Begonia 'Hairy Spot'

🌿 Begonia 'Hairy Spot' is a stunning cane-type begonia known for its distinctive spotted foliage and textured leaves. This cultivar belongs to the genus Begonia, part of the Begoniaceae family, which includes over 2,000 species native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Originally cultivated for its unique appearance, this begonia brings a touch of the rainforest understory into your home. It's an intermediate-level plant that rewards attentive care with impressive growth and visual interest. Fun fact: The "hairy" part of its name comes from the fine, soft trichomes covering its stems and leaf undersides, which help the plant retain moisture in its natural habitat.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This begonia grows in an upright, cane-like fashion, with bamboo-like stems that can reach impressive heights when given proper support. The leaves are asymmetrical and angel-wing shaped, a classic trait of cane begonias. Each leaf features prominent silver spots against a deep green background, creating a polka-dotted effect that catches the eye. The texture is slightly rough to the touch due to those characteristic fine hairs, giving the foliage a velvety, almost suede-like quality that sets it apart from smooth-leaved varieties.
FLOWER DETAILS
Begonia 'Hairy Spot' produces clusters of delicate pendant flowers that hang gracefully from the stems. The blooms are typically soft pink to coral in colour, with a translucent quality that makes them appear almost luminous in bright light. The flowers have a subtle, sweet fragrance that's most noticeable in the morning hours. While not overwhelming, the blooms add considerable charm to the already attractive foliage, creating cascading displays during the growing season. This begonia flowers most reliably from late spring through autumn when it receives adequate light and consistent care. To encourage more frequent blooming, maintain steady warmth, provide bright indirect light, and feed regularly during the active growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best, though it tolerates some morning sun. Avoid harsh afternoon rays that can scorch the leaves. Aim for 6-8 hours of filtered light daily for optimal growth and flowering.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist during spring and summer, watering when the top inch feels dry. Reduce frequency in autumn and winter, allowing the top two inches to dry between waterings. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, as the hairy leaves can trap moisture and develop fungal issues.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-60% humidity but adapts to average home conditions around 40%. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier during dry winter months when indoor heating is active.
🪴 Soil: A well-draining mix is essential. Combine standard potting soil with perlite and orchid bark in equal parts, or use an African violet mix. The soil should hold some moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely.
🏺 Potting: Choose a pot with drainage holes, sized just slightly larger than the root ball. Terra cotta works well as it allows soil to breathe. Repot every 18-24 months in spring when roots fill the current container, moving up only one pot size at a time.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast. Expect 4-6 inches of vertical growth over six months with proper care. In one year, it can reach 12-18 inches. Mature specimens can grow 2-3 feet tall if given adequate support and space.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. A formula designed for flowering houseplants works particularly well. Stop fertilizing in late autumn and throughout winter when growth naturally slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Begonias contain soluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This begonia thrives in spaces with bright, filtered light like an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west window. It makes an excellent addition to a living room shelf, bedroom dresser, or bathroom with a window where it can benefit from ambient humidity. Office spaces with good natural light also work well. The upright growth habit means it doesn't need much horizontal space, making it suitable for smaller apartments or condos. Avoid placing it in dark corners, near heating vents that blast dry air, or directly against cold windows in winter. Keep it away from high-traffic areas where the delicate leaves might get brushed or damaged, and never position it where it receives harsh, direct afternoon sun through unshaded windows.