Free Begonia Boweri Plants

This Begonia is difficult to classify satisfactorily as a specific type of houseplant. The heart-shaped, mottled leaves are attractive and provide interest throughout the year. For this reason it is described here as a foliage plant. However, unlike many other foliage plants, it also has very attractive, pink flowers. Although small, they are produced in sufficient number to compensate. The low-growing habit of the plant and rather loose way that the leaves are produced can make it look a little untidy after a while, so an occasional trim is recommended to maintain the shape. The Begonia is a good plant for using in groups, either ofseveral specimens in a small display or with other plants that it will complement.

Plant type : Foliage plant with rather straggly, loose growth
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 10-20cm (4—8in)
Flower : Often plentiful, pale pink but are insufficient to consider it as a flowering plant
Leaf : Attractive mid green leaves with dark mottling, heart-shaped, 4-5cm (1 1/2-2in)
Temperature : 13-20°C (55—68°F)
Aspect/Light : Reasonably bright condition, out of direct sun with some shade
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Keep compost moderately moist throughout year
Feeding : Houseplant fertilizer once every two to four weeks in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 5cm (2in) sections of rhizome with a number of leaves, or leaf cuttings, at 20°C (68°F) in spring using seed and cutting compost
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : No major problems
Availability : Occasionally available throughout year
Uses indoors : Attractive plant for bathroom, cloakroom or kitchen windowsill or nearby, provided some shade is available