Begonia cleopatra

Begonia 'Cleopatra', also known as Begonia baumannii 'Cleopatra', is a rhizomatous begonia loved for its elegant foliage and easy care.

🌱 Botanical Characteristics

• Foliage:
  Palm-shaped leaves resembling those of a maple tree, deep green with bronze highlights. The undersides of the leaves are bright red to purplish-red, creating a beautiful contrast.

• Flowers:
  Small, pale pink to white flowers appear mostly in winter or early spring. The bloom is subtle compared to the striking foliage.

• Mature Size:
  Reaches about 30 to 40 cm (12–16 inches) tall and spreads 30 to 50 cm (12–20 inches) wide.

• Growth Habit:
  Forms a dense, spreading mat with creeping stems and slowly extending rhizomes.

🪴 Care and Cultivation

• Light:
  Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can burn the delicate leaves.

• Temperature:
  Grows best between 18°C and 24°C (65°F to 75°F). Protect from cold temperatures (minimum 10°C / 50°F).

• Humidity:
  Thrives in high humidity, making it ideal for greenhouses, sunrooms, or humid indoor environments.

• Watering:
  Water regularly but allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Be careful to avoid overwatering.

• Soil:
  Needs a light, rich, well-draining mix. A combination of potting soil and perlite works well.

• Fertilization:
  Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.

🌱 Propagation

• By leaf or rhizome cuttings:
  Very easy to propagate. Healthy leaf sections or rhizome pieces root quickly in moist soil.

🌍 Uses

Begonia 'Cleopatra' is perfect for indoor decoration, terrariums, or tropical underplanting. Its unique foliage keeps it visually striking year-round.