Undescribed begonia from East Kalimantan with deep green leaves and pink spots

Begonia sp. 'Muara Wahau' is a rare begonia from the Muara Wahau region in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The species is not yet formally described and therefore goes by its collection site name as well as the designation U696, a number assigned by the American Begonia Society to undescribed begonia species in cultivation.

The leaves are deep green and covered in bright pink spots that form a speckled pattern. The intensity of the spots shifts slightly depending on the light.

Care

Thrives in partial shade to shade; avoid direct sun. Requires warmth and high humidity, preferably 70 percent or more, and is therefore best grown in a terrarium or glass cabinet.

Keep the substrate evenly moist but never wet. Use an airy, well-drained substrate. Ideal temperature 20-26 degrees Celsius. Avoid watering directly on the leaves, which easily develop spots if they remain wet. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.