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What conditions do you use for Rex Begonias in a greenhouse?

brianbaileytn26

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I have recently got the "Rex fever". I ordered a couple to start from Logees but I have since ordered more and now have about 15 different varieties. I tried growing them in the house at first but discovered that they needed more humidity. After months of research I finally built a 6X8 harbor freight greenhouse. I am trying to grow them in there and so far so good. I am wondering what are some good tips from the seasoned Rex growers about the dos and donts of growing these precious babies in the greenhouse.

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hc mcdole

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I had a magnolia over my green house that provided some shade in summer but it still got VERY HOT in summer - hence the reason for moving plants outdoors once danger of frost passed. I used a large rotating fan in there as well as the roof vents. Cacti and succulents loved it though...

The problem with greenhouses is they are too small in no time. I bought a 14x18 and in less than 3 years it was full to the breaking point.

This wall was nearest the magnolia so a bit more shady.

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Comments (7)

hc mcdole
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I read from FL growers that they cannot grow them there because they need a big swing in night temps. Yet Harmony Foliage grows there close to Orlando to great success (some say the swamp coolers makes a difference). Anyway it can be very hot there, very humid and lots of bright light.

Here is an example of one of their rexes.

A sport of Pink Diamonds

Indian Summer

And one of their growing benches of rexes.
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brianbaileytn26
Original Author
8 years ago
I would die if I could get my Rexes to grow that big. I'm afraid my greenhouse will get too hot. So you are saying the warmer days and cooler nights help?
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hc mcdole
8 years ago
Yes, that is what the growers in FL say. Maybe that is why they don't grow them but I do... They say a 20 degree difference is needed. I wonder how "scientifically" this has been proven?
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Russ1023 (central Fla)
8 years ago
Where are you?? If you're in a northern state, you might be able to get by with a greenhouse with fans and shadecloth. There are devices that don't need electricity that will open a roof vent when a certain temp is reached inside.

Greenhouses can be tricky though, things can fry in a very short time if the heat isn't well managed. A closed greenhouse can get way too hot in Florida on a cold winter day if the sun is bright.

Russ
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hc mcdole
8 years ago
Russ,

Not sure who you are asking but I am in the Atlanta area. I don't have a greenhouse since I moved - just use my basement for winter care - run 86 or a few more shop lights and could use a lot more for optimum growth.

My old greenhouse did have its issues as you mentioned - had roof vents but only two out of four worked. In summer I moved everything outdoors except cactus and succulents as they basked in the heat and drier conditions.

The greenhouses I showed above are commercial grade and I guess they have the roof painted with something to lessen the UV rays or maybe some kind of shade cloth? Never gave it much thought since it is bright and very HUMID!

They grew a lot of plants in hanging baskets to grow more on the benches below.

One of the prop rooms showing fan at the end. The only time my wife accompanied me to a begonia buying trip for our local branch's annual sale.

The mother plants grow to enormous sizes due to the bright light of Orlando.

A mother plant of Judy Cook that I bought filled half my back seat in my truck.

A plant for sale
more plants for sale - biggest size they grow - 8 inches.

A row of commercial greenhouses before we go into the sauna...
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brianbaileytn26
Original Author
8 years ago
I live in Knoxville, Tennessee. The sun is very hot so I know I need a little bit more shade. I built the greenhouse near a tall tree that provides a fair amount of afternoon shade. The direct sun that my plants do get is in the morning. Would it maybe be a good idea to shade it some more then provide some fluorescent lights? I have two small high velocity fans and two roof vents. It is a harbor freight 6x8 so nothing fancy. I do need to invest in a thermometer to check my temperature throughout the day.
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Anyone know what angel wing this is?

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