Somehow it will be overwhelming to put the whole genes here which will proof futile as there are more that few thousands and more counting as never ones released in the market.
BEGONIA GUIDE IN MALAYSIA & TROPICAL REGION
Here I want to make a database on what is basically available to a common gardeners with reasonable affordable selling price and easily available in local nurseries around my region.
This is very much applicable around Klang Valley area but I believe these are span throughout Asean regions.
But then,
There are many of these hybrids are easily crossbred and so there are countless species, cultivars, hybrids. This creates a tedious problem of putting one name on a single plant.
Reason being, these begonias are not stable and hence they will revert back to the most dominant parent or will struggle to balance the odds.
Another factor for these young plants / saplings - being still in the process of adjusting and so the will continue to revert to and fro from one parent to another and the confusion begins with trying to identifying them based on their stage their in.
However, It is safe to say that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
As long as you get closer around the group that they might fall into - it's better than inventing a false name and publish it as some plant vendor's do as their sole purpose is for commercial value rather than plant study or research material.
Sometimes commercial grows cultivate these cross breeds without releasing the names and often these are sold without any ID whatsoever. The best thing to do is weight the odds as each growers just put on a label / ID according to their whim & fancies even though they are already with another identified name.
Well, it's something than nothing - Wouldn't you agree?
I'm actually focused more on the cultivated Ornamental Begonia plants rather than the ones that are considered as native species plants that are found in the wild. My intention is very much for Common Begonia Collectors who loves to have some information and details about their beloved plant and to serve as a database for such as a collected information.
SIDE NOTE: (Updated on 9th July 2024)
EDIBLE FLOWERS:
Locally its known as "Pokok Asam Batu" which translate as stoned tamarind.
I'm not sure if it referred to the citrus sour taste on the flowers but I had checked on some reference where it were sold in wet markets as vegetables.
FINDING BEGONIA CLASSIFICATION FROM BEGONIA LEAVES
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BEGONIA & PICTURES
BEGONIA ID / NAMES AND PICTURES
BEGONIA - THE BLACK COLORED
If you are a fan of black colored leaves, I would recommend these collection.
Here are the list of the types which is very similar with each other, though their names & cultivars varies.
I had earlier wrote separate post on each individual begonias
on their identification and experience with them.
Please Click on the Names (Begonia)
It has been my greatest passion to collect each of the different types & cultivars of the Black Velvet Begonia and would love to share my comprehensive Guide on How I Care & Cultivate the Black Velvet Begonia Types & Varieties in my Garden.
Here I show their unique characteristics and their common names & ID and do stay with me on how I repot my begonias and how I use organic fertilizer & compost when repotting.
BEGONIA - (KIDNEY SHAPED) TYPES
I would consider these as same category for plant care and characteristics are very similar with each other. These foliage do not grow big but put up an array of cascading effect replicating similar foliage in layers. It is indeed a beauty to see them in unison.
BEGONIA - GREEN SPECIES
These are very much the species type.
They are not the colorful type like the Rex Begonias & can appear to be boring
however they make up in their size formation and unique foliage structure.
Here are the list:
Actually both Begonia Fedor and Begonia Fedor Sister are the same plant. Click on the link above for more info.
I will update this post time to time to add more of the Begonia profiles here for future reference.
SIDE NOTE:
Some Begonia appears to have some variegated features however it only appears to 1-2 leaves in the whole plant, sort of the begonia is pushing off the variegation away from it's system as some plants do when they try to revert to their origin parent plant.
Some Begonia appears to have some variegated features however it only appears to 1-2 leaves in the whole plant, sort of the begonia is pushing off the variegation away from it's system as some plants do when they try to revert to their origin parent plant.
I had seen this effect appearing on the Variegated Creeping Fig - where once they started to creep on a wall - it had started to push all the variegated colored parts into a singular trailing branch and the rest reverted back to full green and with vigorous growth while the variegated branch remained stunted and appeared all white, eventually that part slowly withered away and the whole creeping fig turned into a monster growing plant and the variegated colored part totally vanished from the whole plant structure. I had also seen these same characteristics appearing on Variegated Philodendron - Pink Princess and Variegated Alocasia Macrorrhiza.
Begonias does morph and try to push away their variegated or parent hybrid colors and may accomplish doing so when the plant had grown into stability but at times, these abnormally still appear in variants and can be seen in these conditions - also these also happens when this begonias are cultivated using seed propagation where there are some new variations appears among cross pollination.
