Begonia foliosa aka Fuchsia Begonia

Taxonomy

Begonia foliosa is a beautiful species of flowering plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Colombia and Venezuela. This shrublike begonia can grow up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) and has succulent, pendent stems that are 45 centimetres (18 in) long, thickly clothed with glossy oval green leaves. It also produces panicles of small white flowers, and the variety commonly cultivated is B. foliosa var. miniata with pink or red flowers. The plant thrives in bright, dappled sunlight and enjoys being watered regularly, with soil that drains well and has good aeration. As a tropical species, it loves a humid terrarium and is a wonderful houseplant choice for a wide variety of reasons. However, it does not tolerate temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) and requires winter protection in temperate regions. The variety B. foliosa var. miniata has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. There are over 2,000 species of Begonia, and horticulturalists have created even more varieties by cultivating all sorts of shapes and colors. They are native to tropical regions around the world, but are now found in homes in cold climates as well. Their taxonomy is far more complex than other plants, with species belonging to different cultivar groups. It's important to note that they contain oxalic acid, so be sure to keep them out of reach in homes with pets or children!

Common names

Fuchsia Begonia, Fern Begonia, Fern Leaved Begonia

How to care for Fuchsia Begonia

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Fuchsia Begonia is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Fuchsia Begonia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Fuchsia 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 Fuchsia Begonia prefers bright indirect 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 Fuchsia Begonia lacks a typical dormancy pattern. If there is a marked reduction in growth, ensure that the plant is receiving enough sunlight and water to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Fuchsia Begonia does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Fuchsia Begonia should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Fuchsia Begonia’s native range is Tropics and Subtropics worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia