Begonia masoniana

Family. Begoniaceae.

Homeland of the plant. New Guinea.

Description. Begonia masoniana was first imported to England in 1952 from Singapore. Maurice Mason, who imported the plant, named it 'Iron Cross' because of the distinctive shape of the markings on the bright green leaves up to 20 cm long. This houseplant is a rhizomatous perennial begonia reaching a height of 0.5 m with large asymmetrical green leaves, in the center of which is a dark brown pattern reminiscent of the German Iron Cross, which was depicted on shields during the Crusades.

Begonia has a wrinkled and rough leaf surface, covered with red hairs with jagged edges. Chocolate brown markings appear on young leaves and darken with age. It blooms with small, charming pinkish-white flowers up to 2 cm in diameter, collected in vertical panicles in spring and summer, but the flowers are lost in the splendor of the foliage. 

Height. 45 - 60 cm. 

Begonia masoniana - home care

Temperature conditions

The optimal maintenance temperature is 18 - 24° C. Begonias do not tolerate frost, and at temperatures below 13° C they can become damaged. 

Reproduction

Stem cuttings that take root easily. Take 8 cm long cuttings in early summer. Cover the seedlings with film or a plastic cover to maintain moisture. Leaf cuttings. Keep containers with cuttings warm and in a well-lit place. Rooting will occur in about two weeks.

When it blooms 

Flowering time is spring – summer. 

Watering

Begonia masoniana is a rhizomatous begonia and its root system stores water, so allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. In the winter months, the frequency of watering is reduced to a minimum, drying the soil to a third of its depth. 

How to care 

If your plant suddenly starts to dry out, don't throw it away. This type of begonia can go dormant during the winter. During this time, reduce watering and keep the soil only slightly moist, without allowing it to dry out completely. Cover the dormant plant with a plastic bag or plastic cap and keep it cool at around 16°C for 6 to 8 weeks. Soon you will see new leaves appear. During the period of active growth, this beautiful begonia prefers high humidity. 

How to transplant

In spring, place in a larger pot with larger drainage holes. Lightly compact the soil with your fingers so that it is not too tight against the roots. 

Earth 

Peat-based, porous, slightly acidic. Ready-made soil for Saintpaulias is perfect.

Diseases and pests 

Powdery mildew may appear on leaves and stems. Poor air circulation and high air humidity create favorable conditions for fungal diseases. When grown in the shade, the begonia's stems will stretch, and over time it may die.  Also, this type of begonia is susceptible to bacterial leaf spots and rot.

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

Lighting

Bright light with shading from direct sunlight, grows well when illuminated with fluorescent lamps. 

Feeding

Monthly all year round with fertilizers at half strength. Fertilize only when the soil is moist to avoid fertilizer burn. Do not feed plants in dormant mode. 

Purpose

A very attractive decorative foliage plant with a spectacular appearance.

Air humidity

Moderate to high humidity. Use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to increase humidity. Keep the plant away from drafts. 

Note

Begonia is able to purify indoor air from harmful impurities.