Also growing conditions matters - Begonias are known to change colors when receive too much bright indirect light in comparison to medium with heavy shade, especially the coloration of Begonia Martin Mystery where it may turn to fully reddish burgundy tones in bright light to more silvery pink notes when in full shade. Similar characteristics appears to some Cane Begonia Maculata Albo Picta Hybrids when their dots and speckles disappear when they receive bright indirect sunlight.
I had once experienced a Black Velvet Begonia gone totally dormant and when it came back - it started to have green colored variegation pups on the leaves when it started growing from the dormant rhizomes. This may happen when the plant would had gone through some stress factor and may change its growing conditions - as the green coloration denotes its need to photosynthesis.
However, not all begonias are hardy and able to morph to such conditions - Begonia Iron Cross are not so forgiving - the dark pigmentation slowly disappearing into a thin line with the edges appearing burned and eventually succumbs to its death if they are overwatered or lacking humidity. These strong furry types requires special conditions but some can be acclimatized when the right conditions are met:
However, not all begonias are hardy and able to morph to such conditions - Begonia Iron Cross are not so forgiving - the dark pigmentation slowly disappearing into a thin line with the edges appearing burned and eventually succumbs to its death if they are overwatered or lacking humidity. These strong furry types requires special conditions but some can be acclimatized when the right conditions are met:
(medium / watering / humidity / shade factor)
And so, I would say to each begonia type is unique by itself, not all begonias are the same - do cultivate the ones that does well in your own garden conditions and specifically in the areas where it is ideal conditions are met where it is airy, humid, receive bright shade and protected from direct hot sun and rain.
Check this post for more information:
SIDE NOTE: (Updated on 9th July 2024)
I have found after years of experience that there are difference between Begonia species where there are some that can last for many years in basic care maintenance types and there also that punish you with them perish when you make a silly mistake.
I can say, all in all.
Begonia are indeed fussy plant but however - you can still manage to keep them for at least 1-2 years with minimum care: that is basic watering perhaps 3 days to a week irregular watering regime.
Another factor that I notice why Begonia perish is their maintenance of constant pruning and propagation requirement - otherwise they do get leggy, matures and perish due to old age. At times, I often notice that there are sign where a dried off portion at the stem near the base of the plant - and the plant switch to a succulent zone type of behavior - change of foliage color and an appearance where it is more burgundy tones - after inspection, I end up noticing this phenomenon where the plant dries up at mid center without any warning.
To avoid this - I often have spares : propagating them in short stem and in hanging basket - keeping them tight as these seems to love to have a tight root-ball growth spacing.
I can say, all in all.
Begonia are indeed fussy plant but however - you can still manage to keep them for at least 1-2 years with minimum care: that is basic watering perhaps 3 days to a week irregular watering regime.
Another factor that I notice why Begonia perish is their maintenance of constant pruning and propagation requirement - otherwise they do get leggy, matures and perish due to old age. At times, I often notice that there are sign where a dried off portion at the stem near the base of the plant - and the plant switch to a succulent zone type of behavior - change of foliage color and an appearance where it is more burgundy tones - after inspection, I end up noticing this phenomenon where the plant dries up at mid center without any warning.
To avoid this - I often have spares : propagating them in short stem and in hanging basket - keeping them tight as these seems to love to have a tight root-ball growth spacing.
I do notice that there are different climate zone types.
Often the Highland types are much sensitive and require more plant care in comparison to the lowland climate types.
Often the Highland types are much sensitive and require more plant care in comparison to the lowland climate types.
EDIBLE FLOWERS:
Locally its known as "Pokok Asam Batu" which translate as stoned tamarind.
I'm not sure if it referred to the citrus sour taste on the flowers but I had checked on some reference where it were sold in wet markets as vegetables.
The inflorescent starts with a coin shaped pendant, similar to a bleeding heart flower.
As the flower grows bigger it tend to form into a triangular winged formation with a seedpod.
It is understood that the flowers are edible.
The heart-shaped flowers do have a slight sour taste and palatable
however the seedpod flowers have a bitter taste which I would not recommend.
These small petals can be used for salads, garnish and if you fancy having them even for tea.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BEGONIA & PICTURES
BEGONIA ID / NAMES AND PICTURES
BEGONIA - THE BLACK COLORED
If you are a fan of black colored leaves, I would recommend these collection.
Here are the list of the types which is very similar with each other, though their names & cultivars varies.
I had earlier wrote separate post on each individual begonias
on their identification and experience with them.
Please Click on the Names (Begonia)
listed below & be forwarded to a link for
More Detailed Information
for that specific Begonia Type
👇
Begonia - Black Fang (Updated 2021)
Do check out the video above on the Black Begonia Collection.
