Begonia erythrophylla is a beautiful and versatile indoor perennial that originates from Brazil. It is known for its lush red and green foliage which makes it a popular choice. whether to place inside the home or add to gardens.
But due to its great ability to grow and thrive in places with very little light, it is a highly chosen ideal light to incorporate as an indoor plant, even if your house is not very bright.
In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Begonia erythrophylla and the best ways to care for this beautiful and eye-catching plant.
Characteristics of Begonia erythrophylla
One of the first things you will notice and draw your attention to this plant is the striking color of its leaves. The upper surfaces of the leaves are bright green, while the underside of the leaf is deep red. They are rounded in shape.
It is an evergreen plant, and one of the oldest varieties of begonias. A very striking detail is that the leaves usually grow in clusters, with multiple leaves emerging from a single point on the stem.
When the plant is in full bloom, it produces small, delicate white flowers. These flowers usually appear in clusters and can last for several weeks, providing a beautiful contrast to the deep green and red leaves of the plant.
It is relatively low maintenance, making it a great choice for both beginner gardeners and those with experience in the garden.
Begonia erythrophylla care
If you are looking for a striking indoor plant that will brighten up your home and is also low maintenance, this is the ideal plant for you. Below, we will look at the care it needs to thrive and stay beautiful.
Luz
One of its most important characteristics is that it is not demanding in terms of light. It can tolerate very low lighting, and indirect light works much best for it.
Try to avoid direct sunlight especially in the summer as the leaves can burn and discolor if the temperature is too intense for the plant.
Temperature
Remember that begonias are very popular for their resistance. The ideal temperature is between 7 and 29 °C. It is a plant that is very tolerant of extreme temperatures, but if you want to maintain the ideal temperature range you can achieve this by avoiding placing it near air conditioning or heating.
If you have it inside, Air conditioners and heaters dry out the air to the point that the plant will not be able to tolerate it.It is important that you can place it somewhere else so that it remains safe.
Land
To thrive properly, it needs a mix of basic potting soil so that it can retain moisture, and add a sandy medium such as perlite to improve drainage.
If you are going to plant it in a pot, it should be shallow and have enough drainage holes. You should transplant it after two years to a larger container.
The soil cannot be with stored water because root rot can occur, especially if the plant is young. In addition, if it is slightly acidic and airy, it favors the pH level of the begonia.
If you can add a little orchid bark to the soil, you will be able to reach the pH level of 7 that these begonias love.
Irrigation
As for watering, it prefers to be kept slightly moist but not excessively wet. A little dry is much better than too wet. It's a good idea to let the top of the soil dry out a little before watering it again.
In the winter months when the plant is dormant you should reduce watering, as it does not need as much water while it is not growing.
Fertilizer
It is ideal that you add a little fertilizer during the growing months, which is in the summer, but you must be careful not to overdo it as it only likes light fertilizer.
uses a fertilizer for indoor plants and you should dilute it to less than half of its concentration. You should apply it for 2 to 4 weeks and stop using it immediately as growth slows down after the summer.
It is also a good idea to prune it regularly as this will encourage new growth and help the plant look lush and healthy.
Transplanting in a pot
You have to transplant it when you start to notice the roots coming out from the bottom of the pot. When that time comes, it will be very easy for you. You just have to choose a pot that has drainage holes. since it does not like to stay in the water for too long.
As for the size of the pot, you should choose one that is slightly larger than the plant. As a general rule when choosing a pot it should be approximately twice the size of the plant. so that it can spread its roots and grow well.
You can use some stones and add a good amount of orchid bark. Then add the soil, this will set the pH level from the start so that the plant has a good base for growth.
Begonia erythrophylla toxicity
This plant can be toxic to humans When the sap, stems and leaves come into contact with the eyes, it can cause a burning sensation.
Also for pets, because its leaves have a high calcium content. and the sap, if ingested, can cause digestive problems.
It won't cause any serious problems, but you have to make sure when you are pruning the plant that you use gloves to avoid contact with your hands or arms and not to touch your eyes.
If you ever come into contact with the sap and scratch your eyes, rinse thoroughly with cold water. You should place them in a high place so that pets cannot reach them.
Begonia Erythrophylla is a beautiful and versatile houseplant that is relatively easy to care for. It is ideal for placing in your bedroom as it can purify the air and help you sleep better.
With proper care and attention, it is a beautiful plant with exquisite pink flowers that will bring great color to your home or garden.