Begonia Subacida

Begonia subacida

Begonia subacida is a wonderfully unusual Brazilian species grown for its heavily textured, almost prehistoric-looking foliage. Its broad, asymmetrical leaves are deep green with a strongly puckered surface and contrasting reddish tones to the stems and undersides. The combination gives it a wonderfully wild, botanical look that stands apart from more familiar cultivated begonias.

It prefers bright, indirect light and appreciates consistently warm conditions with moderate to high humidity. Keep the potting mix lightly moist but well aerated, allowing the upper layer to begin drying before watering again. A loose mix rich in organic matter with plenty of perlite, bark or other chunky material works well. Avoid leaving the roots continually saturated.

Begonia subacida is particularly well suited to terrariums, cabinets and humid plant displays, although established plants can adapt well to normal household conditions if humidity isn’t excessively low.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Moderate; allow the surface to begin drying
Humidity: Moderate to high
Growth habit: Compact, spreading/rhizomatous
Pet safe: No, begonias are considered toxic to pets if ingested