It has been my greatest passion to collect each of the different types & cultivars of the Black Velvet Begonia and would love to share my comprehensive Guide on How I Care & Cultivate the Black Velvet Begonia Types & Varieties in my Garden.
Here I show their unique characteristics and their common names & ID and do stay with me on how I repot my begonias and how I use organic fertilizer & compost when repotting.
STAR BEGONIA VARIETIES - HERACLEIFOLIA TYPES
I would consider these as same category for plant care and characteristics are very similar with each other. These foliage do not grow big but put up an array of cascading effect replicating similar foliage in layers. It is indeed a beauty to see them in unison.
BEGONIA - GREEN SPECIES
These are very much the species type.
They are not the colorful type like the Rex Begonias & can appear to be boring
however they make up in their size formation and unique foliage structure.
Here are the list:
BEGONIA - UNIQUE LEAF SHAPED TYPES
Coming to think of it, all begonias are unique from each other,
however I will try to group them up together in their similarities and appearance.
These two have the similar foliage shape but of a different variety.
BEGONIA - FURRY LEAF TYPES
IRON CROSS BEGONIA VARIETIES - MASONIANA TYPES
Begonia - Iron cross (Updated 2021)
BEGONIA - SILVER LEAF TYPES
BEGONIA - RED COLORED LEAF TYPES
I will update this post time to time to add more of the Begonia profiles here for future reference.
Here are the list of Cane Begonia Collection which I had managed to compile, It is in the separate listing but I think it works best as I put it here for easier reference.
Different Types Cane Begonias (Name & Images) & How to Care & Cultivate
CANE BEGONIA TYPES AND IMAGES
These cultivars are famously known as Angel wing Begonia or Dragon wing Begonia.
The only thing that adds to the confusion is that you can do such arrangement with most of the Cane Begonia cultivar.
Some Cane Begonia has this specks /spots on the leaves and they tend to disappear when the plant becomes mature. It's only strongly visible when the plant is young.
Also the spots seemed to have the iridescence metallic sheen,
sort of gleams when observe in an angle.
However, there is no way can anyone come to any conclusion to 100% identify that this is the exactly the said ID begonia as the mix cultivation and hybrids were done with too many occurrence with other growers that there is no way to keep a track record of their names or ID.
Here in the list however are just the basic types that are commonly available and their ID is based on these relevant able information.
CANE BEGONIA CARE:
Most Cane Begonia types can be considered hardy compared to other foliage types.
These are much stronger and have a better resistance towards the harsh weather.
They may able to tolerate hotter climate and over-watering. These makes them more popular as they are also more showy on their beautiful flowers compared to the foliage types (Rex Begonia types)
They do require a stake or a pole to keep them upright or else they will fall by their own weight.
Their roots don't go deep and therefore - good care is required to ensure they are not over watered as if the root rot occurs - it would be too late to safe them.
It is therefore best to keep the plant just around waist level by pruning.
The cut stem can be used for new plant propagation as these cane begonias
don't seemed to last more than 2 years.
Failure to do so and you might find that they tend to die suddenly as you find all the leaves fallen away and what's left is succulent like stem and branches. You can prune and replant them but if you rot at the base of the stem - it's most likely that the plant is dying & chances of reviving it is extremely slim.
SOIL MEDIUM:
The best I had found so far is using more of a fast draining medium.
I find sand works best - at least 50% of the portion of sand mix with ordinary potting medium, if this is not found another alternative would be 1/3 (perlite) 1/3 (potting mix) 1/3 (succulent/cactus mix)
This is to ensure that it has a rich medium which also fast draining.
Water logged medium especially clay types or any water soaking medium are not recommended as these can cause root rot and can be detrimental for the begonia.
I sometimes find cocopeat used as medium when purchasing these plant from the nurseries.
I believe these are good for initial propagation for root development but I doubt it can able to stand on long-term basis especially when the plant matures and grows bigger.
That's why these plants don't last long when they are not replanted & the soil medium changed.
WATERING:
Also do not allow it to completely dry out before watering.
Sometimes they can tolerate to this kind of watering but if you missed the most crucial moment,
the plant can succumb to over stress and may not recover at all.
Especially if the stem started to dry out in between the nodes
(which can happen even on ordinary conditions)
The begonia will revert as if it is a succulent plant and becomes dormant.
You have no choice but to prune and replant the plant and hope it revives back.
I had lost few species because of this condition as the cuttings did not take root.
