Begonia griffithiana – Flowering plants

Begonia griffithiana is a rare ornamental, erect or cascading, an herb that grows up to 20-40 inches tall. It has oblong-lance-shaped leaves, basifixed, base shallowly heart-shaped, strongly asymmetric, upper surface green, sparsely hairy to hairless, underside green, margin minutely toothed or with small teeth at ends of the main veins only, tip tapering. The stems are slightly woody, stout at the base. The flowers are borne in numerous-flowered cymes in leaf-axils or at branch-ends, carried on flower-cluster-stalk hairless, branching 2-3 times, primary 3-5 cm, secondary 2-4 cm, tertiary 1-1.5 cm, with 2-4 female and 4-8 male flowers. The capsule is oblong-ellipsoid, red, wing extending along the flower-stalk slightly, unequal, rounded triangle.

Scientific classification

Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Species: B. griffithiana
Scientific Name: Begonia griffithiana
Synonyms: Begonia episcopalis, Mezierea griffithiana
Common Name: Griffith’s Begonia

How to grow and care for Begonia griffithiana

Light

It grows well in bright indirect sunlight originating from a south, east, or west window. It also thrives under fluorescent lights. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves.

Soil

It requires a well-drained, peat moss-based soil, such as African violet potting mix.

Water

Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You can allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering. Overwatering will cause leaves to turn yellow.

Temperature

It prefers an average room temperature of 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 – 24 degrees Celsius. Begonia is not cold-tolerant and can be harmed by temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit / 13 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer

Feed every two weeks spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Do not feed your plant during the dormant period.

Propagation

It can be easily propagated by stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings in spring and root in fresh potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist. Cover the whole container and plant with a plastic bag or cloche to hold in humidity. Begonia seeds are slow to germinate. You can sow seeds in the spring, but it can take several months to grow.

Pests and Diseases

Begonia griffithiana has no serious pest or disease problems. It is susceptible to attacks from spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.