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Eyelash Begonia Begonia – Rhizomatous Types

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
beh-GO-nee-ah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

This group includes species and hybrids that grow from a rhizome (a horizontal stem that creeps on the soil surface). They are members of the Begonia family (Begoniaceae). The rhizomatous type begonias are compact, mounding, colorful with patterned leaves and have a large display of flowers in the spring. The rhizome stores nutrients and water for the plant which helps this plant survive more readily than other types. They vary in size from very small to giant size. They can be found with multi-pointed leaves that are called "star begonias," and have distinctive foliage and may be heavily textured.

Several species of Begonia fall into the category of the rhizomatous type including: Begonia bowerae, Begonia cleopatrae, Begonia manicata, Begonia masoniana, Begonia prismatocarpa, and Begonia versicolor. Their native origin ranges from Central America, West Africa, the Philippines, and China to Vietnam.

Rhizomatous begonias prefer partial shade or dappled shade. Some can tolerate some morning or late afternoon sun, but direct sunlight should be avoided. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil. High humidity is required for most plants that have unusual foliage, and some species perform better if they are grown in terrariums. However, most of the rhizomatous types can tolerate 50% humidity. To maintain the plant, consider pinching the tips to encourage a bushier habit. The rhizomes will sometimes grow over the pot or grow upward. Pruning will help to contain the plant. They may be propagated by stem cuttings.

Depending on the species or hybrid, they may be considered for use in flower beds or borders, ground covers, hanging baskets, patios, containers, houseplants or terrariums.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, aphids and spider mites. Outdoor container plants may be troubled by slugs and snails. Provide good circulation and avoid overcrowding since this plant is susceptible to bacterial leaf spots, powdery mildew, blight, stem rot and crown rot

More information on Begonia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Art Hodes', Begonia bowerae (Eyelash Begonia), Begonia cleopatrae (Maple Leaf Begonia), Begonia manicata (Begonia manicata), Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia), Begonia prismatocarpa, Begonia versicolor, 'Martha Stewart', 'Solar Flare'
Tags:
#houseplant#spring flowers#interesting leaves#mounding#dappled sunlight#rhizomes#herbaceous perennial#rhizomatous#humidity tolerant#black walnut toxicity tolerant#container plant#dense growth#annual#partial shade
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Art Hodes', Begonia bowerae (Eyelash Begonia), Begonia cleopatrae (Maple Leaf Begonia), Begonia manicata (Begonia manicata), Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia), Begonia prismatocarpa, Begonia versicolor, 'Martha Stewart', 'Solar Flare'
Tags:
#houseplant#spring flowers#interesting leaves#mounding#dappled sunlight#rhizomes#herbaceous perennial#rhizomatous#humidity tolerant#black walnut toxicity tolerant#container plant#dense growth#annual#partial shade
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Begonia
    Family:
    Begoniaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia depending on species
    Distribution:
    species from Central America, Cameroon, Liberia to the Ivory Coast, Philippines, and China to Vietnam
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Colorful
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Mounding
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Orange
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are cymes that measure 3/4 inch long and appear on stems that rise above the leaves. Blooming occurs in the spring and summer. The flower color is dependent on the species or hybrid. They range from pink, greenish-white, orange and yellow.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Orange
    Variegated
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaf size, color, and markings are dependent on the species or hybrid. Several have bright green leaves and chocolate markings. Some species have red hairs along the veins or margins. The leaves can measure from 1 inch to up to 8 inches long or larger. Chocolate brown markings in the center of the leaf resemble the Iron Cross on the Begonia masoniana. The leaves may have puckered and textured surfaces on some species.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Humidity
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested, kidney failure can occur in grazing animals. Vomiting and salivation can occur in cats and dogs. The sap causes skin irritation in humans.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    calcium oxalate
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Roots
    Sap/Juice