Begonia blancii — mottled form

Origin of Begonia blancii — mottled form

Begonia blancii comes from Palawan in the Philippines. It has been found near El Nido along the route to Bulalakaw Falls at about 300–400 m, growing on shaded rock surfaces.

Wild plants vary considerably in colour, including green, spotted, very dark and mottled foliage. The mottled form reflects this natural variation.

Growing Begonia blancii — mottled form indoors

Give Begonia blancii — mottled form bright filtered light and humid air with gentle airflow. If your room is dry, a ventilated terrarium or plant cabinet can provide a more humid place without leaving the leaves wet. Its small root system needs plenty of air, so use a shallow container with coarse, quick-draining mix and keep rooted creeping stems close to the surface.

Temperature: Give Begonia blancii — mottled form stable conditions around 18–24 °C; move it to a warmer position before temperatures remain under 10 °C.

Water when the surface begins to dry while the mix below remains lightly moist, then let excess drain away. While the stems are extending and producing leaves, use a very weak balanced fertiliser every few weeks. Repot when roots fill the pot or creeping stems reach the edge. Creeping sections with healthy roots or nodes can be divided.

When Begonia blancii — mottled form needs help

• Fleshy leaves develop soft translucent patches: Wet foliage combined with still humid air can encourage bacterial or fungal damage. If the spots are enlarging, remove affected leaves with a clean tool and keep the plant separate. Keeping the foliage dry and improving gentle air movement helps limit further spread.
• The creeping base or roots turn dark and soft: Potting mix that stays wet can deprive the roots of air and cause rot. Cut affected tissue back to firm, healthy material with a clean, disinfected tool, then discard the rotted material and old mix before rooting the healthy remaining stem sections in coarse, airy potting mix.
• Fine pale stippling appears on otherwise firm leaves: Mites may be feeding on the undersides. Inspect the leaf backs and keep the plant separate if mites are present. A product labelled for mites on indoor ornamentals can then be used and repeated at the interval on the label.
• Dry bleached areas form on exposed leaves: Direct sun or heat can scorch the fleshy leaves. Move the plant out of direct sun or heat; new leaves should develop normally.

Begonia blancii, mottled form 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 blancii come from?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The epithet blancii honours French botanist and plant specialist Patrick Blanc.

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

Mark Hughes and Ching I. Peng first described Begonia blancii in 2011 in Botanical Studies (Taipei), volume 52, page 204.