Begonia ferox

Natural range and habitat of Begonia ferox

Begonia ferox is native to Guangxi in southern China, where it grows on shaded limestone in subtropical forest.

Long-term care for Begonia ferox

The slow-growing surface rhizome needs a shallow pot with a coarse, airy, fast-draining mix. Repot when roots fill the pot or the rhizome reaches the edge. If compacted mix drains more slowly, replace it without increasing pot size unless roots or the rhizome need more room.

Give the textured foliage of Begonia ferox bright filtered light to light shade, with protection from strong sun. Keep the plant between about 20 and 26 °C during normal growth, with protection from sustained temperatures below 15 °C. Hold relative humidity near the 60–80% mark. Let gentle circulation pass around the foliage.

Water when the surface begins to dry while a little moisture remains deeper in the pot. Water the mix directly and let excess water drain. Use a very weak balanced fertiliser every few weeks while new leaves are developing.

Divide an established rhizome into sections with their own roots and growing points. For an unrooted stem cutting, use a firm, healthy section of rhizome, resting it on moist rooting mix with its upper surface exposed. Whole-leaf cuttings are another propagation option.

When Begonia ferox needs help

• Tissue between the raised cones becomes soft or translucent: Persistent surface moisture or infection can damage the tissue between the bullae. Remove the affected leaf with a clean tool and keep the plant separate if the damaged area is enlarging. Dry foliage and better airflow help limit further spread.
• The rhizome turns dark and soft: Constantly wet potting mix can rot the rhizome. Cut affected tissue back to firm, healthy material with a clean tool, then discard the rotted sections and old mix before repotting the healthy rhizome in coarse, airy potting mix.
• New leaves emerge distorted or finely stippled: Mites can feed on developing tissue before the mature bullae are fully formed. Keep the plant separate while inspecting new leaves and their undersides. A product labelled for mites on indoor ornamental plants can be used if mites are present, with repeat treatment following the label.
• Toothed margins become dry and brittle: Hot direct sun or potting mix that has dried too far can damage the leaf edge. Move the plant into filtered light and check the mix; water when the surface has begun to dry.

Begonia ferox 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.

Begonia ferox: name and meaning

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The Latin word ferox means fierce or ferocious.

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

Ching I. Peng and Yan Liu first described Begonia ferox in 2013 in Botanical Studies (Taipei), volume 54-44, page 7.