Golden Trumpet

This looks like our allamanda cathartica - what we call the golden trumpet vine - which grows everywhere here in the north of Australia. It is actually thought of by many as a weed and has become naturalised in many of our rainforest areas up here in the north.

Haha..this 'weed' costs money here in Singapore. I think it was $18 per pot. :)

Woah! You must be kidding! That is incredible - around here people would pay you money so they could get rid of it! It really takes over the garden.

No I'm not kidding :) For a big pot though. But I didn't buy it. It's too expensive. I bought two pots of 'half dead ' begonias at $8 per pot. It was $12 before discount (before it became full of rotten leaves). I won't spend more than $15 per pot of whatever.

Well you got a great bargain on the begonias - if they are the ones in your photos. They are looking great - one of my favourite plants (although I don't have the varieties you have and I haven't seen them in the nurseries up here in North Queensland).

Thanks Bernieh, I think they look lovely now. After pinching the dead leaves and flowers. :) I hope they do well..I have not grown begonia before..was doing some research in the net earlier. Any help is welcome..:p

I have grown mostly the cane-like begonias (which I have now) and the tuberous ones. As a rule of thumb I've found that most begonias appreciate good indirect light so they will do well on the east side of a house, under a shady tree or in a well-lit fernery. In the north of Oz I've found they need to be under shade-cloth with a rating of at least 70%. Begonias like a moist but well-drained rich soil or potting mix - I often add some perlite just to lighten the mix. I find they don't mind a bit of pruning - the cane-like ones cope better with a good hair cut, while the tuberous ones like to have tip pruning (they actually have a dormant period for a while and then you'll see new shoots in spring). They don't need to be watered every day unless it's summer and they don't mind a bit of low strength liquid fertiliser every month or so (I just use the slow release fertiliser). Hope this helps.

Thanks Bernieh. I'll keep your advice in mind. I might water everyday since it's hot in Singapore and very humid s well. cos the plants also looked a little wobbly, I've staked them both so they won't topple over. And have been misting as well. Heard they like moisture. So far so good..for now :p Thanks