Begonia serratipetala aka Pink Spot Begonia

Begonia serratipetala comes from New Guinea. It is an evergreen perennial: it lives for years and keeps its leaves. It belongs to the begonia family, Begoniaceae. Its home range has a wet tropical climate. Gardeners grow this small bush for its patterned leaves and flowers. It suits pots indoors, greenhouses, and conservatories. The RHS also lists it for patio pots. In Britain, grow it outdoors only in warm summer weather.

This plant forms a leafy bush, not a tall plant. The RHS gives a height of about 1.5 feet [0.45 metres]. Its listed top height and spread reach 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. It takes two to five years to reach full size. The long, oval leaves have deep teeth along their edges. They are dark green, with red tones and raised pink spots. The plant keeps its leaves all year. Small groups of rose-pink flowers may bloom in any season.

Give it bright light, but shade it from hot sun. The RHS lists sites that face south or west, with shelter. Use a light potting mix that lets excess water drain. A loam-based mix suits it, with an acid or neutral pH. Give modest amounts of water while it grows. Do not let the roots stay waterlogged. The supplied guide allows soil that ranges from dry to moist. This does not mean it needs to stay wet. In winter, keep it above 63°F [17°C]. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H1B. This does not mean it can stay outdoors through winter.

Its small size suits pots that keep its leaves in view. This frost-tender plant can also grow in a greenhouse or conservatory. Pinch out shoot tips twice in the growing season. This helps keep the plant small and well branched. Grow new plants from seed or softwood stem cuttings. Leaf cuttings work too. These methods give several ways to add to a plant collection.

Watch for caterpillars, mealybugs, and mites. Thrips, vine weevils, and aphids may also attack it. Grey mould, powdery mildew, and stem rot can occur too. Letting excess water drain remains a key part of its care. The RHS warns that this plant can harm people and pets. Do not treat it as food. Wear gloves and other safety gear when you handle it.