Mikado Begonia Begonia 'Mikado' (R)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Begonia 'Mikado' is a striking ornamental plant known for its distinctive foliage and attractive flowering habits. The leaves boast a remarkable appearance with their asymmetrical, heart-shaped form that has a spiraled, twisted point, giving them a somewhat quirky and intriguing structure. The foliage is characterized by a rich, dark green hue, topped with a layer of fine hairs that impart a subtle sheen or sparkle, especially under the right lighting conditions. The leaves often feature a contrasting pattern of veins or markings, which adds to the visual interest of the plant. The Begonia 'Mikado', as part of its captivating look, produces flowers that contribute to its ornamental value. These blossoms can range in color, typically appearing in warm shades that provide a lovely pop of color against the dark foliage. The flowers grow in clusters that emerge on delicate stems above the leaves, displaying a gentle yet showy burst of color that is sure to catch the eye. This plant has an overall bushy and mounding growth habit that makes it particularly suitable as a houseplant or as part of a shaded garden arrangement. Its compact and lush foliage, paired with its floral display and unique leaf shape, makes the Begonia 'Mikado' a popular choice for those who enjoy plants with a strong visual appeal and a touch of unconventional charm.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Mikado Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia 'Mikado'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Begonia 'Mikado' is not highly toxic to humans but can cause irritation if ingested or if the sap comes in contact with skin. If ingested, it may cause mild discomfort in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and stomach upset. It is advisable to avoid consuming any part of the plant and wash hands after handling it to prevent irritation.
- To pets
  Begonia 'Mikado' can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, salivation, and difficulty swallowing due to irritation in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. In severe cases, it may lead to kidney failure. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on any part of the plant and seek veterinary attention if ingestion occurs.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Varies
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: Begonia 'Mikado' adds aesthetic value with its unique spiral leaves and striking colors.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy individuals or those new to gardening.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a prolonged display of flowers, often lasting throughout the summer.
- Compact Size: Its small size fits well in limited spaces like apartments or small gardens.
- Adaptability: Can be grown indoors in containers or outside in suitable climates, offering versatility for plant placement.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Propagation Ease: Can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings or division, allowing gardeners to create more plants.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- The leaves of the Begonia can be used as decorative additions to gift wrapping or greeting cards for a natural, botanical aesthetic.
- Begonia petals can be incorporated into potpourris for their colorful appearance, although they have no significant fragrance.
- Pressed Begonia flowers can create beautiful natural art, which can be framed or used in bookmarks or phone cases.
- Begonia leaves can be used as natural stencils for crafting and painting projects.
- During educational activities, parts of the Begonia can be used to teach children about plant biology and the lifecycle of plants.
- Petals of the Begonia can be added to bathwater for a visually luxurious bath experience, without expecting other benefits.
- Fine dining restaurants sometimes use edible varieties of Begonia to garnish plates, adding a touch of elegance (Note: Not all Begonia species are edible; 'Mikado' may not be suitable for consumption).
- Begonia plants can be used as living ornaments during festive seasons, especially when they exhibit vibrant foliage and flowers.
- The Begonia can be a subject in photography, offering a rich palette of colors and textures for macro photography enthusiasts.
- The patterned leaves of the Begonia can be used as inspiration for textile designs, including apparel and home decor.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Begonia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Begonia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Caution - Begonia often symbolizes a warning to be cautious or a sense of carefulness.
- Harmony - The balanced growth and overall aesthetic of the 'Mikado' Begonia may represent harmony and a peaceful state of balance.
- Fertility - With its lush leaves and growth patterns, begonias may represent fertility and fullness of life.
- Uniqueness - The unique spiraled shape of the 'Mikado' Begonia's leaves can stand for individuality and distinctiveness.
- Gratitude - Begonia is thought to express gratitude or thankfulness, making it a perfect gift to show appreciation.

💧

Every 10-14 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the Iron Cross Begonia, the watering schedule should maintain evenly moist soil; typically, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on environmental conditions, this might equate to watering once every week or once every two weeks with about 8 to 16 ounces of water each time, ensuring even distribution across the soil without waterlogging the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant enters a dormant period.
Light
Iron Cross Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight that can scorch their leaves. A north-facing or east-facing window would provide the ideal light conditions, while diffused light through a sheer curtain can help in more intense sunlit areas.
Temperature
Iron Cross Begonias prefer a temperature range of about 60°F to 75°F, making them suitable for indoor living spaces. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to around 50°F but should not be exposed to temperatures below this point. The optimum growing temperature for these plants lies within the 65°F to 70°F range.
Pruning
Pruning Iron Cross Begonias is important to remove dead or yellowing leaves and to encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in the spring, and occasional pinching back of the stems can be done throughout the growing season to maintain the plant's shape.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Spiral Begonia prefers a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand to increase aeration, with an optimal pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Repotting
Spiral Begonias should be repotted every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound to ensure continued growth and health.
Humidity & Misting
Spiral Begonias thrive in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50% and 70%.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light; maintain high humidity levels.
- Outdoor
  Protect from direct sun; keep in warm, sheltered area.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of a Begonia 'Mikado' typically begins with seed germination, where the tiny seeds sprout when provided with the right conditions of warmth and humidity. After germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing characteristic foliage and a strong root system. The plant then enters a vegetative state where it grows larger leaves and stems, focusing on increasing its biomass. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing its distinctive blooms, often in a range of colors that may include shades of pink, red, or white. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which can be dispersed to start new Begonia 'Mikado' plants, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, during the end of its life cycle, the Begonia 'Mikado' may experience senescence, where growth slows and the plant begins to decline, eventually leading to death.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Summer
- The Begonia 'Mikado', also commonly known as 'Spiral Begonia', is best propagated through leaf cuttings, a method widely appreciated for its simplicity and effectiveness. The optimal time to undertake this process is during the warmer months, from spring through summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate via leaf cuttings, a healthy leaf is selected and a cut is made across the main veins on the backside of the leaf. The leaf is then placed on a moist potting mix and secured in place, ensuring the cut veins contact the soil. The pot is then covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and placed in a warm area with indirect light. The leaf will soon develop roots and new shoots at the sites of the cuts, which can later be potted as individual plants once they’ve grown sufficiently, typically after a few weeks.