Question
I'm wondering what this plant is -  

I've sent you 2 photos wwwdave1.jpg and wwwdave2.jpg

The plant is easily 12 years old.  

It lingered quietly for many years and then when I took over care from my late wife, 7 years ago, it has taken off and responded to weekly watering - and grown quite long.

What is it, and how does one care for it - especially the hanging part?

It blooms annually - and I've photos if you want.

Thank you in advance.


Answer
Hi Dave,

Thanks for te photos. Your plant is a begonia. Unfortunately, there are so many species and hybrid varieties of Begonia that it is impossible for me to tell just which one you have. A botanist would have to examine the flowers to tell for sure just which species it is. As an alternative, do a Google Images search to find hundreds of Begonia photos and you may come across one that looks like yours.

The care that you have provided is obviously appropriate. I suggest that you not change anything that you have been doing. That includes location and pot size, as well as watering.

The only suggestion I have is an aesthetic one. You might consider trimming some of the longest stems off all the way back to within a couple of inches of the soil. This will trigger new growth on those cut stems in the center of the plant and give you a more compact-looking Begonia.

Congratulations and keep up the good work!

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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