climb. See?
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
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0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
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I'm not too sure, but AT LEAST three weeks...probably more. I've kept it outside to get better ventilation, and it seems to help, but there is still a slight smell.
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That's really pretty, Bill! And idea on some flowering plants?
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Oooo I love that climbing begonia!
2.0.3 Hyla versicolor "Eastern Gray Tree Frogs"
2.2.0 Agalychnis callidryas "Red Eyed Tree Frogs"
0.0.3 Dendrobates auratus "Turquoise and Bronze"
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0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
0.2.0 Canines
1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
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