Begonia carolineifolia aka Palmate Begonia
Taxonomy
Begonia carolineifolia, also known as the palm leaf begonia, palmate begonia, or hand begonia, is a flowering plant native to central and southern Mexico and northern Central America. This evergreen perennial grows up to 1m tall and has an erect, branched, woody rhizome. Its palmate leaves are dark green and divided into 6-10 lance-shaped leaflets. During late winter and spring, it produces pale pink flowers in rounded clusters, each measuring about 1cm across. This begonia variety has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Begonias, in general, encompass a vast range of species, with over 2,000 known types. Through horticultural efforts, even more varieties have been created, showcasing a diverse array of shapes and colors. Originally hailing from tropical regions worldwide, begonias have now found their way into homes in colder climates. However, their taxonomy is notably intricate, as different species belong to various cultivar groups. It's important to note that begonias contain oxalic acid, making it necessary to keep them out of reach in households with pets or children.
Common names
Palmate BegoniaHow to care for Palmate Begonia
Water
Palmate Begonia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Palmate Begonia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Palmate Begonia prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
The Palmate Begonia does not follow a standard dormancy pattern. If you observe a significant decrease in its growth rate, make sure that it is receiving an adequate amount of sunlight and water to flourish.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Humidity
The Palmate Begonia does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.
Fertilizer
The Palmate Begonia should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Palmate Begonia’s native range is Tropics and Subtropics worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Begonia Genus
Begonia dregei Mapleleaf Begonia
Begonia rex Painted Leaf Begonia
Begonia venosa
Begonia cucullata Wax Begonia
Begonia popenoei White Begonia
Begonia grandis Hardy Begonia
Begonia coccinea Angel Wing Begonia
Begonia luxurians Palm Leaved Begonia
Begonia solananthera
