Begonia masoniana Mountain

Origin of Begonia masoniana Mountain

Mountain is the trade name for Begonia masoniana ‘Ec-bego-1902’. Begonia masoniana grows naturally from Guangxi in southern China into Vietnam, in the humid tropics.

Looking after Begonia masoniana Mountain

Repot when the rhizome reaches the edge or roots fill the container. Replace compacted mix if drainage becomes noticeably slower; use a larger pot only when roots or the extending rhizome need more room. Keep the rhizome at the same surface level.

Use a wide, shallow container with an airy mix that holds some moisture and drains freely. Water once the surface is almost dry, wetting the mix thoroughly and allowing the excess to drain. A weak balanced fertiliser every few weeks supports active leaf growth.

Give the deeply textured foliage of Begonia masoniana Mountain bright filtered light or partial shade, with protection from intense direct sun. Keep the growing area in the 18–24 °C range and prevent sustained drops below 13 °C. A range around 60–80% humidity is appropriate. Provide mild air exchange around new growth, for everyday care.

Propagate from leaf cuttings or divide an established rhizome into sections with their own roots and growing points.

What may be wrong with Begonia masoniana Mountain

• Raised ridges develop pale or brown dry patches: The high points can scorch first in strong direct light or against hot glass. Move the plant away from strong direct light or hot glass; new leaves should develop normally.
• Grey or white coating develops in the deep folds: Damp, damaged foliage can develop grey botrytis mould. Powdery mildew can form a white coating where the air around the leaves is humid and circulation is poor. Remove affected leaves and keep the plant separate if the patches are spreading. Dry new foliage and improved air circulation help limit further spread.
• The rhizome becomes dark and soft: Potting mix that stays wet can cause rhizome rot. Cut affected tissue back to firm, healthy material with a clean tool, then discard the rotted pieces and old mix before repotting the healthy remainder in fresh, airy potting mix.
• Fine stippling spreads across the leaf surface: Spider mites may be feeding underneath the broad leaves. Keep the plant separate while inspecting the undersides. A treatment labelled for mites on indoor ornamentals can be used if mites are present, repeated at the label interval.

Begonia masoniana ‘Mountain’ 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.

Where does the name Begonia masoniana come from?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The epithet masoniana honours the British plantsman Maurice Mason.

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

Rudolf Christian Ziesenhenne first described Begonia masoniana in 1971 in Begonian, volume 38, page 52; Edgar Irmscher had proposed the name.