Begonia 'Autumn Amber'

🌿 Begonia 'Autumn Amber' (Begonia rex-cultorum hybrid) is a stunning foliage plant from the Begoniaceae family, descended from species native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. This beginner-friendly beauty thrives in bright, indirect light and rewards minimal effort with dramatic foliage that shifts through warm amber, bronze, and copper tones. Rex begonias were first introduced to European growers in the 1850s, and 'Autumn Amber' represents centuries of careful hybridization focused on creating unforgettable leaf patterns and colours.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT

This compact, bushy begonia grows in an upright mound, with each leaf emerging from a central rhizome. The leaves are asymmetrical and heart-shaped with gently ruffled edges. Their colour palette ranges from amber gold to deep bronze with metallic undertones that catch the light beautifully. The leaf surface has a soft, velvety texture with visible veining that adds depth and dimension.
FLOWER DETAILS

Begonia 'Autumn Amber' occasionally produces small, pale pink or white flowers on thin stems rising above the foliage. The blooms are delicate and simple in structure, with four rounded petals, but they lack significant fragrance. Most growers appreciate this plant purely for its foliage and often pinch off flower buds to redirect energy back into leaf production. Flowering typically occurs in spring or early summer when the plant receives consistent light and warmth. While the flowers add a subtle charm, the real showstopper remains the richly coloured leaves that need no competition.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun, which scorches leaves. Tolerates medium light but colours fade.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through fall. Water when top 2 cm feels dry. Reduce watering in winter. Bottom watering prevents leaf spotting.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-60% humidity. Tolerates average home humidity but leaf edges may crisp below 40%.
🪴 Soil: Light, airy mix with peat, perlite, and orchid bark. Good drainage essential to prevent rhizome rot.
🏺 Potting: Shallow, wide pot with drainage holes. Terracotta or ceramic works well. Repot every 18-24 months in spring.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. Reaches 20-30 cm tall and wide within one year. Mature size typically 30-40 cm in diameter.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly spring through summer with diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength). Skip fertilizing in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Contains oxalates that cause oral irritation, drooling, and stomach upset if ingested.

WHERE TO PUT IT

Begonia 'Autumn Amber' looks gorgeous on a bright desk, shelf, or side table in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices where it receives filtered light from a nearby window. It works beautifully in bathrooms with windows, where natural humidity benefits the foliage. Avoid placing it in direct sun near south-facing windows, in dark corners, or in cold drafts near exterior doors and air conditioning vents.