Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight indoors.
Water at planting time and again when the soil is dry at a depth of one to two inches.
Transplanting
When transplanting a rooted cutting or nursery start to the garden or a permanent pot, set the crown high in the soil, covering it lightly, rather than burying it to prevent stem rot.
Ground soil should be free from debris and crumbly to a depth of six to eight inches.
The ideal potting soil is a combination of half organic and inorganic matter for an airy mix that is moisture retentive and well-draining.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to promote optimal airflow and inhibit fungal growth.
Pests and Disease
When its cultural requirements are met, Gryphon is unlikely to suffer from pests and disease.
However, with moisture stress and/or overcrowding, it may fall victim to several common sapsucking pests and fungal conditions.
Spider mites spin webs on leaf undersides and leave foliage spotted and yellow.
Mealybugs, thrips, and whiteflies feed on plant juices, excreting sticky “honeydew,” a breeding ground for fungal sooty mold.
Unchecked, the foliage yellows and wilts, and overall growth is stunted.
Treatments for sapsucking pests include spraying them firmly with water and applying neem oil, a naturally derived fungicide, insecticide, and miticide.
Diseases to be aware of include Botrytis gray mold, powdery mildew, and stem rot.
Botrytis presents with brown, water-soaked lesions.
It is challenging to eradicate once underway, but by removing affected foliage and treating the remaining with a copper-based fungicide, you may be able to salvage an affected plant.
Powdery mildew appears as a whitish-gray fuzzy coating. It is easier to treat than Botrytis and requires the removal of affected leaves and treatment with neem oil.
Stem rot occurs when a fungus-like water mold called an oomycete infiltrates plant tissue, rendering it limp and sodden.
The removal of rotten portions may enable gardeners to salvage a plant. However, in oversaturated soil, the mold continues to thrive.
Avoid under- or overwatering and maintain good airflow to help prevent both pests and disease from taking hold.
A Tropical Star
Gryphon begonia adds a silver shimmer to shady landscapes, bringing dim recesses into eye-catching focus.
It also shines as a houseplant, its large, variegated foliage adding an island ambiance to indoor decor.
Whether in-ground or potted, growers should provide fertile, well-draining soil and wait for the top one to two inches of soil to dry before watering.
When its cultural requirements are met, hybrid Begonia ‘Gryphon’ is a tropical star.
Do you grow Gryphon begonias? Please share your tips in the comments section below.
If you found this article informative and want to learn more about begonias, we recommend the following:
Nan Schiller
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