Begonia bowerae ‘Tiger’

A Mexican forest-floor species

Begonia bowerae ‘Tiger’ is a cultivated selection of Begonia bowerae, a rhizomatous species native to Mexico.

Wild Begonia bowerae grows in Mexico’s wet tropical biome. Its environment is shaped by warmth, humid air, seasonal rain and the shelter of surrounding forest vegetation.

Leaf and rhizome care for foliage plants

Support, pruning, handling and leaf care

Do not stake the petioles of Begonia bowerae ‘Tiger’. Guide its surface rhizome across the mix so new leaves have room to form, and divide only a rooted section with a live bud.

Watering

Lift the pot and test the mix. Probe just below the rhizome of the plant, where the active roots are using water.

Light

Stand Begonia bowerae ‘Tiger’ close to an east- or north-east-facing window, or near a south or west window behind a light curtain. Bright filtered light supports compact growth without heating the hairy leaves and shallow rhizome.

Substrate and roots

When repotting Begonia bowerae ‘Tiger’, take care not to damage a sideways-growing rhizome and a modest mat of delicate feeder roots. Keep the rhizome of the plant uncovered and give its growing end open surface space.

Temperature

Cold wet roots are more vulnerable than a dry surface, so move the pot back from icy glass after watering.

Fertilising

Give Begonia bowerae ‘Tiger’ a low dose of complete foliage fertiliser while new leaves or stems are developing. A warm plant under useful winter light may remain active and can continue receiving the weaker dose.

Begonia bowerae ‘Tiger’: common issues

Browning hair-fringed leaf edges

The fine ciliate margin shows dehydration and hot airflow early. Check if the shallow rhizomatous pot has dried through; if so, water evenly and let it drain. Brown edges while the pot remains wet suggest root damage or a compacted lower layer. Direct sun may add bleached, papery patches inside the tiger pattern.

Brown markings look larger than usual

The dark tiger pattern is normal when it is symmetrical for the cultivar and the tissue remains firm. New water-soaked, yellow-rimmed or rapidly expanding brown areas are not part of the pattern. Keep leaves dry, isolate the plant and remove affected blades, particularly if several spots appeared after splashing or stagnant humid conditions.

Softness in the low rhizome

A healthy rhizome rests at or just above the surface and feels firm. Burying it, keeping old mix wet or allowing dead leaves to pack around it can lead to rot. Lift the plant, cut away all softened tissue and reroot a healthy rhizome tip or leaf section before the decay reaches the remaining growth points.

White powder gathers among the leaf hairs

Powdery mildew can be difficult to distinguish from dust on the textured leaves. Wipe a small area and monitor it: mildew returns or expands in irregular colonies. Remove heavily affected foliage, increase spacing and air movement, and use a mildew treatment labelled for ornamentals if it continues. Avoid soaking the hairy surface.

Tight, brittle new tiger leaves

A young patterned leaf may open asymmetrically before it flattens. Several hard leaves with hair-fringed edges that fail to extend show that growth has stalled. Check the exposed growing point for damage and the shallow root zone for a sharp wet-dry swing.

Begonia bowerae ‘Tiger’ 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.

Why is it called Begonia bowerae?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The name bowerae honours American begonia grower Constance Bower.

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

Rudolf Christian Ziesenhenne first described Begonia bowerae in 1950 in Begonian, volume 17, page 78.