Begonia brevirimosa

Begonia brevirimosa is a spectacular species native to New Guinea, highly prized for its vivid foliage and specific care needs.

🌱 Botanical Description

• This shrubby begonia can grow up to 3 meters tall in its natural habitat.

• Its large, elliptical leaves are dark olive green, decorated with broad metallic pink or red stripes depending on the variety.

• The vivid coloration is natural and one of the species' most striking features.

Notable varieties include:

• subsp. exotica: broader pink metallic stripes, bushy growth habit, can reach around 60 to 75 cm tall and often needs staking.

• "Red Form": similar to exotica but with red metallic bands instead of pink.

🪴 Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun as it can scorch the leaves. Filtered light is perfect.

• Watering: Allow the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot. Water less frequently in winter.

• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity. It does well in terrariums or greenhouses. In dry air, leaves may crisp up.

• Soil: Use a well-draining mix rich in perlite. Avoid repotting too often; the plant prefers staying in its original pot.

• Temperature: Keep temperatures between 18°C and 29°C (about 65°F–85°F). Protect from cold; below 10°C (50°F) can be harmful.

🌸 Flowering

• While its foliage is the main attraction, Begonia brevirimosa produces pink flowers on terminal clusters.

• The flowers are often considered secondary to the beauty of the leaves.

🌍 Native Habitat

• In the wild, it is found in tropical rainforest undergrowth in New Guinea.

• It has also been introduced as an ornamental plant in parts of the USA like Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and California.

🛒 Availability

• Begonia brevirimosa is considered a collector’s plant and can sometimes be hard to find.

• Varieties like exotica or Red Form are occasionally available through specialized nurseries or collectors' groups.