Begonia Hatacoa Silver – Flowering plants

Begonia Hatacoa Silver is an attractive ornamental rhizomatous plant that grows up to 40 cm tall. It has short upright stems that grow in thick clusters from the base of the plant and has very thin, feather-shaped, bright metallic silver leaves having reddish undersides. It produces an orchid-like inflorescence with several flowers per flower stem. These flowers each have four petals, two of which are white and two white-pink striped.

Scientific classification

Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Species: B. hatacoa
Scientific Name: Begonia Hatacoa Silver

How to grow and care for Begonia Hatacoa Silver

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

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