Begonia boisiana

🌿 Begonia boisiana is a stunning rhizomatous species begonia from the family Begoniaceae, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam. This intermediate-level plant captivates collectors with its distinctive spotted foliage that resembles a miniature leopard print. Unlike many begonias, this species has adapted to life on limestone cliffs in its natural habitat, which influences its care requirements at home. Fun fact: the spotted pattern on its leaves intensifies under brighter light conditions, making each plant uniquely decorated by its environment.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
Begonia boisiana grows in a compact, mounding habit from a creeping rhizome that spreads horizontally along the soil surface. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped, relatively small at 5-8 cm long, and display a captivating olive-green base generously splattered with silver-white spots throughout. The leaf surface has a slightly quilted texture with a soft, velvety feel that catches light beautifully. New growth emerges with lighter colouration before deepening as it matures, creating a lovely gradation across the plant.
FLOWER DETAILS
This begonia produces delicate pale pink to white flowers on slender stems that rise above the foliage in spring and summer. The blooms are small and asymmetrical, typical of begonias, with a subtle sweet fragrance that's most noticeable in the morning hours. While the flowers add charm, the foliage remains the main attraction throughout the year. Flowering occurs fairly regularly during the active growing season when the plant receives adequate light and warmth. To encourage more frequent blooming, maintain consistent moisture during spring and summer, provide bright indirect light, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing period.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves. Tolerates medium light but spotting becomes less pronounced.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist during spring and summer, allowing the top 2 cm to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in autumn and winter to once every 10-14 days. Water at the soil level to avoid wetting leaves, which can cause spotting or rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity. Tolerates average home conditions but thrives with a humidity tray or near other plants.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining mix with perlite, orchid bark, and peat or coco coir. Slightly alkaline soil mimics its limestone habitat.
🏺 Potting: Shallow terracotta or ceramic pot, 10-15 cm wide for mature plants. Repot every 2-3 years in spring when rhizome spreads beyond container edges.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower. Adds 5-8 cm of spread in 6 months under good conditions. Reaches 15-20 cm tall and 20-30 cm wide at maturity after 2-3 years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly from March through September with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Skip feeding in autumn and winter during dormancy.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Contains oxalates that are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Begonia boisiana works beautifully on a bright bathroom shelf where humidity is naturally higher, or on a plant stand near an east-facing window in a living room or bedroom. It's ideal for terrariums or enclosed growing cases where you can control humidity levels. The compact size makes it perfect for small apartments or office desks with adequate lighting. Avoid placing it in drafty areas near heating vents, air conditioners, or frequently opened doors. Keep away from south or west-facing windows where direct afternoon sun can damage the delicate foliage.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
sought-after