Begonia ‘Alice Faye’

How Begonia ‘Alice Faye’ was bred

Lyla Kilpatrick raised Begonia ‘Alice Faye’ in Western Australia in 1988 from ‘Lenore Olivier’ × Begonia hydrocotylifolia. One of its parents, Begonia hydrocotylifolia, comes from Veracruz and Oaxaca in Mexico, where it grows in seasonally dry tropical habitats.

Begonia ‘Alice Faye’ care guide

Use an airy, organic-rich potting mix that drains freely in a stable pot. Move to a larger container once the roots fill the pot, or replace the mix if compaction starts to slow drainage. As the plant gains height, tie a leaning cane loosely to a stake if needed.

Give ‘Alice Faye’ bright filtered light; after acclimation, a little gentle morning sun is suitable. Keep this cane Begonia above about 13 °C and away from cold draughts. Moderate indoor humidity is usually sufficient, although very dry heated air can slow the development of new leaves.

Water when the surface is dry and the pot feels lighter, soaking the root ball thoroughly before letting excess drain away. While the canes are producing leaves, feed with a weak balanced fertiliser every few weeks. Healthy stem tips can be rooted to make new plants.

What to check when Begonia ‘Alice Faye’ looks unwell

• Brown, crisp leaf edges: Unevenly dry potting mix or hot, dry airflow are the usual causes. If the mix is dry through the root ball, water thoroughly to moisten it evenly, then let the excess drain. Moving the plant away from radiators and strong draughts reduces repeated drying at the margins.
• Lower leaves yellow while the cane base stays wet: Persistent wetness can damage the roots and lower stem. Soft, dark tissue at the base or roots indicates rot. Cut it back to firm, healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rotted material and old mix, and repot the healthy remainder in fresh, airy potting mix.
• Cottony clusters or fixed bumps collect at nodes: Mealybugs or scale often hide where leaves join the canes. Keep the plant separate from nearby plants while visible pests are removed. Once the pest is identified, a product labelled for it on indoor ornamental plants can be used at the repeat interval stated on the label.
• Fine pale stippling spreads across leaves: Spider mites are likely, especially when fine webbing is visible underneath. A close look at the leaf backs usually confirms the cause. Keep an affected plant separate, then use a mite treatment labelled for indoor ornamental plants exactly as directed on the label.

Begonia ‘Alice Faye’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• The roots and rhizomes contain the highest levels of soluble oxalates, and the sap can irritate skin.
• Chewing may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting or stomach pain. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

When was Begonia first published, and what does it mean?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Begonia in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1056.