Begonia serratipetala

Begoniaceae

Begonia serratipetala
Begonia serratipetala

From the highlands of New Guinea Begonia serratipetala is the ‘Pink spotted begonia’, an outstanding foliage plant.

This is probably not going to be the next plant for your home, however one of the many cultivars may already be growing in a container or hanging basket.

It has been highly hybridised and is grown for the brilliant markings on the foliage, pink spotted with brilliant spots.

The foliage itself is a green to bronze and it does have a pendulous habit which makes it most suitable for hanging baskets. The leaves are serrated and slightly undulating.

We have pictured the species, easily identified for the raised pink spots and red stems, cultivars have much stronger markings, not always raised, but more prominent after years of breeding.

Care

Growing well in bright filtered light, high humidity and a moist but well drained humus rich soil.

Best in a hanging basket and allowed to almost dry between waterings. However keeping a reasonable amount of humidity is important,