Silver Cloud Begonia Begonia 'Silver Cloud' (R)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Begonia 'Silver Cloud' is a striking plant known for its unique foliage and visual appeal. This variety of begonia is treasured for its leaves, which display a silver or grayish sheen, reminiscent of a cloud-like appearance, hence the name 'Silver Cloud.' The leaves are typically heart-shaped or rounded with a slightly pointed tip, and they possess a lush, velvety texture that further accentuates their silvery hue. The surface of the leaves often exhibits intricate patterns with a subtle network of green veins running through them, adding a dimension of depth and contrast to the foliage. Along the edges, the leaves may have delicate serrations or a gently scalloped appearance, contributing to the plant's ornate look. Flowers of the 'Silver Cloud' are usually less showy compared to its foliage, but they do present a charming addition when they bloom. The color of the blossoms can vary, often appearing in shades of pink, white, or red, and they tend to emerge in small clusters. Overall, the appearance of Begonia 'Silver Cloud' is one of elegance and sophistication, with its shimmery, silvery leaves creating a striking display that can brighten shady areas and add a touch of glamour to any plant collection.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Silver Cloud Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia 'Silver Cloud'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including the Begonia 'Silver Cloud,' are not highly toxic to humans, but they do contain oxalate crystals. If ingested, these crystals can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include a burning sensation, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and upset stomach. It's advisable to avoid eating any part of the begonia plant to prevent these unpleasant effects.
- To pets
  Begonias, including the Begonia 'Silver Cloud,' are considered toxic to pets due to the oxalate crystals they contain. When ingested by pets such as cats and dogs, these crystals can lead to oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. It's important to prevent pets from chewing or ingesting any part of the begonia plant to safeguard their health.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Silver
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
- Spread
  18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  Tropical South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Begonia 'Silver Cloud' adds aesthetic value with its silver-spotted foliage and delicate flowers.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Shade Tolerance: The plant thrives in shaded areas where other plants might not grow as well.
- Container Gardening: Its compact size makes it suitable for pots and containers, allowing for flexibility in garden design.
- Durable: It is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, which can mean fewer chemical treatments are necessary.
- Seasonal Interest: Depending on the climate, it can provide year-round interest in the garden or as a houseplant.
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
- Begonia 'Silver Cloud' can be used to create living art installations by planting them in unique patterns or shapes that showcase their attractive foliage.
- These begonias can be incorporated into bridal bouquets or table centerpieces for weddings, adding a touch of silver foliage to the floral arrangements.
- The striking leaves of Begonia 'Silver Cloud' can be used in pressed flower crafts to adorn handmade cards or bookmarks with a touch of nature.
- The plant can serve as a natural dye source, with its leaves potentially offering a variety of hues for textile or craft projects.
- In terrariums, Begonia 'Silver Cloud' can add a lush, miniature forest feel due to its compact growth and decorative leaves.
- As a living gift, a potted Begonia 'Silver Cloud' can symbolize friendship and care; the silver leaves can add a unique twist compared to traditional green foliage gifts.
- For educational purposes, Begonia 'Silver Cloud' can help teach principles of plant care, propagation, and the importance of maintaining biodiversity in domestic plant varieties.
- When slightly dried, the leaves of Begonia 'Silver Cloud' can be used as a natural potpourri due to their interesting texture and shape.
- Photographers might use Begonia 'Silver Cloud' as a subject or backdrop in macro photography, due to its intricate leaf patterns and subtle colors.
- In sustainable fashion, the leaves could inspire designs or be used as embellishments on eco-friendly clothing or accessories.

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 - Begonias often symbolize a need for caution, as historically they were given as a sign to be wary of new situations or relationships.
- Harmony - The 'Silver Cloud' Begonia, with its soft-colored foliage, can represent harmonious energies, suggesting peace and balance in one's life.
- Individuality - With its unique silver patterned leaves, this begonia cultivar may stand for individuality and the importance of standing out from the crowd.
- Foresight - The well-thought-out care required for begonias can evoke a sense of foresight and readiness for what lies ahead.
- Gratitude - Giving begonia plants has also been associated with expressions of gratitude or appreciation for a friend or loved one.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-early summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Watering Begonia 'Silver Cloud' requires consistent moisture but they do not like to be waterlogged. They should be watered once the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once or twice a week, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. When watering, use room temperature water and gently water the soil directly, avoiding the leaves to prevent leaf spot diseases. An average amount to water a medium-sized plant would be about 8 to 16 ounces each time, ensuring that any excess water is allowed to drain away to prevent root rot.
Light
Begonia 'Silver Cloud' thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sunlight. They should not be exposed to intense direct afternoon sun, as this can scorch their leaves. A good spot for this plant would be near an east-facing window where it can enjoy some gentle morning light or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window that receives stronger light.
Temperature
Begonia 'Silver Cloud' prefers a warm environment with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be protected from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold temperatures can be harmful to the plant. The ideal growing conditions are consistent warmth with no drastic temperature fluctuations.
Pruning
Pruning Begonia 'Silver Cloud' is generally done to remove dead or yellowing leaves, to shape the plant for a desirable appearance, and to encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is during the spring or early summer when the plant enters its active growing phase. Pruning can be done every few months or as needed when you notice any discolored or damaged foliage.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Begonia 'Silver Cloud' prefers a well-draining soil mix consisting of peat, perlite, and pine bark or coarse sand. Ideally, the soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 6.5, to ensure optimal growth.
Repotting
Begonia 'Silver Cloud' should be repotted every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its current pot, to refresh the soil and provide space for its roots to grow.
Humidity & Misting
Begonia 'Silver Cloud' thrives at humidity levels between 60% to 70%, which closely mimic its native tropical environment. Avoid conditions that are too dry to maintain healthy foliage.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light, keep soil moist and provide high humidity.
- Outdoor
  Protect from direct sun, shelter from rain, and bring in before frost.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Begonia 'Silver Cloud' starts its life as a tiny seed, which, when sown in well-draining soil and given adequate warmth and light, will germinate and emerge as a seedling. The seedling stage is characterized by the growth of primary leaves as the plant establishes its root system. As it matures, the begonia grows larger foliage with a characteristic silver sheen and begins vegetative growth, which includes developing a robust stem and more complex root structure. It will then enter the flowering stage, where it produces delicate flowers that come in various colors, often complementing the striking foliage. After pollination, seeds will develop and the plant will reach the reproductive maturity stage, allowing the cycle to begin anew if the seeds are collected and sown. Over time, the begonia may go dormant, especially if grown in regions with cooler seasons, but it will typically resume growth when favorable conditions return.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-early summer
- The Begonia 'Silver Cloud' can be effectively propagated by leaf cuttings, especially during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by leaf cuttings, a healthy leaf along with a bit of the stem should be cut. The leaf should then be placed on a moist potting mixture with the cut end slightly buried. To maintain humidity, covering the pot with plastic can be beneficial. In a few weeks, the leaf should develop roots and eventually small shoots, which can later be transplanted as individual plants once they have grown sufficiently.