Origin and Natural Habitat
Begonia is native to China.
Plant Characteristics
This special form of Begonia sports silver variegation on most of its leaves.
Care Guide
Light
This species prefers bright, indirect light if kept indoors. It will also grow well under 80% shade cloth if grown in an outdoor greenhouse. Do not expose this plant to direct sunlight.
Soil
Begonia need a gritty and well draining but organic soil medium. Use coco peat as a base medium, and add plenty of milled bark, perlite, or pumice to assist drainage.
Water
In cultivation, Begonia can be watered throughout the year. This plant should receive a thorough soaking of water every 7 days, but only if the soil is mostly dry. Reduce watering somewhat in mid-winter. Do not let the soil stay wet.
Pot size
This species has fine roots and can be planted in a relatively small pots. However, do not let your Begonia become root bound. It will grow comfortably in a 10cm pot.
Temperature
This species’ ideal temperature ranges between 15 – 25°C. It is very sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Begonia enjoys humidity and will grow better if provided with high levels of humidity. However, make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow to prevent mold or mildew.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Begonia grows actively in spring and summer, but their growth slows down in winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from September until March.
Propagation
Begonia are best propagated from stem cuttings.
Stem propagation: Using a sharp, sterile knife, cut one of the stems of the Monstera from the main stem, leaving at least one node on the cut portion. Place directly into clean water and keep in indirect light. The node must be submerged under the water. Change the water every 3 days. Once roots start to form, transfer the cutting into fresh, moist soil medium. Keep moist until roots have fully formed. Make sure that the node is covered by soil to allow more roots to form.
