Begonia listada is part of the Begoniaceae family and its native range is Paraguay. It was first described in the Begonian in 1981, prior to that it was named B. listada hort. as it didn’t have an official botanical Latin name. It has elliptical leaf blades which come to a point at each end, they are covered with thick hairs, giving the plant a velvety texture. The leaf adaxial (upper surface) is a dark olive green with a white to chartreuse line down the middle, leaf abaxial (underside) is red. This plant seems to grow horizontally so it looks good in a hanging pot but it can also be staked to grow upright. B. listada produces few white flowers in autumn and winter.
The genus name honours Michael Begon (1638-1710), a patron of Botany. Specific epithet is from the Spanish for ‘striped’ and is in reference to the prominent stripe on the midrib.
Pot: ø 13cm.
Height: Approximately 25cm from base of pot.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: If given adequate light, water Begonia listada when the top inch or so is dry. These plants tend to wilt when extremely dry.
Potting mix: A rich well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, a little bit of orchid bark and worm castings. Our Potting mix is ideal.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every few waterings during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 15-30°C, no cooler than 15°C.
Humidity: Begonia listada would prefer higher humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Begonia listada is toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.