Begoniaceae - Botanical Family

Begonia maculata, commonly known as Polka Dot Begonia or Spotted Begonia, is an evergreen cane-type begonia in the Begoniaceae family native to southeastern Brazil. It develops upright, bamboo-like stems and striking elongated, asymmetrical leaves, deep olive green above with conspicuous silvery-white spots and rich reddish-purple undersides. In favorable conditions, plants may reach 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, although pruning readily keeps them compact and encourages branching. Clusters of delicate white to pale pink flowers hang from the stems, providing an attractive contrast to the dramatic foliage.

Begonia maculata grows best in bright filtered light or partial shade and a loose, well-drained potting mix that remains moderately moist but never waterlogged. It appreciates warm temperatures and relatively high humidity but also needs good air circulation. Pinching or pruning tall stems encourages a fuller plant, and stem cuttings root readily for propagation. Hardy in USDA Zones 10-12, it can be grown outdoors in frost-free tropical and subtropical climates but is most familiar as a container and houseplant elsewhere.

Keep the soil moist. Needs humidity to thrive.

It is a perennial exquisitely beautiful with deep green foliage, silver spots and hair-like gray margins. It is usually grown as groundcover in USDA Zones 9-11, but can be used in colder climates as well. In other parts of the country, winter care is essential. If you grow this begonia in pot in cold regions, you should bring it indoors during the cold months. This begonia can reach up to 2-5 feet tall and cover up to 2 feet. The flowers of this begonia are white and yellow. Even though it blooms all year long, it tends to have the heaviest bloom in early spring or late winter.

This plant does well when planted in semi-shade to filtred light. It doesn't tolerate strong sunlight or too much moisture from rain. Therefore, you need to water regularly and make sure that the soil never dries out completely, especially during the heat of the summer. Begonia nigritarum is an attractive ornamental plant that stands out due to it unique foliage. It prefers soil with an acidic PH level and maintains an attractive shape in all seasons. The soil should be kept slightly moist but it can survive short dry spells. During the winter, you may need to protect the plant with a thick layer of mulch.

This begonia is easy to maintain and care. Cut off any wilted or dead foliage and stems, and remove any excess soil around the roots. Pruning is not necessary, but you can do so to maintain the shape of the plant. Fertilizer is also not required but if you want to encourage blooming, use an organic fertilizer during the spring and summer.

Begonia nigritarum is a hardy plant that is easy to maintain and provides beautiful foliage and year-long blooms. It does best in USDA zone 9-11, but can also be grown in colder climates with proper winter care. It prefers partial shade, regular watering and slightly acidic soil. With the proper care, you can enjoy the beauty and foliage of this begonia for years to come.

An elegant tropical perennial, sweet begonia is has glossy, succulent leaves and graceful pendulous white flowers that offer a faint pleasant fragrance.

It has a mounding yet rambling habit and is one of the few begonias that can tolerate full sunlight. Plant in mass plantings to brighten up a shady area or include it in a mixed border or collection of shade plants.

Begonia Rex - cultorum Group, also known as Painted Leaf Begonia, is a stunning genus of rhizomatous cultivars grown for their multicolored foliage. These flowers originate from the Himalayan Begonia rex and some related Asian species. It forms a small, yet beautiful shrub, reaching 2-5ft (60-150cm) in height.

This species of Begonia prefers partial shade or semi-shade, and needs regular watering during active growth. It is recommended to plant Begonia Rex in a pot with drainage holes in cold regions, rather than in a garden.

The foliage of Begonia C. Rex is particularly eye-catching, having silvery, pearly hues and a leathery texture. Its colors range from off-white and pink to bronze and purple and create a stunning addition to any type of garden. For optimal growth and appearance, Begonia Rex requires a well-draining soil mix, as well as watering and light fertilizing with balanced liquid fertilizer.

This attractive Begonia can thrive in USDA Zones 9-11 as long as it is planted in a suitable soil mix in a semi-shaded spot. In order to prevent it from drying out, it is recommended to provide mulching with organic material such as aged bark or composted leaves. When it comes to maintenance, it is possible to keep it in a good shape with careful pruning; however, be careful not to over-prune in winter months as Begonia C. Rex is very prone to root rot.

With correct maintenance and pruning, Begonia Rex cultorum Group will reward you with its lush foliage and divine beauty.

The dwarf, shrubby begonias of this group are often grown as bedding annuals, or for borders in shaded garedns, and are also popular as potted plants for window boxes or patio tubs. Freely branching plants with soft, succulent stems, they have rounded, glossy green (bronze or variegated in some cultivars) leaves about 5 cm long.

Begonia soli-mutata is a lovely little plant, about 20cm high, with interesting, puckered leaves and covered in red or golden hairs. The leaves can change color, depending on the light intensity. In good light the leaves turn light green and in darker conditions they turn dark green.

Begonias have long been popular greenhouse plants in temperate countries and are also used in some gardens, especially those with slightly cooler temperatures. Many hybrids have been developed, some grown primarily for their ornamental foliage, others for their attractive flowers. Among the latter group, which come mostly from tropical American species, are B. x semperflorens, which has small pink or white flowers, both double and single, and B. popenoei, on which the panicles of white flowers rise upright above the leaves. Among the foliage Begonias, B. rex is one of the best known, along with B. x erythrophylla, which has dark green leaves that are purple and red underneath, and B. heracleifolia, with striking green-and-bronze star-shaped leaves. All Begonias prefer moist but well-drained soil and shady conditions, though some will grow in filtered shade. Propagation is by stem or root cuttings or by division of rhizomes. Begonia escargot: Large whorled leaves in chocolate, champagne, silver and pewter tones. Needs high humidity and very even temperatures so that a large terrarium would make the perfect home.

Thick-Stemmed Begonias are a unique group of begonias known for their thick, upright stems that often become woody over time. These plants are prized for their architectural structure, making them a striking addition to any indoor or outdoor garden. They are unusual and are grown mainly by the collector. They have been much used to produce interesting and beautiful hybrids.

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as thick stems can be prone to rot.

They thrive in moderate to high humidity but can adapt to average indoor conditions.

Thick-Stem Hybrid Begonia 'Gryphon' features striking silver-green marbled foliage with deep burgundy undersides and produces rare, bright green flowers that add an unexpected pop of color.