Begonia luxurians

Scientific name

Begonia luxurians

General description

Begonia luxurians , also called “Palm Leaf Begonia”, is an exuberant shrub species appreciated for its large palmate leaves with narrow lobes reminiscent of a hand. The stems are upright, robust, often reddish-purple, giving an upright and tropical silhouette. It can produce small fragrant flowers in spring and summer.

Origin

Native to the rainforests of southeastern Brazil, growing under the canopy in shady, very humid areas.

Care

• Light : Bright to moderate indirect light, avoid strong direct sun which will burn the leaves.
• Watering : Keep the growing medium evenly moist, allow the surface to dry slightly before watering again, avoid standing water.
• Humidity : high (≥ 70%), humid atmosphere necessary to prevent leaves from drying out.
• Temperature : between 18 and 27°C; do not expose to temperatures below ~15°C.
• Substrate : mixture rich in organic matter, well-draining, with aerated elements (perlite, bark, compost) to avoid waterlogging.

Special advice

• Large-growing plant: allow space for it to grow tall (2.5 to 4 meters possible).
• Fertilize lightly every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Repot when the pot becomes too small or the roots begin to emerge, taking care not to damage the woody base.
• Toxic if swallowed to humans and animals.