Begonia incarnata
🍃leaf (4)
🌸flower (4)
🌿habit (1)

Begonia incarnata

Metallic-leaf begonia

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun Toxicity: low
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–6
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
50
Observations
50

Description

Source: leafsnap

Begonia incarnata is a species of plant in the family Begoniaceae, native to Brazil. It is a shrublike evergreen perennial growing to 1 metre (39 in), bearing large, asymmetrical green leaves with a metallic sheen, and dark green veins. It produces small hairy pink flowers. As it does not tolerate temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F), in temperate regions it must be grown under glass.This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit under the synonym Begonia metallica.

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun

Metal Leaf Begonia occurs naturally in settings like forest understories or rocky areas, where it gets natural shade. It favors partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, reflecting its hardy and adaptable nature.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Metal Leaf Begonia comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is adapted to high temperatures and moisture. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady temperature, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It usually cannot endure cold and requires warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature becomes too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-6
Soil pH: 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer

Proper fertilization is essential for Metal Leaf Begonia's health and appearance. Fertilize Metal Leaf Begonia during the summer, repeating the application monthly throughout the season. Nutrients supply the energy needed for growth and help maintain the plant's tissues. Fertilization improves Metal Leaf Begonia's flower display, promoting the best blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

When repotting a Metal Leaf Begonia, choose a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball is slightly lower than the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Begonia
Family
Begoniaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 46 cm
Leaf Color
Red, Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Mexico

Tags (6)

Common Names (1)

en Metallic-leaf begonia