Begonia bullatifolia

A leaf-litter Begonia from Espírito Santo

Begonia bullatifolia was described from plants growing in leaf litter and humus at about 750 metres in the Roberto Kautsky Forest at Domingos Martins, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

The population may originally have been moved into the forest from another locality within Espírito Santo. The species belongs to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, where its small bullate leaves and compact habit occur in a moist, shaded terrestrial setting. Its elevation and leaf-litter position place the roots in a humid montane forest floor with filtered light.

Leaf and rhizome care for foliage plants

Support, pruning, handling and leaf care

Let Begonia bullatifolia creep low across a shallow pot without support. Redirect the growing point before its hairy bullate leaves touch wet glass, since they mark easily.

Watering

Water when the surface is just beginning to dry while the small root zone remains evenly moist. Keep the root zone evenly moist with full drainage, and make sure air can reach the stem or rhizome base.

Light

Place Begonia bullatifolia near a bright north or east window, or under a suitable grow light in a ventilated cabinet where no direct sun reaches the leaves. Protect the leaves from stronger direct sun, which increases the risk of scorch.

Fertilising

Feed the plant with a complete foliage or orchid fertiliser at a very low dose while it is actively making leaves or shoots. Do not follow a rigid summer-versus-winter rule.

Repotting

Repot Begonia bullatifolia when fine roots occupy the shallow pot, the growing point reaches the rim, moisture becomes uneven or the substrate packs down. Choose the next pot to fit the roots of Begonia bullatifolia; unused substrate stays wet in an oversized container.

When Begonia bullatifolia needs attention

Soft brown pockets on pebbled leaves

Moisture can remain in the deep depressions of the bullate surface. Soft, enlarging pockets or grey growth suggest decay. Dry pale patches on the brightest side usually come from scorch. Remove leaves with spreading lesions, improve air exchange and apply water directly to the mix.

Small leaves wilt or fold down

The compact plant can dehydrate quickly, but wilting on a wet pot points to root loss. Feel the mix before watering and inspect the roots if the pot remains wet. Water a dry throughout root ball thoroughly. If the mix is wet and the roots are brown or soft, trim the damage and use a smaller pot.

Creeping rhizome collapses

Inspect as soon as several petioles loosen together. A firm surface rhizome is healthy even if it is brown; a translucent, soft or sour-smelling section is rot. Cut back through the rhizome until every cut is firm and clean, then root the remaining tip shallowly in fresh airy medium.

Flatter new leaves

Leaf texture can be less pronounced on very young growth and should strengthen as the blade expands. Treat it as a problem only if new leaves also remain tiny, pale or weak. Then examine the roots, light and recent feeding. Healthy texture should strengthen as the leaf expands.

Growing point produces hard distorted leaves

Broad mites and thrips can hide within the uneven young tissue. Look for bronzing, pale feeding scars, black specks or an abrupt change from the plant’s normal pebbled texture. Isolate the plant, identify the pest and treat every crevice according to the product label.

Begonia bullatifolia 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 bullatifolia mean?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The name bullatifolia combines bullatus, blistered or bubble-like, with folium, leaf.

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

Ludovic Jean Charles Kollmann first described Begonia bullatifolia in 2009 in Candollea, volume 64, page 118.