Sun King Begonia Begonia soli-mutata

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Begonia soli-mutata, widely known simply as Begonia, is an ornamental plant that is notable for its distinctive foliage and blossoms. The leaves of this Begonia are often heart-shaped or wing-like with a waxy and rich texture that can have a range of colors from green to reddish or marbled patterns. Some varieties have leaves that are asymmetrical, giving them a unique and interesting appearance. The surface of the leaves may showcase intricate patterns with variegations of silver, white, or pale green that stand out against the darker leaf color. These patterns can change with the intensity of light, giving the Begonia soli-mutata the ability to have dynamic foliage that interacts with its environment. The flowers of the Begonia are typically small and grow in clusters. They might appear in various shades like pink, red, orange, or white, adding a pop of color to the plant's aesthetic. These blooms sometimes have a delicate and subtle fragrance and they come out from the stems amongst the leaves, lending the plant a scattered array of colors that are pleasing to the eye. Begonia's attractive appearance makes it popular as a houseplant, and its beguiling leaves often take center stage in displays, both indoors and out, for those who appreciate their ornate and diverse qualities.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Begoniaceae
- Synonyms
  Prittle-leaved Begonia, Sun-mutate Begonia
- Common names
  Begonia soli-mutata.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Begonia, specifically Begonia soli-mutata, as with many Begonia species, contains oxalate crystals, which can be mildly toxic if ingested. Consumption of parts of the plant, such as leaves or stems, can result in symptoms like oral irritation, a burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and vomiting. It is important to handle these plants with care and ensure that they are kept out of reach of children who may accidentally ingest them.
- To pets
  Begonia, including Begonia soli-mutata, is toxic to pets due to the presence of insoluble oxalates. If a pet, such as a dog or cat, ingests parts of the Begonia, they may exhibit signs of poisoning, which can include vomiting, drooling, oral pain, pawing at the mouth, and decreased appetite. In severe cases, there may be asphyxiation due to swelling of the upper airway. It's crucial for pet owners to prevent their pets from accessing and ingesting any part of the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Varies
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  10
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: This plant adds visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces with its unique foliage and flowering patterns.
- Low Maintenance: Begonia soli-mutata is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established in the right conditions.
- Versatility: It can be grown both indoors as a houseplant and outdoors in gardens or containers, adapting well to various environments.
- Propagation: This begonia can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings or division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal blooms and may have changing leaf patterns that offer visual interest throughout different times of the year.
- Compact Growth: Its growth habit is usually compact, making it suitable for small spaces, windowsills, and terrariums.
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
- Ornamental Display: Begonia soli-mutata can be used as a uniquely patterned ornamental plant in terrariums due to its eye-catching foliage.
- Educational Specimen: This plant can serve as an example in educational settings for studying variegation patterns and plant mutations.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking appearance, it makes for an interesting subject in botanical photography and art.
- Plant Breeding: It can be used in breeding programs to create new begonia varieties with unique foliage patterns.
- Craft Inspiration: The patterns on the leaves can inspire designs for various crafts, including textiles and jewelry.
- Theme Gardens: It can be incorporated into specialized garden themes that focus on foliage rather than flowers.
- Biophilic Design: Utilized in biophilic design projects to bring natural elements and textures into indoor spaces.
- Feng Shui: Some may use it in accordance with Feng Shui principles to add visual interest and purportedly alter the energy of a space.
- Hobby Cultivation: It provides a challenge for hobbyists interested in cultivating more unusual and temperamental plant species.
- Seasonal Decoration: Its distinctive leaves can be used for creating seasonal displays particularly in autumn due to their earthy tones.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Caution: The Begonia soli-mutata, commonly known simply as Begonia, often represents caution or a warning due to its delicate and easily damaged leaves and flowers. This can serve as a reminder to be careful in new situations or relationships.
- Individuality: With its unique pattern and foliage, Begonia symbolizes individuality and distinctive personality, encouraging people to embrace their unique traits and quirks.
- Harmony: Begonias can represent harmony and balance, possibly due to their symmetrical leaf patterns and the pleasing aesthetic they provide, making them a symbol of a peaceful and balanced approach to life.
- Gratitude: Offering a Begonia to someone can be a way of expressing thankfulness or appreciation, possibly because of the plant's bountiful and generous blooming nature.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
For Begonia soli-mutata, commonly known as the Hardy Begonia, watering should be done carefully to maintain a balance as these plants prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. Typically, water them once a week with about 8-16 ounces of water, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. During the growing season in spring and summer, check the top inch of soil for dryness and water accordingly. In winter, reduce the frequency to every other week as the plant enters a dormant phase. Always use room temperature water and water directly onto the soil to avoid wetting the leaves which can lead to fungal diseases.
Light
The Hardy Begonia thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It is ideal to place them near a window where they can receive plenty of light without being exposed to harsh direct rays which can scorch their leaves. An east or west-facing window is optimal, providing the gentle morning or late afternoon sun. However, if only a south-facing window is available, use a sheer curtain to diffuse the direct light ensuring the plant’s delicate leaves do not get damaged.
Temperature
Hardy Begonias prefer a temperature range between 60-75°F for optimal growth. They can withstand a minimum temperature of about 50°F but should be protected from any frost, which means they cannot survive in temperatures below freezing. The ideal condition is a consistently warm environment with minimal temperature fluctuations, so keep them away from drafts and heating or cooling vents.
Pruning
Pruning the Hardy Begonia helps to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or diseased foliage that can harm the plant's overall health. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pinch off the tips of the stems to promote branching and remove any spent flowers or dead leaves when you notice them. This can be done as needed throughout the year to maintain the plant's shape and vigor.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Painted-leaf Begonia thrives in a well-draining, airy potting mix with high organic content. A blend consisting of peat moss, perlite, and compost in equal parts is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from about 5.5 to 6.5.
Repotting
Painted-leaf Begonias should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they outgrow their current container. Spring is the best time to repot, allowing the plant to recover and grow during the active season.
Humidity & Misting
Painted-leaf Begonias prefer high humidity environments, generally between 50-70%. They thrive when the air around them is moist but not wet, avoiding the foliage staying damp for too long.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Bright, indirect light and high humidity suit its growth indoors.
- Outdoor
  Provide partial shade and protect from the harsh sun outdoors.
- Hardiness zone
  10-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of Begonia soli-mutata, commonly known as the "Offering Begonia," starts with seed germination, where seeds require warm temperatures, light, and moisture to sprout. Seedlings emerge and grow into juvenile plants, developing characteristic asymmetrical leaves and a compact form. As the plants mature, they produce more leaves and may start to form tuberous roots, which can store energy and enable the plant to survive adverse conditions. The mature phase sees the Offering Begonia flowering, displaying small, inconspicuous flowers, with the plant primarily valued for its foliage. After the flowering season, if the conditions become unfavorable, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in regions with a cool or dry season. Finally, the plant can propagate either through seeds or vegetatively via leaf cuttings or division, which will then grow to continue the cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagating Begonia soli-mutata, commonly known as the Sun Mutata Begonia, is through leaf cuttings. For optimal results, this should be done in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. You take a healthy leaf, cut it into pieces ensuring that each piece has at least one vein. Place the leaf pieces vein-side down on moist potting mix or a mixture of perlite and peat. Cover the cuttings lightly with the substrate or gently press them into the surface. Within a few weeks, tiny plantlets will begin to emerge from the veins. Once they've developed their own roots, they can be carefully transplanted into their own pots.