FEEDING / FERTILIZER REGIME:
It is best to identify what is best fertilizer that works for them by slowly introducing the fertilizer using a smaller dosage. After observing at each week and see if the plant is stressed or thriving.
As too much strong fertilizer for this particular type can burn the leaves and so care is required when feeding this plant.
SETBACK:
Just like any begonias,
Cane Begonias are very sensitive to fungus attack and rot.
If there is any sign of rot taking place - immediate action is necessary or the whole plant is lost.
That's why, I always emphasis always to have at least a spare plant from the cutting / pruned from the mother plant as these are sensitive and may die suddenly without giving any warning.
PROPAGATION:
Unlike other Begonia types, (where only leaf section is used)
Cane Begonias can only be propagated using stem propagation.
And therefore, it is important to use a fresh cutting that is without any rot or fungus attack.
Some begonias are very strong that you can easily root them by placing the stem in water but not all works in this situation as sometimes they may root but may not survive once transferred into a soil medium.
LIST OF CULTIVARS OF CANE BEGONIAS:
There are no way can anyone come to any conclusion to 100% identify
that this is the exactly the said ID begonia
as the mix cultivation and hybrids were done with too many occurrence with other growers
& that there is no track record for reference on their names or ID.
Here in the list however are just the basic types that are commonly available
and their ID is based on these relevant available information.
These are some of the ones that I cultivate and my experience with them so far.
Do click on their names for more detailed information about the Cane Begonia
CANE BEGONIA TYPES AND IMAGES
These cultivars are famously known as Angel wing Begonia or Dragon wing Begonia.
Basically they are very similar but identified by the shape of the leaves and the colors of the flowers.
They have this appearance like bamboo stalks especially when the stem grows taller,
hence it's known as Cane Begonias.
Some Begonias have this Bamboo stem like features where it can have a upright standing feature with a bunch of leaves and flowers at the top. This particular arrangement is known as Tamaya.The only thing that adds to the confusion is that you can do such arrangement with most of the Cane Begonia cultivar.
Some Cane Begonia has this specks /spots on the leaves and they tend to disappear when the plant becomes mature. It's only strongly visible when the plant is young.
Also the spots seemed to have the iridescence metallic sheen,
sort of gleams when observe in an angle.
However, there is no way can anyone come to any conclusion to 100% identify that this is the exactly the said ID begonia as the mix cultivation and hybrids were done with too many occurrence with other growers that there is no way to keep a track record of their names or ID.
Here in the list however are just the basic types that are commonly available and their ID is based on these relevant able information.
CANE BEGONIA CARE:
Most Cane Begonia types can be considered hardy compared to other foliage types.
These are much stronger and have a better resistance towards the harsh weather.
They may able to tolerate hotter climate and over-watering. These makes them more popular as they are also more showy on their beautiful flowers compared to the foliage types (Rex Begonia types)
They do require a stake or a pole to keep them upright or else they will fall by their own weight.
Their roots don't go deep and therefore - good care is required to ensure they are not over watered as if the root rot occurs - it would be too late to safe them.
It is therefore best to keep the plant just around waist level by pruning.
The cut stem can be used for new plant propagation as these cane begonias
don't seemed to last more than 2 years.
Failure to do so and you might find that they tend to die suddenly as you find all the leaves fallen away and what's left is succulent like stem and branches. You can prune and replant them but if you rot at the base of the stem - it's most likely that the plant is dying & chances of reviving it is extremely slim.
SOIL MEDIUM:
The best I had found so far is using more of a fast draining medium.
I find sand works best - at least 50% of the portion of sand mix with ordinary potting medium, if this is not found another alternative would be 1/3 (perlite) 1/3 (potting mix) 1/3 (succulent/cactus mix)
This is to ensure that it has a rich medium which also fast draining.
Water logged medium especially clay types or any water soaking medium are not recommended as these can cause root rot and can be detrimental for the begonia.
I sometimes find cocopeat used as medium when purchasing these plant from the nurseries.
I believe these are good for initial propagation for root development but I doubt it can able to stand on long-term basis especially when the plant matures and grows bigger.
That's why these plants don't last long when they are not replanted & the soil medium changed.
WATERING:
Also do not allow it to completely dry out before watering.
Sometimes they can tolerate to this kind of watering but if you missed the most crucial moment,
the plant can succumb to over stress and may not recover at all.
Especially if the stem started to dry out in between the nodes
(which can happen even on ordinary conditions)
The begonia will revert as if it is a succulent plant and becomes dormant.
You have no choice but to prune and replant the plant and hope it revives back.
I had lost few species because of this condition as the cuttings did not take root.
