Honduran begonia with near-black leaves in a fractal pattern and blue iridescence

Begonia barsalouxiae is a medium-sized begonia from Honduras, considered by some authors to be a synonym for the very widespread and variable Begonia plebeja. If B. barsalouxiae truly is a form of B. plebeja, it is definitely one of the most beautiful, as B. plebeja is usually just green.

The plant has predominantly black leaves with triangular green spots at the branching of the veins, creating an almost fractal-like pattern. Especially on young leaves, there is also a strong blue iridescence visible in the dark areas. The leaves grow up to 20 centimeters long and the plant can reach a height of about 50 centimeters.

In the wild, it grows lithophytically (on rocks or in rock crevices) or epiphytically on larger trees via a creeping rhizome. The flowers are relatively small, greenish-white, and appear in large numbers on richly branched flower stalks.

Care

This begonia comes from the rainforest understory and is therefore adapted to semi-shaded to shaded conditions. It thrives best in a protected environment with high humidity, such as a plant cabinet, terrarium, terrarium jar, or grow tent.

Use a fine but airy and evenly moist substrate. Keep the soil moist but never soaking wet. Ideal temperature is 20-26 degrees Celsius with high humidity (70-80%).

Avoid watering directly on the leaves, which easily get spots. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season. Buy Begonia barsalouxiae online!