Begonia Luzonensis - Part 2

INTRODUCTION:

Begonia Luzonensis is a rhizome species begonia from Philippines specifically from Luzon. 

There are however many different variants with these similar characteristics with this type - hence Philippines happens to have 133 unique begonias species which are endemic in their region some endangered but mostly been proposed for a conservation status. 

CHARACTERISTICS:

 When it comes to appearance, it is very much 2 toned coloration foliage plant where there are darker corrugation with the top surface in silvery green coloration. I understand this begonia is giving that perfect camouflaged with the natural surrounding - perhaps growing under canopy or thick vegetation where it is not so brightly striking like most Rex Begonias.

It also has similar characteristics like Begonia Martin Mystery, the leaf formation and plant structure also seemed to have more of a hardy characteristics in comparison to most begonias. This one have an oval shaped foliage with dark green vein appearance with silvery tones on the full foliage surface.

Propagation is fairly easy with stem cutting but to pay attention to stem rot as it can destroy the whole plant collection. However, it does fair well in comparison to other Rex Begonias - this one is quite hardy. Also is it a prolific bloomer and does produce self seeding with a 3 winged seedpods. 

Good lighting and humidity is a must to ensure the begonia to grow well and successful.

GENERAL BEGONIA PLANT CARE:

Plant Care is very similar like most Rhizome Begonia Care & Cultivation Needs. This depends in different garden or indoor conditions - its all depending on getting the right balanced conditions.

Depending on the Begonia adaptation and its ability to handle hardy conditions - if the plant is stress it may drop all it's leaves before regeneration - hence more care is required to ensure the right balance of watering and humidity verse root and stem rot. 

Medium:

Fast Draining - 1/3 Compost at the bottom layered with coconut chips and sand in between the rhizome root-ball.

Watering
Water only when the Medium is Dry

Feeding
Foliar Fertilizer - Once a Week with 1/2 Dilution Strength. 

(Depending on what works best in your garden conditions - some gardeners use chicken/goat manure, coffee based fertilizer, organic fertilizer - test out and see on a trial basis to see what works best in your garden conditions)

Light

Place in Bright, Indirect Light - Shaded from direct hot sun areas - Ideal for Balcony Plants.

Do take note that this one truly hate too much water - the leaves may also change colors, especially turning pale green and the red and burgundy coloration faded. Do take note that if this happens - most likely the plant lifespan is numbered and the eventually leaf by leaf - they start dropping and the rhizome dried up or rotting and it is too late to safe the plant or rectify the problem.

Hence - do watch out on the overwatering part - the medium too play a big part on this, especially if it purchased with cocopeat planted with it - its more likely a dooms-day time clocking by the days for it to kaput.  It is much better to take the risk to replant it to a new medium and allow the plant to grow through shock and recover and safe the plant - keeping it long term for years to go by then seeing it fall apart when the cocopeat dried up together with the root-ball.

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.