Begonia Iron Cross Variegata

INTRODUCTION:

This particular Iron Cross Variegata is very similar with the common one except for the slight dark burgundy border visible along the foliage perimeter. Just like most Iron Cross Begonia Types commonly known as Begonia masoniana - these are highly sensitive plant and a slight mistake can be fatal for this begonia.

CHARACTERISTICS:

After so many trials and error - I must confess that I had totally given up on this particular begonia.

However I must say that the Care and Cultivating this particular one is challenging due to my garden condition that does not support this particular need for them to thrive.

Care Needs:

1) Not Water on the Foliage or Leaves 

This is upmost important as water droplet on the leaves tend to cause the leaves to turn brown. Instead watering should be done on the medium surface only and if possible the best method would be letting the water to sip in from the bottom of the pot drainage hole and once it had received adequate water - the plate or saucer holding the remaining water should be discarded and the next watering should take place only when the medium is dry. Too much water can kill this begonia.

2) Lighting

This particular one thrives in good shade and so too hot bright light especially direct sunlight on them make cause the dark pigment to fade or shrink away - sort of dent lining appears instead of the full cross appearance on the foliage. 

3) Humidity

I must say that this is one of the best plants to grow in green house where the humidity is controlled where overwatering & direct sunlight is well controlled and managed. Hence it would prove challenging but not impossible to grow them in hot and wet tropical climate - it would be impossible though in long term if this plant is exposed to direct hot sun and rain - unlike other begonias like Cane Begonias and Martin Mystery can handle such conditions - this one however does not handle such stress.

One time ago, these begonias were considered rare and difficult to cultivate, however current begonia cultivators and breeders had managed to acclimatized these and made them possible for many collectors to own and enjoy growing them in having many other varieties of this Masoniana Begonia Types.

Begonia Common Names and Images

Do click on the Link Above ☝

Here is the link where I had put together a list of all the begonias that I had come across. A database of all the different types & their characteristics. Please click on the link on the title above for the post.