Mapleleaf Begonia Begonia cleopatrae
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- beh-GO-nee-ah clay-OH-pah-tra
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Maple leaf begonia is a member of the Begonia (Begoniaceae) family and native to the Philippines. The maple leaf begonia has a compact growth habit and usually does not exceed 6 inches in height. It has attractive oval, leathery, chocolate brown leaves with wide light green markings along the veins and along the leaf margins. The underside of the leaf is red, and the flowers are small and pink. Maple leaf begonia is a low-maintenance plant with a medium growth rate.
Maple leaf 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. It can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings or by dividing the rhizome..
Maple leaf 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. Suggested locations for maple leaf begonia include containers, terrariums, hanging baskets, or window sills.
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
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Creeping
- Dense
- 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
- 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:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Obovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are oval, leathery, chocolate brown with light green markings along the veins and margins of the leaf. The underside of the leaf is red.
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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:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, salivation in dogs/cats. The most toxic part is the underground roots. The sap may cause skin irritation.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Soluble calcium oxalates
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Roots
- Sap/Juice