Plant Care Exotica Begonia

Exotica Begonia

About Exotica 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

Begonia brevirimosa subsp. exotica
Begonia
Begoniaceae
Cucurbitales

How to care for Exotica Begonia

💦 Water

How often to water your Exotica Begonia

Water needs for Exotica Begonia
0.5 cups
every 9

Exotica 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.

Calculate water needs of Exotica Begonia

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Exotica Begonia in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Exotica Begonia: 3ft from a window
3ft or less from
a window

Exotica 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 Exotica Begonia in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Exotica Begonia

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Exotica 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 Exotica Begonia after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

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💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Exotica 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.

Exotica Begonia Water Frequency →

Exotica Begonia Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Exotica 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 🏡.

Exotica Begonia Light Requirements →

Exotica Begonia Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Exotica Begonia is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Exotica Begonia is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Exotica Begonia Toxicity to Cats →

Exotica Begonia Toxicity to Dogs →

Exotica Begonia Toxicity to Humans →


💨 Humidity

Exotica 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.

Exotica Begonia Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Exotica 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 Exotica Begonia →

When and How to Successfully Repot Exotica Begonia →


💩 Fertilizer

Exotica 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 Exotica Begonia →


❄️ Dormancy

Exotica 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

Exotica Begonia is native to Tropics and Subtropics worldwide.


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Exotica Begonia can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Exotica Begonia Temperature Tolerance →


🌱 Propagation

Exotica Begonia can be propagated by division into new individual plants.

  • Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
  • If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
  • Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
  • Repot the parent plant back into its original pot

How to Propagate Exotica Begonia →


🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Exotica Begonia, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 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 Exotica Begonia

Exotica Begonia

Exotica 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.

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