Begonia masoniana ‘Mountain’

Asian forest origins behind ‘Mountain’

Begonia masoniana ‘Mountain’ is a horticultural selection of Begonia masoniana, a species from Guangxi in southern China and northern Vietnam.

Across this range, wild Begonia masoniana grows in sheltered forest and limestone country, among seasonal rain, humid air and light filtered through surrounding vegetation.

Leaf and rhizome care for foliage plants

Support, pruning, handling and leaf care

Use a broad heavy pot for Begonia masoniana ‘Mountain’ so its large bullate leaves do not overturn the crown. Give the surface rhizome room to advance.

Light

Place Begonia masoniana ‘Mountain’ close to an east- or north-east-facing window, or near a brighter south or west window behind a light curtain. Move it back if the leaf surface bleaches or scars or the rhizome dries unevenly.

Watering

Lift the pot and test the mix. Its feeder roots need moisture, while the rhizome itself needs an exposed, airy surface. Water around the edge of the shallow pot when the upper layer begins to dry, wetting the fine feeder roots while keeping the exposed rhizome surface free of standing moisture.

Substrate and roots

When repotting Begonia masoniana ‘Mountain’, take care not to damage a creeping rhizome above a shallow network of fine roots. Keep the rhizome of the plant uncovered and give its growing end open surface space.

Fertilising

Give Begonia masoniana ‘Mountain’ a low dose of complete foliage fertiliser while it is producing new leaves or stems. Use the lower concentration for slow growth and the higher end only when light, warmth and root activity are all strong.

What to check on Begonia masoniana ‘Mountain’

High-relief leaf surface browns on the ridges

First note if only the raised crests are dry or if the hollows are wet. Dry exposed ridges suggest a hot light source, rubbing or a brief dry root ball; a soft mark sitting in a depression needs the leaf removed. Correct the cause and check that the next leaf opens without the same damage.

Textured leaves collapse after repotting

The fine roots and surface rhizome can be damaged by deep planting or aggressive removal of old mix. Keep the crown shallow and the new mix only lightly moist during root recovery. If the plant keeps collapsing in wet mix, unpot it and remove soft roots. Keep the new mix only lightly moist during recovery.

Dark central marking becomes irregular

A stable central pattern is part of the cultivar. Check any new dark area that looks wet, crosses the usual pattern or develops a yellow edge. Isolate the plant, remove affected leaves and keep water off the rough foliage. Check the rhizome if the petiole base also darkens.

Compact rhizome softens

Dense foliage can conceal decay until several petioles loosen. Expose the base, remove all soft tissue and keep only a firm growing end. Replant at the surface in a clean airy medium. A healthy leaf can be started separately if the main rhizome has only a small healthy section left.

Strongly distorted new leaves

Natural puckering should still create a broad expanded blade. Tight bronzing or brittle growth suggests broad mites. Pale scars and black specks point to thrips. Isolate, inspect the crown under magnification and treat the pest identified.

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.