Begonia ‘Moonwalk’

Cultivated origin of Begonia ‘Moonwalk’

Antoon Hoefnagels of Hoefnagels B. V. is recorded as the breeder of ‘Moonwalk’. Dutch plant breeders’ rights were granted in 2023.

It belongs to the Rex Cultorum Group, the long-established horticultural group of rex-type Begonia hybrids.

Growing Begonia ‘Moonwalk’ indoors

Keep the low rhizome in a shallow container with airy, freely draining mix. Move to a larger pot once roots or the rhizome fill the container, keeping the rhizome level with the surface.

Provide bright, diffuse light and shield the leaves from strong direct sun. Temperatures of about 18–24 °C suit routine growth; extended cold below 13 °C should be avoided.

Use about 60–80% relative humidity for everyday care. A humidifier can help where heated indoor air becomes very dry.

Wait until the surface dries and the pot loses some weight before watering. Wet the mix thoroughly and let the excess drain. Feed lightly every few weeks with a weak balanced fertiliser while new leaves are forming.

Propagate from a healthy leaf cutting or a short rhizome section.

Common Begonia ‘Moonwalk’ problems

• Serrated edges turn brown and crisp: The potting mix may have dried too far, or heated airflow may be reaching the leaves. If the mix below the rhizome is dry, water it thoroughly and let the excess drain. Moving the plant away from radiators and strong draughts reduces repeated drying.
• Leaves remain limp while the potting mix is wet: Damaged roots or a softening rhizome may be limiting water uptake. Inspect the roots before adding more water; if rot is present, cut every soft or dark section back to firm, healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rotten material and old mix, then repot the healthy remainder in fresh potting mix.
• Fine pale stippling spreads between the veins: Spider mites may be feeding on the undersides. Examine the leaf backs and closely packed foliage, keeping ‘Moonwalk’ separate if mites are present. A treatment labelled for mites on indoor ornamentals can then be applied and repeated at the interval specified on the label.

Begonia ‘Moonwalk’ 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.