Begonia ‘Etna’

Origin of Begonia ‘Etna’

Begonia ‘Etna’ belongs to the Rex Cultorum Group of rex-type hybrids, although its breeder, parentage and introduction date are still unclear.

Looking after Begonia ‘Etna’

Feed with a weak balanced fertiliser every few weeks while new leaves are forming. Use a relatively small, shallow pot with airy mix, keeping the rhizome at the surface.

Place Begonia ‘Etna’ in bright filtered light and keep its small, closely spaced leaves out of intense afternoon sun. Maintain a warm 18–26 °C range, moving the plant away from cold spots before temperatures remain below 15 °C.

Maintain roughly 60–80% humidity with light air movement around the foliage. Water thoroughly when the surface is dry, then let the pot drain.

Move up one container size when roots fill the pot or the rhizome reaches the edge. To propagate, root leaf cuttings or short, healthy rhizome sections.

When Begonia ‘Etna’ needs help

• Petiole bases loosen around a soft centre: This pattern can indicate rhizome or basal rot after prolonged wetness. Cut soft or dark tissue back to firm, healthy material with a clean tool, then discard the old mix and rotted pieces before repotting the healthy remainder in fresh potting mix.
• The small leaves develop dry brown rims: The potting mix may have dried too far, or heated air may be reaching the compact foliage. If the mix beneath the rhizome is dry, water thoroughly and let the excess drain. Move ‘Etna’ away from radiators or hot glass if the margins continue to dry.
• White powder spreads through the close-set leaves: Dense foliage can let powdery mildew move quickly when air circulation is weak. Remove the worst-affected leaves and keep ‘Etna’ separate while the remaining foliage stays dry and gets better airflow. Persistent mildew can be treated with a fungicide labelled for powdery mildew on indoor ornamental plants, following the label.

Begonia ‘Etna’ 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 Begonia mean, and who first published it?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon.

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