Begonia listada aka Striped Begonia
Taxonomy
Begonia listada is a species of flowering plant in the Begoniaceae family, native to Brazil. Highly prized for its compact growth, it can get up to 0.5 metres (20 in) tall, and features succulent, velvet green leaves with a bright, prominent lighter green rib and a rich mahogany colored underside. These begonias intermittently produce small pink-tinted white flowers, making them a unique and vibrant addition to any home. As they are sensitive to temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F), Begonias listada must be grown under glass in colder climates. With over 2,000 species of Begonia, and many more cultivars, this plant has been known to captivate gardeners, and has even received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit—but beware, as Begonias contain oxalic acid and must be kept out of reach of small children and pets.
Common names
Striped BegoniaHow to care for Striped Begonia
Difficulty
Striped Begonia presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Striped Begonia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Striped 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 Striped 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 Striped Begonia does not exhibit a standard dormancy pattern. If a substantial slow-down in growth is noticed, double-check that the plant is getting sufficient sunlight and water for optimal growth.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Humidity
No additional humidity is required for the Striped Begonia. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Striped Begonia is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Striped Begonia’s native range is Tropics and Subtropics worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Begonia Genus
Begonia solananthera
Begonia rex Painted Leaf Begonia
Begonia picta Painted Leaf Begonia
Begonia luxurians Palm Leaved Begonia
Begonia rex-cultorum Beefsteak Geranium
Begonia popenoei White Begonia
Begonia peltata
Begonia gracilis
