Begonia scharffii — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Begonia scharffii

Begonia Scharffii

Updated
ON THIS PLANT
A note from PlantMom

Elephant ear begonia has strong resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illness. However, it can be vulnerable to leaf spots if light and ventilation are poor and watering is excessive. The plant is considered easy to care for, as it only needs regular watering and little else. Elephant ear begonia is suitable for people who don't have the time and energy to devote to regular care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Begonia Scharffii.

Light

The elephant ear begonia naturally inhabits places like undergrowth forests or rocky regions, where it is accustomed to shaded conditions. While it favors semi-sunlight exposure, it also has the ability to adjust either to complete sunlight or total shade, showcasing its adaptable and robust characteristics.

Water

The elephant ear begonia flourishes in high humidity and consistently moist soil, mirroring its natural habitat in tropical rainforests. Regular weekly watering helps maintain its lush foliage. This plant is perfect for indoor settings, especially in places with elevated humidity like terrariums or well-lit bathrooms.

Temperature

The elephant ear begonia is native to tropical areas, which are usually characterized by a hot and moist climate. Therefore, it is well-suited to endure high heat and humidity levels. It isn't fond of abrupt alterations in temperature and prefers a consistent temperature setting, making it crucial to prevent temperature inconsistencies indoors. It generally does not withstand cold temperatures well and needs an environment with elevated temperatures to grow. The plant could potentially stop growing or even perish if the surrounding temperature dips too much.

Fertilizer

The health and look of an Elephant ear begonia greatly depend on appropriate fertilization. During summer, it's necessary to fertilize the Elephant ear begonia, following up with monthly fertilization during the same season. The nutrients provided by fertilization are essential for plant's growth and preservation of plant components. Moreover, fertilization improves the flower exhibition of the Elephant ear begonia, guaranteeing the most stunning blossoms.

Pruning

Elephant ear begonia flourishes with careful pruning during early to late spring. Concentrate on removing dead or damaged leaves and controlling overgrowth to encourage new growth. Be sure not to cut too close to the main stems to avoid causing damage. Proper pruning not only improves the plant's health and vigor but also enhances its visual appeal.

Pot & Repot

During the repotting process of an Elephant ear begonia, select a pot that is 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) larger and has sufficient drainage. Utilize a potting mix that ensures proper drainage. Carry out the repotting process during spring or fall, making sure the root ball is subtly lower than the pot's rim. Following the repotting, water it comprehensively and position it in a warm location with indirect sunlight.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Begonia
Family
Begoniaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 46 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Pink, White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Brazil
PLATES
Begonia scharffii leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Begonia scharffii leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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