Begonia listada
A compact ornamental plant native to Brazil with velvety dark green leaves boldly striped in bright green and mahogany-colored undersides.
Common Names
Striped Begonia
Summary
Striped Begonia is a Brazilian native with a compact evergreen shrub growth habit, reaching about 20–50 cm in height and a 50 cm spread, featuring velvet-dark green leaves with a bright green central stripe and lighter margins, and white flowers on tall stalks that appear through late summer to early autumn.
Culture emphasizes bright indirect light with protection from direct sun; prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, well-drained loamy mix; temperature 18–30°C; humidity 50–80%; keep soil moist but not waterlogged, watering when the top inch dries; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced dilute formula; propagate by leaf cuttings or division; commonly used as patio or container plantings and is subject to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, manageable with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Lifecycle
Perennial or Annual, depending on growing conditions and climate.
Height
8-24 inches
Spread
12-18 inches
Hardiness Zones
Zones 10a-11
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade.
Soil Type
Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter, pH 6.0–7.0
Soil Drainage
Well-draining, moist but not waterlogged, humus-rich soil (neutral to acidic).
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Bloom Color
White
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Foliage Color
Dark green leaves with bright green stripes.
Fall Foliage Color
Red
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
6–12 inches per year, moderate growth
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Propagation Methods
Cuttings, Division
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees and other pollinators
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- L.B.Sm. & Wassh.
- Publication
- Begonian 48: 155. (1981)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Cucurbitales
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Genus
- Begonia
- Section
- Begonia sect. Pritzelia