Begonia pavonina

Natural range and habitat of Begonia pavonina

Begonia pavonina is native to Peninsular Malaysia and grows in shaded montane forest. In deep shade, specialised chloroplast structures called iridoplasts reflect light and give the leaves their blue iridescence.

Caring for Begonia pavonina

Begonia pavonina prefers a relatively cool position around 16–23 °C, away from radiators, hot lamps and windows in strong sunlight. Filtered light, high humidity and gentle air movement suit the iridescent foliage.

Water as the surface begins to dry while the mix below remains lightly moist, then let the excess drain.

Use a shallow pot with an airy mix that retains some moisture around the rhizome and drains freely. Apply a weak balanced fertiliser every few weeks during active leaf growth. Move to a larger pot when the rhizome reaches the edge or roots fill the container, keeping the rhizome at surface level. A mature plant can be divided by separating an established, healthy rhizome section.

If Begonia pavonina starts to struggle

• Leaves develop pale, bleached or papery patches: Strong direct light or hot lamps can bleach and damage the leaves. Move Begonia pavonina into gentler filtered light. New foliage can then develop with its normal colour and texture.
• The rhizome softens while the mix remains wet: Persistent saturation can cause root or rhizome rot. Cut soft or dark areas back to firm, healthy tissue with a clean tool, then discard the rotten material and old mix before repotting the healthy rhizome in fresh, airy potting mix.
• Fine pale stippling appears across the dark leaves: Spider mites may be feeding on the undersides. Keep the plant separate while inspecting the leaf backs. A treatment labelled for mites on indoor ornamental plants can be used if mites are present, repeated at the interval stated on the label.
• Soft, expanding leaf spots develop: A bacterial or fungal leaf spot is possible when damaged areas look water-soaked or continue to expand. Remove affected foliage with a clean tool and keep the plant separate. Keeping water off the leaves and improving gentle air movement helps limit further spread.

Begonia pavonina 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 pavonina come from?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The epithet pavonina comes from Latin pavo, peacock, and means peacock-like.

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

Henry Nicholas Ridley first described Begonia pavonina in 1909 in Journal of the Federated Malay States Museums, volume 4, page 22.