Begonia metallica

Family. Begoniaceae.

Homeland of the plant. Brazil.

Description. Begonia metallica is a houseplant - a subshrub with strong, erect, highly branched shoots. The leaves are large, pointed, heart-shaped, 10 - 15 cm long and 6 - 8 cm wide. The upper side of the leaf blade has a metallic sheen, the lower side has a red tint. The stems and leaves are generously covered with bristles. It blooms with small white or pinkish flowers from spring to autumn. The outer side of the petals is pubescent with reddish hairs.

Height. 60 - 90 cm.

Begonia metallica at home

Temperature conditions

If the room temperature rises above 18°C, provide additional moisture to the plant by placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles. Plants overwinter at a temperature of at least 13 ° C. 

Lighting

A bright place with bright indirect lighting. Begonia grows well under artificial illumination with fluorescent lamps.

How to care

Annual spring replanting and pruning are required. Culturally, this is a fairly undemanding plant that does not require any special conditions. It grows quickly with proper care and will soon form a large bush. 

Soil

A mixture of equal parts peat and coarse sand or perlite for rooting cuttings. Adult plants in soil based on humus with the addition of peat.

Feeding

Well diluted liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks during the growing season. 

Purpose

Begonia metallica is a very spectacular decorative foliage plant.

When blooms

Indoor begonias bloom from spring to autumn. In this case, flowering is of no value, so the buds are often removed.

Air humidity

To maintain humidity, place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier.

Soil moisture

Water sparingly during the growing season, but allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter, keeping the substrate barely moist. 

Transfer

Every year in the spring.

Reproduction

Cuttings of begonia metallica are carried out in spring and summer. Cut cuttings 8 - 10 cm long and place in a solution of growth hormone, then root in small pots with a diameter of about 8 cm in soil made of equal parts of peat and coarse sand or perlite under a plastic cap. Keep young plants out of direct sunlight for six weeks and then remove the cap. Root cuttings successfully even in a simple glass of water. 

Pests and diseases

If the plant is exposed to sudden temperature changes and waterlogged soil, it may suddenly drop all its leaves. If this happens, remove the dried foliage and place the begonia in more suitable conditions. New leaves will begin to appear quite quickly. Yellow spots on the leaves indicate a virus. Brown or black spots on the leaves are signs of rot, which occurs as a result of overwatering or poor air circulation. White spots on the stems and leaves indicate powdery mildew. Brown leaf tips are caused by a lack of moisture. When grown in the shade, the bushes stretch out, and over time, even death may occur.

Of the harmful insects, thrips, scale insects and false scale insects, spider mites, aphids, nematodes and whiteflies pose a certain danger to begonias.

Note

Begonia is able to purify indoor air from harmful impurities. With age, the lower part of the stems may become exposed - replace such plants with new ones obtained using cuttings.