Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’

A rhizomatous Begonia selected in cultivation

Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’ is a horticultural cultivar from the diverse rhizomatous Begonia group.

Wild rhizomatous Begonias occur across several tropical regions. Many spread close to the ground among sheltered vegetation, humid air and filtered light, although their rooting surfaces vary from species to species.

Care for rhizomatous foliage growth

Light

Keep Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’ close to an east or north-east window, or close to a south or west window behind a light curtain. The light is too strong if it heats the leaves and the upper leaf surface bleaches or scars and the rhizome dries unevenly.

Watering

Check Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’ below the surface and water after the upper layer of the substrate has dried while the shallow root zone below remains faintly moist. Probe just below the rhizome of the plant, where the active roots are using water.

Substrate and roots

Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’ depends on a surface-running rhizome with fine, shallow feeder roots. Keep the rhizome of the plant uncovered and give its growing end open surface space.

Temperature

Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’ grows reliably in steady indoor warmth.

Humidity and airflow

Moderate, stable humidity supports clean leaf expansion without creating persistently wet conditions. Keep the exposed rhizome of the plant dry at the surface even when the surrounding air is moderately humid.

Repotting

Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’ needs a new pot once the rhizome reaches the rim, roots fill the shallow pot, water moves unevenly or the substrate has compacted. Set the thick rhizome on the surface.

Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’: common issues

Crinkled edges turn dry and brown

The raised margins can dry first after an unevenly dry root ball, hot airflow or an abrupt humidity change. Rehydrate only when the mix is dry throughout. A pale papery patch confined to the window-facing ridges is usually scorch.

Warm leaf colours change as the foliage matures

Copper, orange, burgundy and chocolate can deepen or shift in balance as each crinkled leaf hardens. An even colour change across a firm leaf is normal. Check the roots and light if leaves bleach, develop papery patches, hang on weak petioles or become progressively smaller.

Creeping rhizome reaches the pot rim

A firm rhizome can extend sideways and carry the warm crinkled foliage off-centre. Set the growing end onto fresh mix in a wider shallow pot, or divide an established outer section once it has roots. Keep the rhizome at the surface.

Several petioles loosen from the centre

One ageing leaf may detach cleanly. Several petioles releasing from a dark, soft or sour-smelling section indicate decay. Remove wet mix, cut back to firm tissue and save a healthy leaf or rooted outer rhizome section.

Begonia ‘Autumn Crinkle’ 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.

What does the name Begonia mean?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon.

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