Mapleleaf Begonia Begonia cleopatrae
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- be-GON-yuh clay-OH-pah-tra
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Mapleleaf begonia is a member of the Begoniaceae (begonia) family native to the Philippines. Begoniaceae is a large, flowering plant family, the name of which honors Michael Begon (1638-1710), Governor of French Canada, and includes about 1500 different species and hundreds of hybrids. Mature begonia plants range in size from a few inches high to over 12 inches high, and the flowers, foliage colors, and sizes are very diverse.
Mapleleaf begonia has a creeping growth habit resulting in a bushy plant of attractive thick red leaves with a pale green mark markings. Mapleleaf begonia is a low-maintenance plant with a medium growth rate and may reach a mature size of up to 2 feet by 2 feet.
Mapleleaf begonia can be grown successfully in partial shade and accepts soil composed of some clay, loam, or silt but requires good drainage. It can survive occasionally dry soil and the soil pH can range from acid to neutral.
Indoors, it does best with filtered light and protection from low temperatures. Ideal temperatures range from 60 to 75 degrees F. The plant soil should be well-drained as the roots do not do well in standing water. The plant tolerates occasionally dry soil. Mapleleaf begonia can be a relatively hardy windowsill plant and can also be grown in a terrarium. It will grow more quickly in a terrarium, but may be less likely to flower.
It can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings or by dividing the rhizome. Remove dead foliage to prevent fungal disease.
Suggested locations for mapleleaf begonia include containers, terrariums, hanging baskets, or window sills.
Quick ID Hints
- Large, thick, red leaves, 4 to 5 inches, with a pale green mark running down the middle and pale stripping around the edges.
- Clusters of small, erect, pale pink flowers from winter to spring.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to root rot and botrytis through over watering. Remove dead foliage to prevent fungal disease.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Begonia
- Species:
- cleopatrae
- Family:
- Begoniaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Leaf Cutting
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Phillipines
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Creeping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Winter
- Flower Description:
- Clusters of small, erect, pale pink flowers from winter to spring.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Large, thick, red leaves, 4 to 5 inches, with a pale green marks and stripping around the edges.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Leaf stem pale green, fleshy, lightly bristled and spotted with red.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Dry Soil
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses