I have had this happen sometimes due to overexposure to light. Also the older leaves seem to fade some. Not sure if either sounds like your problem.

Kim

Thanks - is there hope for it? I think you are right - it did get a little too much sun until I moved it back a bit, in bright light only with no sun. Should I cut off the older, pale leaves and hope for the best?

Randi

Randi,

Older leaves usually shrivel up and die anyway. I would cut it if it bothers you or it looks like it may have diseases on it. This may encourage the plant to put out new leaves.

Rhizomes should go for years. You may want to start new plants as time goes by to insure you keep the line going.

If the rhizomes are drying up then I would put what is left in a terrarium environment and provide lots of light (fluorescent lights is usually very good). 24 hours a day of artificial light won't hurt to revive it as well. I have saved many begonias this way. The new leaves in this environment will usually get a lot larger and may turn dark green. Later on when the days are longer and warmer you should be able to return it to normal conditions.

Butch

My 'Tiger Kitten' did much better when I took it out of the window and put it on my stand under lights.
Good luck,
Linda

I just picked up something called "Mini Tiger Kitten" at the Philadelphia Flower show. I've had it in a terrarium environment, away from my other plants, to make sure that it wasn't carrying whitefly or some other horror. How long should I wait before putting it with the other plants under the growlights?

Thanks,

Rh