Begonia incarnata

Metallic leaf begonia is a member of the Begoniaceae (begonia) family. 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.

Metallic leaf begonia is a dense, rounded, low-maintenance houseplant in USDA zones 9b and higher. A native of Mexico and Central America, it can be grown as an herbaceous perennial in USDA zones 10 to 11b. Its showy, glossy green leaves have a metallic sheen, thus its common name.

The plant has a medium growth rate and is a moderate bloomer, producing large clusters of small, hairy, pink flowers on sturdy, thin, erect stems from summer to fall. The leaves are dark green at maturity, with red veins underneath. It does not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees F. Grown indoors, the plant does best under bright but no direct sunlight to form great foliage, but can take some sun in winter. It does not do well in dry air and prefers humidity and constant temperatures. The plant is susceptible to overwatering and fluctuating temperatures.

It tolerates a range of well-drained soil types with pH ranging from neutral to acid. The plant sends up stems from below the soil in spring and early summer, and more new growth can be generated if you pinch or prune the older stems. In turn, the remaining older stems produce more side growth after pruning. As with most begonias, division is by leaf or stem cuttings.

In addition to its value as a houseplant, metallic leaf begonia is useful planted in locations with at least partial shade in a container or massed in beds or borders. Useful at the edge of woodland, natural or Asian-themed garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.