Question
I bought a little tiny plant at a village fete for 50p last year and I'm really fond of it but I don't have a CLUE what it is and I don't seen to be able to get the light conditions right for it. The leaves keep going yellow or brown, in or out of direct sunlight. I will email an image to the emal address provided. Please help! I want to care for it properly. (I live in central London with a bunch of people who can just about distinguish between a willow tree and a palm tree!).

Thank you for your kind attention, AMIE x

Answer
Amie,



With the help of a friend I have identified your plant. It is a begonia incana. You can get more info about it at the following website:

http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_7efd-2.html



It likes bright light but very little sun. A large north window is good or an east window. It is native to Mexico and it does not like too much water. You need to allow it to dry out well between watrings. Almost treat it like a succulent plant but little sun.


It will naturally get some brown leaves as it grows new ones. If you carefully remove it from the pot to look at it's roots and all you see is roots and little or no soil you may want to consider repotting it. If so do it before July 15th and only move it to a 6 inch pot.  You should never move any plant more than 2 inches larger diameter than the old pot. Good luck with your plant!



Darlene