FEEDING / FERTILIZER REGIME:
It is best to identify what is best fertilizer that works for them by slowly introducing the fertilizer using a smaller dosage. After observing at each week and see if the plant is stressed or thriving.
As too much strong fertilizer for this particular type can burn the leaves and so care is required when feeding this plant.
SETBACK:
Just like any begonias,
Cane Begonias are very sensitive to fungus attack and rot.
If there is any sign of rot taking place - immediate action is necessary or the whole plant is lost.
That's why, I always emphasis always to have at least a spare plant from the cutting / pruned from the mother plant as these are sensitive and may die suddenly without giving any warning.
PROPAGATION:
Unlike other Begonia types, (where only leaf section is used)
Cane Begonias can only be propagated using stem propagation.
And therefore, it is important to use a fresh cutting that is without any rot or fungus attack.
Some begonias are very strong that you can easily root them by placing the stem in water but not all works in this situation as sometimes they may root but may not survive once transferred into a soil medium.
LIST OF CULTIVARS OF CANE BEGONIAS:
There are no way can anyone come to any conclusion to 100% identify
that this is the exactly the said ID begonia
as the mix cultivation and hybrids were done with too many occurrence with other growers
& that there is no track record for reference on their names or ID.
Here in the list however are just the basic types that are commonly available
and their ID is based on these relevant available information.
These are some of the ones that I cultivate and my experience with them so far.
Do click on their names for more detailed information about the Cane Begonia
I had created a separate post for Cane Begonia Listing
Oh my goodness! This post contains photos of the most beautiful and diverse leaves I ever seen. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteRagna, San Antonio TX USA
You are so welcome Ragna.
ReplyDeletethank you for your effort, this blog is really helpful :D
ReplyDeleteYour welcome Naomi
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness.. i only have 6 of them. All are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBtw.. im from Philippines. Thank you for this info😍
ReplyDeleteI really love you for this, thank you from south Africa. Love Sediye.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteWelcome from Philippines and Sediye from South Africa.
Thank you for visiting and glad you enjoyed my blog.
This blog is the most helpful. Thank you for the info☺
ReplyDeleteLove this post so much. A friend from Hong Kong gave a Bergonia plant to my mom. And my mom gifted the Begonia plant to me. We never knew the name of it and I finally found this page and found out mine is a Bergonia Cane Lucerna. I love the sheen on it, thanks so much for the helpful information, as I will be pruning and replanting soon!
ReplyDeleteHello Lauren Dyes, Im so glad to be able to help you identify the begonia you are cultivating in your garden. Hope all the best in your gardening endevour.
ReplyDeleteLove this article.. begonia lover here from the philippines..♥️
ReplyDeleteLove this article.. thank you! Begonia lover here from the Philippines. ♥️ Christine
ReplyDeleteHello Christine from Philippines,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you enjoy my post.
Glad to meet another Begonia lover here.
Wow! What a wonderful and thorough database! Such beautiful plants and a tremendous amount of knowledge. Thanks so much for putting so much effort, I really enjoyed looking through
ReplyDeleteRachel, a Texan living in UK
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMost welcome Rachel, Glad that you have enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! I have been crazy-"Google-ing" the names of my Begonias (with very little results) and here they all are! Thank you so much!
ReplyDelete- Jackie, Philippines
Very informative! Thanks much for sharing your collections. I have a few common varieties and i just call them as begonia...��
ReplyDeleteHi, I love the blog and watch ur video wanted to hear what ur talking about, but u have a loud back ground music which ruin the whole video. I think if u want music in ur video then don't talk at all.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm sorry about the loud background sound - it didn't happen before - and so it's a bit strange to hear about the problem now. Try viewing the videos from the mobile phone - or else just ignore the narratives totally. Again - my apologies.
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup ,beaucoup d’information toute en beauté .C’est du beau et bon travail ,bravo
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Francebissonnette
ReplyDeleteWow....i couldn't believe you were able to classify them nicely, very informative and i love it so much.....
ReplyDeleteHi James
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the information. It makes it easier for me to identify the ones I find and aren't labelled properly.
Do you propagate by seeds by any chance?
Hello Dimi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely comment - No, I do not have the means to do it successfully rather I find cuttings seems to be more viable and easy to manage.
is a pleasure seeing this thankyou so much
ReplyDeleteThank you! This blog is really informative, I hope there will be another part for those begonias that weren't able to cover in this blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Drea,
ReplyDeleteDo share what types of begonias you are looking for.
Perhaps I may cover that one.
I do find most begonias have very similar needs - hence they are almost very similar in their plant care and characteristics