Solanathera Begonia Begonia solananthera A. Dc.

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Begonia solananthera is a striking plant known for its distinctive foliage and blossoms. It features lush, green leaves which are usually heart-shaped or oval with a glossy surface that can appear to shimmer under the right lighting conditions. The edges of the leaves can be either smooth or slightly toothed, and they often have a red or maroon underside, adding a beautiful contrast to the bright green on top. The flowers are equally impressive, typically showcasing shades of pink, red, or white. They are small and abundant, growing in clusters that dangle elegantly from the stems. These blooms have a delicate, almost waxy appearance and are made up of several petals that can be admired for their symmetrical arrangement. This plant possesses a bushy habit, often with numerous stems branching from the base and creating a full, lush appearance. The stems can be either upright or trailing, depending on the conditions in which the plant is grown, adding to its versatility in various settings. During its blooming period, Begonia solananthera is particularly captivating, as the contrast between the vibrant flowers and rich green foliage can be quite striking. Its visual appeal makes it a favorite among gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts alike.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Solananthera Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia solananthera A. DC.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Begonias, including Begonia solananthera, contain insoluble oxalates which can be mildly toxic when ingested. If parts of the plant are chewed or swallowed, it can cause irritation and a burning sensation of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Swelling of the oral tissues, difficulty in swallowing, and vomiting may also occur in more severe cases. Touching the plant's sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- To pets
  For pets, Begonias, such as Begonia solananthera, can be toxic due to the presence of insoluble oxalates. If pets consume parts of the plant, they may experience signs of poisoning which include oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing due to irritation and possible swelling of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Cats and dogs may also paw at their mouth or shake their heads if they experience discomfort after chewing on the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  Brazil

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Begonia solananthera, also known as the 'Bush Begonia', is prized for its ornamental appeal, featuring attractive foliage and flowers that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and indoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: This begonia species is known for being relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Bush Begonias have the ability to endure periods of low water availability, which can be particularly useful in regions with water restrictions or for low-maintenance gardening.
- Shade Loving: Begonia solananthera thrives in shaded areas, providing an excellent option for adding color and life to parts of the garden that receive limited sunlight.
- Long Blooming Period: It produces flowers for extended periods, often blooming from spring through fall, offering a long-lasting display of color.
- Potential for Hybridization: Breeders may use Begonia solananthera as a parent in hybridizing efforts to create new begonia varieties with desirable traits.
- Compact Growth: Its compact size can be beneficial for growing in small spaces such as balconies, terraces, or small gardens, allowing more plant variety in limited areas.
- Container Gardening: Well-suited for pots and containers, this begonia can be easily positioned to complement home decor and relocated as needed for optimal growth conditions.
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
- Begonias like Begonia solananthera can be used in terrariums or bottle gardens due to their small size and need for high humidity environments.
- The waxy and colorful leaves of Begonia solananthera make it a good candidate for decorative foliage in floral arrangements.
- Dried and pressed Begonia solananthera leaves can be used in craft projects, such as making bookmarks or adding them to homemade paper for a botanical touch.
- As an education tool, Begonia solananthera can be used to teach children or students about plant care, propagation, and the growth cycles of flowers.
- In photography, the diverse patterns and colors of Begonia solananthera can serve as an interesting subject for macro photography, highlighting the intricate details.
- Begonia solananthera can act as a natural indicator of environmental health in their natural habitat, showing signs of stress when air quality or environmental conditions are poor.
- These plants can be used as part of a living wall or vertical garden, adding a splash of color and texture to urban environments.
- In culinary arts, although not common, edible varieties of begonias can be used in salads for their crisp texture and slightly lemony taste; however, always verify the edibility of specific begonia plants before consumption.
- For hobbyist plant breeders, Begonia solananthera can be used as a parent in hybridization efforts to create new Begonia varieties with unusual and attractive features.
- As a companion plant in a mixed container, Begonia solananthera can be combined with other shade-loving plants to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement for patios or shaded garden areas.

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 solananthera, commonly known as Begonia, is often associated with a message of caution or warning. This may be due to their delicate nature or the fact that some species are mildly toxic if ingested.
- Unique Beauty: Begonias have unique and attractive flowers, symbolizing individuality and the beauty of one's unique characteristics.
- Cordiality: The bright and varied colors of Begonias can represent friendliness and warmth, making them symbols of cordial relationships and hospitality.
- Harmony: The symmetrical patterns of Begonia flowers can symbolize harmony and balance, possibly reflecting a state of peace and contentment in one's life.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Bush Begonia should be watered thoroughly, allowing the water to run freely out of the bottom of the pot to ensure deep soil saturation. Water the plant once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering approximately every 7 to 10 days. However, the frequency will vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Be cautious not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Generally, you can expect to use about one to two gallons of water every two weeks, adjusting for climate and the plant's changing needs with the seasons.
Light
Bush Begonias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place the plant in a spot where it will receive plenty of light without being exposed to the direct harsh rays of the sun, such as near a window with sheer curtains. An eastern or northern exposure typically provides ideal lighting conditions for the Begonia to flourish.
Temperature
Bush Begonias prefer warmer temperatures, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the plant in this temperature range will help promote healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning
Pruning Bush Begonias encourages bushier growth and helps to remove any dead or yellowing leaves, promoting better air circulation and plant health. Prune in the spring or after flowering, cutting back up to one-third of the plant to shape it and encourage new growth. Generally, pruning once or twice a year is sufficient for maintaining a compact, attractive shape.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Begonia solananthera, commonly known as Clubed Begonia, thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of around 5.5 to 7.0. An ideal soil recipe would include a combination of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark in equal parts to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.
Repotting
Clubed Begonia should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Make sure to use fresh, appropriate soil mix when repotting to promote healthy growth.
Humidity & Misting
Clubed Begonia prefers a high humidity environment, with ideal levels being between 50% to 70%. Avoid placing it in locations where the air is too dry.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright, indirect light and high humidity.
- Outdoor
  Sheltered spot with morning sun, avoid frost.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
Begonia solanathera begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when provided adequate warmth and moisture, germinates to produce a tiny seedling. The seedling grows into a juvenile plant through the formation of roots, shoots, and leaves, equipped to photosynthesize for its own energy needs. As it matures, the Begonia solanathera develops a more substantial root system and larger, fleshy leaves, characteristic of adult begonias. Following maturity, it enters a reproductive phase, where it produces distinctive flowers that, upon pollination, lead to the development of fruit containing seeds. The fruit eventually releases the seeds, completing the cycle as these seeds spread to form new plants. Under optimal conditions, Begonia solanathera may also propagate vegetatively through stem or leaf cuttings, a method often utilized in cultivation.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to summer
- Begonia solananthera, commonly known as Bush Begonia, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by stem cuttings, a healthy stem should be selected and cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. The stem cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, with the cut end buried about an inch (2.54 centimeters) deep. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cutting by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, while also ensuring it receives plenty of indirect light. With proper care, roots will typically develop within a few weeks, and the cutting can then be transferred to a larger pot to continue growing into a mature Bush Begonia.