Begonia ‘Raindance’

Cultivated origin of Begonia ‘Raindance’

Antoon Hoefnagels of Hoefnagels B. V. is recorded as the breeder of ‘Raindance’. Dutch plant breeders’ rights were granted in 2019.

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

What Begonia ‘Raindance’ needs indoors

Move to a larger pot when the rhizome reaches the rim or roots fill the container, keeping the rhizome at surface level.

Give Begonia ‘Raindance’ bright filtered light and protect its broad, multicoloured foliage from prolonged hot sun. Use 18–24 °C as the normal growing range and protect it from extended periods below 13 °C.

Use a shallow pot with loose mix that retains some moisture and drains freely. Water after the surface becomes almost dry and let the excess drain. Feed every few weeks with a weak balanced fertiliser during active growth.

Aim to keep relative humidity in the 60–80% range. Avoid stagnant air by maintaining light movement around the foliage, during everyday care.

Root a healthy leaf cutting or divide an established rhizome into firm sections with roots and growing points. To root an unrooted rhizome cutting, rest a firm, healthy section on moist rooting mix with its upper surface exposed.

Why Begonia ‘Raindance’ may look unwell

• The broad mound loosens at the centre while the potting mix stays damp: Root or rhizome tissue may be decaying after prolonged wetness. Lift the plant and cut only clearly rotten, soft tissue back to firm, healthy material with a clean, disinfected tool, then discard the rotted material and old mix before repotting the healthy sections in fresh, airy potting mix.
• One exposed colour patch turns dry and tan: Strong direct sun or heat through glass can scorch the broad leaf surface. Move ‘Raindance’ out of direct sun or away from hot glass; unaffected new leaves should develop normally.
• A white dusty coating crosses several overlapping leaves: Powdery mildew is likely when the coating develops on otherwise firm tissue. Remove badly affected leaves and keep the plant separate while the foliage stays dry and air moves more freely around the mound. Persistent fungal disease can be treated with a fungicide labelled for powdery mildew on indoor ornamental plants, following the label directions.

Begonia ‘Raindance’ 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.

When was Begonia first published, and what does it mean?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon.

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