Begonia foliosa is a shrubby species begonia with arching stems densely lined with small, glossy, fern-like leaves. The fine foliage gives it a soft, feathery look that sets it apart from the big-leaved begonias, and it can be grown as a bushy pot plant or left to trail. Dainty flowers appear along the stems.

Origins

It grows wild in the cloud forests of Colombia and Venezuela and belongs to the Begoniaceae family. The true species has small white flowers, while the widely grown variety miniata bears pink to red blooms and holds a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit. Its natural home is humid and shaded, which is a good guide to how it likes to be kept indoors.

Care

Give it bright, indirect light and keep it out of direct sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves. Water when the top of the compost begins to dry, aiming for lightly moist but never soggy. It appreciates more humidity than most rooms provide, so a pebble tray, a bathroom or a terrarium-style setting will keep the foliage looking its best. Keep it warm at around 15 to 25C and above roughly 10C in winter. Like other begonias it is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so site it out of reach.