Begonia 'Megalo 6638'

🌿 Begonia 'Megalo 6638' is a stunning cultivar from the Begonia genus, part of the Begoniaceae family. This tropical beauty hails from the humid forests of Southeast Asia, where its ancestors grew in dappled forest light. With its dramatic foliage and compact growth habit, this begonia is perfect for intermediate plant keepers who want something eye-catching without too much fuss. Fun fact: begonias have been cultivated for over 200 years, and there are now more than 2,000 recognized species and countless hybrids.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This begonia grows in a compact, bushy manner that makes it ideal for tabletops or shelves. The leaves are the real showstoppers—large, asymmetrical, and adorned with intricate patterns that seem almost painted on. They display deep green tones with striking silver or metallic markings that catch the light beautifully. The leaf texture is slightly pebbled or quilted, giving each leaf a three-dimensional quality that adds depth to your plant collection.
FLOWER DETAILS
While 'Megalo 6638' is primarily grown for its spectacular foliage, it does produce delicate clusters of small flowers. These blooms are typically white or pale pink, held on thin stems above the foliage. They have a subtle, sweet fragrance that's most noticeable in the morning. The flowers add a gentle charm to the plant, though they're not the main attraction. Blooming happens sporadically throughout the growing season, usually spring through fall. To encourage flowering, provide bright indirect light, maintain consistent watering, and feed regularly during the active growing months.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light works best. East or north-facing windows are ideal. Needs about 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. Direct sun will scorch those beautiful leaves.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through fall, watering when the top inch feels dry. Reduce watering in winter, letting the top two inches dry out. Water at the soil level to avoid getting leaves wet, which can cause spotting.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-60% humidity. Will tolerate average home humidity but thrives with a bit more moisture in the air.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining, airy mix. Combine peat or coco coir with perlite and a bit of orchid bark for best results.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, ceramic or plastic both work fine. Choose a pot that's 1-2 inches larger than the root ball. Repot every 1-2 years in spring when roots fill the container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower. Expect several new leaves over 6 months. In a year, it can double in size. Mature plants reach 12-18 inches tall and wide.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Begonias contain oxalates that can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and stomach upset in cats and dogs if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This begonia thrives in bright bathrooms where humidity is naturally higher, or on a desk or shelf near an east-facing window. It works beautifully in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices where you want a touch of tropical elegance. Avoid placing it in direct sun or in dark corners—it needs that sweet spot of bright, filtered light. Keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioners, as sudden temperature changes stress the plant.