Begonia Maculata: it was $.99 , I couldnt resist at the least ATTEMPTING a rescue!. Can it even be saved!??

[CarolineAnn]

At Walmart - of all places…NOT a place I normally grab plants! But this one (apparently mislabeled: was supposed to be sale for $9.50 , originally $18.99- and I would not have spent that!) only $.99!!! I wish I had a picture of the day I got it (2 days ago), Because Believe it or not, it was worse!! It was covered in white mildew and the leaves were crunchy & it was completely bone dry… with a little water (from the bottom) and I sprayed with a mix of 1/4 cup Castile soaps , 2/3 cup alcohol and 1/2 Tbsp hydrogen peroxide diluted in a gal of water sprayer… I will need to treat again &/or maybe with a stronger fungicide (I have copper based & chlotothalonil) ?? I want to note there is 1 lone leaf that is pristine(-ish)… should I cut all but that 1 leaf??? So what’s the verdict…Is this a battle I can win??? Or should I not even waste my time & energy?? It’s such a beautiful species or Begonia, I hate to see it like this! the leaves do have some life in them [now] & the brown parts are still crunchy… which I suppose is better than it being mushy….
**Don’t worry I do keep this plant FAR away from all my other plants and wash my hands after contact. I only brought it inside to take pictures …

 

[Marck]

Give it good care and it should recover very well. It wants bright indirect light, regular water, partly dry before watering again, good drainage, and occasional application of a complete fertilizer. It can be grown as a house plant, but it will also do well outdoors in coastal, low-elevation southern California.