Rhizomatous begonia care

Most of these plants grow in breadth but not in height. Tuberous begonias are the most spectacular bloomers of the begonias. Soil

Like other varieties of begonia, the rhizomatous begonia prefers evenly moist, and well-drained soil that is rich in organic material. 

4. While they do flower, they are grown more for their vibrant, textured leaves.

In fact, they are also referred to as ‘fancy-leaf,’ ‘painted leaf,’ or ‘king’ begonias.

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Rhizomatous begonias range in size from quite small to immense with 3 foot (1 m.) leaves, although their size is in breadth, not height.


If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435. Overwatering is the most common mistake, as constantly saturated conditions quickly lead to rot. Ideal placement is near an east or north-facing window, or set back from a south or west-facing exposure to receive filtered light.

Watering requires careful attention due to the rhizome’s water-storing capacity and the shallow root system.

Begonia plants prefer bright, indirect sunshine, which helps them generate lovely patterns.

A well-drained soil also aids in the plant’s healthy growth, free of illnesses and rots.

The leaves of the rhizomatous begonia are lush with different colored stripes. A healthy section, approximately one to two inches long, must be selected, ensuring it has at least one dormant bud or growing tip.

They grow from rhizomes underground, hence the name. The severed piece should be allowed to callous slightly before planting to minimize the risk of rot.

The rhizome piece is then pressed firmly onto the surface of a moist, well-draining rooting medium, leaving the top half exposed to the air.

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Rhizomatous Begonia may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight.

Leaf Cutting

  • Cut your leaf in a straight line.
  • Stick the leaf in the ground.
  • Make sure the leaf is fully hydrated.
  • Allow at least 3 weeks for proper growth.
  • As it grows, move it to larger pots.

3. Read on to learn how to grow rhizomatous begonias and about rhizomatous begonia care.

What is a Rhizomatous Begonia?

There are around 1,000 species of begonia with about 10,000 cultivated cultivars and mutations.

Also, when the plant goes dormant from fall to spring, reduce the amount of water given to the begonia.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants. To increase localized humidity, plants can be grouped together or placed on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot bottom does not sit directly in the water.

Multiplying Your Plants Through Propagation

One effective way to multiply rhizomatous begonias is through leaf cuttings, allowing a single leaf to yield multiple new plants.

Depending on the rootstock, the begonia is divided into three categories: fibrous, tuberous, and rhizomatous.

Although the begonia’s typical habitat is wet, cold woodlands and humid rainforests, certain begonias have adapted to drier climates. Fungal issues like powdery mildew, which appears as a white, dusty coating on leaves, can be managed by increasing air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Common insect pests include mealybugs and spider mites, which can damage the ornamental foliage.

Water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves, which can leave the plant open to powdery mildew.