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Beefsteak Begonia

5.0 out of 5 (3 experiences)

Survivor

Large, lush leaves

About Beefsteak Begonia

There are over 2,000 species of Begonia, and horticulturalists have created even more varities by cultivating all sorts of shapes and colors! They're native to tropical regions around the world, but are now found in homes in cold climates as well. Their taxonomy is far more complex than other plants, with species belonging to different cultivar groups. They contain oxalic acid, so be sure to keep them out of reach in homes with pets or children! ⚠️

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Begonia hydrocotylifolia x manicata

Genus

Begonia

Family

Begoniaceae

Order

Cucurbitales

Also known as

begonia 'black jungle' and begonia black jungle

How to care for Beefsteak Begonia

💦 Water

How often to water your Beefsteak Begonia

Beefsteak Begonia needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Beefsteak Begonia in your home

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

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Beefsteak Begonia in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Beefsteak Begonia

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Beefsteak Begonia: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Beefsteak Begonia after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Begonia

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Beefsteak Begonia prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Beefsteak Begonia Water Frequency →

Beefsteak Begonia Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Beefsteak Begonia may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Beefsteak Begonia Light Requirements →

Beefsteak Begonia Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

Beefsteak Begonia Toxicity to Cats →

Beefsteak Begonia Toxicity to Dogs →

Beefsteak Begonia Toxicity to Humans →

💨 Humidity

Beefsteak Begonia doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.

Beefsteak Begonia Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Beefsteak Begonia does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Beefsteak Begonia →

When and How to Successfully Repot Beefsteak Begonia →

💩 Fertilizer

Beefsteak Begonia should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Beefsteak Begonia →

❄️ Dormancy

Beefsteak Begonia does not have a typical pattern of dormancy. If you notice their growth slowing down substantially, double check that they are getting enough sunlight and water to thrive!

🌎 Native Region

Beefsteak Begonia is native to Tropics and Subtropics worldwide.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.

Care Summary for Beefsteak Begonia

Beefsteak Begonia

Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 3ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Survivor 2

Large, lush leaves 2

Fast grower 2

Easy to propagate 2

@@Princesshev

47 Plants

1,905 XP

09/13/2021

I wish these were more popular they’re adorable easy to look after, keep moist not too wet not too dry

Large, lush leaves

Fast grower

Easy to propagate

Survivor

Beefsteak Begonia plant photo by @Princesshev named Your plant on Greg, the plant care app.

@@BeeBalm

55 Plants

15,215 XP

03/14/2021

Beefsteak begonia is an easy plant to care for if you observe the leaves. Never water until her leaves begin to droop, then she gets a thorough soak. No standing water or the rhizome will rot. She likes normal temperature and lighting.

Large, lush leaves

Fast grower

Easy to propagate