Begonia ferox is one of the members of the massive Begoniaceae family. It is quite famous for its different appearance and can be kept both indoors and outdoors. This plant does not require much care or maintenance. Its leaves attract much attention from its keepers as they have different patterns and raised portions on them as well.
Begonia ferox keepers have named it the fierce begonia. This name refers to the fierce patterns on the leaves which resemble teeth. It just seems to be a fierce plant upon looking but it’s a soft plant to touch. There is nothing fierce about it except for its look. If you’re still with us you might like to read further about its care and maintenance.
Begonia Ferox Origin
This unusual plant originates from Guangxi, China. The plant grows quite well in limestone rocks as it is begonia ferox natural habitat. Guangxi is filled with limestone rocks and it’s quite famous for that. Many tourists and plant lovers are attracted to this place.
Classification
Family: Begoniaceae
Genus: Begonia
Species: ferox
Genus Begonia:
It is quite a large genus of the family Begoniaceae and has about 2000 different plant species. Most plants from this genus are ornamental plants and are kept indoors. This genus was discovered by Charles Plumier and is originally from southwest China.
This genus is originally from a tropical environment and most of the plants are flowering plants. Their beautiful flowers have made this genus quite famous as ornamental plants.
Genus Begonia is largely divided into fibrous-rooted, tuberous-rooted, and rhizomatous. Generally, plants from this genus can’t survive in harsh conditions. Very dry surroundings or exposure to extreme sunlight is not good for the growth of this genus.
Features of the Begonia Ferox Plant
Size
It is approximately 40 cm in length and 1 to 2.5 cm thick. Its leaves measure about 15 to 20 cm across the width.
Leaves
Leaves of begonia ferox get a lot of attention due to their unique shape. The leaves give a fierce look to the plant. It has raised portions on it which are teeth like and black. These raised portions are called bullae and they have a strand of white hair coming out of them. A black cone is also present at the corners of the leaves after the plant is mature enough.
The color diversity in the leaves makes the plant look marvelous. The plant gives a maroon red hue from afar. If you look closely there is a green leaf with black bullae and a white strand.
This diverse color range has attracted many scientists’ attention and of plant keepers as well.
Growth rate
It is a slow grower plant of its genus. But this slow grower doesn’t require much effort and care for its proper growth. All the rooting and propagation steps are quite easy.
Begonia Ferox Care
This plant has an easy-to-care nature and is a good choice for lazy plant keepers out there. Here is a quick guide to go through and it will be sufficiently explained ahead.
Quick guide:
Water: Thrice a week
Soil: Enriched in nutrients
Humidity: Moderate humidity
Sunlight: Moderate amount of light
Fertilizer: Free of urea, orchid fertilizer
Now we shall explain it in complete detail.
Water Requirements
Water your begonia ferox about 3 to 4 times a week. While watering you need to keep in mind that it is a tropical plant and needs a specific surrounding. If the temperature is too high you might want to water it some more that day. If you don’t water it on that day, your plant might wilt.
You should be aware of the fact that you can put water onto this plant as well. But as it is succulent excess water from the leaves should be removed just after watering. If that excess water stays on the leaves it will destroy your plant and it can die as well.
Sunlight Requirements
A moderate amount of light is required for the proper health and growth of this plant. Any exposure to direct sunlight can be deadly. You should be careful while putting this plant outside. Make sure direct sunlight doesn’t hit its leaves. Otherwise, the leaves will burn and the plant can die.
While placing the ferox begonia plant inside, do not keep it in the window. Always try to choose a place where direct sunlight doesn’t reach.
It grows very well in filtered light. If you live in areas where you don’t have any light entering your space you can still have this plant. You’ll need an 1800 lumens bulb and it’ll do the trick.
Humidity Requirements
As it is a tropical plant it requires a humid environment to survive and grow. About 85 to 95% humidity is perfect for this plant. If you are not sure about the humidity of your home or living space you can have a humidity monitor. Very dry surroundings are not good for this plant’s optimal growth and development.
If the humidity monitor shows low humidity in your area there are one or two things you can do to make it survive. For starters, you can use a pebble water tray under this plant. This will increase the humidity. Otherwise, you can always have a humidifier installed in your home for this plant to grow properly.
Fertilizer Requirements
The urea-free, orchid fertilizer is the best choice for the begonia ferox plant. It is urea-free and is great for the optimal growth of this plant. You need to use it about once in thirty days. Sphagnum moss is also a great nutrient for the soil as it will enhance the plant’s rooting property.
Soil Requirements
The soil for this plant needs to be enriched in nutrients so that the plant’s requirements are fulfilled. As already mentioned this plant grows in limestones but you can’t go to China or bring limestone to your home. So for making the perfect soil mixture the three most important nutrients are perlite, surface, and Coco fibre.
These three are very essential nutrients and it’s quite difficult for the begonia ferox to survive without them. Their percentages in the soil should be in the ratio 33:10:10.
This method of mixing nutrients and making the right type of soil is known as the terrarium culture. It helps the plant and its leaves to grow to their maximum extent. If the nutrients in the soil are deficient it will affect the plant’s growth process.
Pruning Requirements
You need to look after your plant and keep an eye on dry leaves. If you see any leaf changing color or texture pluck it out with soft hands. Keep your plant in shape and prune it regularly.
Repotting Requirements
For repotting of this plant you need to be vigilant enough to make the soil mixture as required. If you think your plant has overgrown its pot you can re-pot it but it is mostly not needed as it’s a slow grower.
Tip for Begonia Ferox Growers
Excessive damping the plant is a big no. It will just make your plant die eventually. You need to be very vigilant in this matter and only water the plant If the potting soil is completely dry. If the soil is still damp from the previous watering you don’t need to water it. Wait for it to dry and then you can proceed.
Excessive watering and not watering at the right time both can make your plant die. All your efforts go down in vain. So to avoid this mishap you need to be careful with the watering part as it’s a bit tricky.
Propagation of Begonia Ferox
Its Propagation is also a very simple process. It is explained stepwise ahead,
- First of taking sterile scissors, gloves, and a pot with soil in it,
- The key point here is the right kind of soil mixture is needed,
- Now wear gloves for personal safety and cut a part of a healthy leaf,
- Now put this leaf cutting into the pot with the soil,
- Make sure the fleshy part of the leaf faces the soil,
- Now water it moderately and place it in indirect light.
The Star Factor About Begonia Ferox
The most important factor is that it’s a herbaceous plant. It’s helpful to cure many diseases as asthma, rheumatic arthritis, common cold, and some stomach issues. This plant is fermented to help people with these diseases.
It contains many useful substances such as vitamin C, oxalic acid, and carbolic acid. It is also found to protect the liver from diseases.
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Summary
The beautiful begonia ferox of the genus Begonia is a great choice for indoors and outdoors. It’s a rhizomatous type of plant and can live up to many years if taken care of.
Its non-flowering nature can be ignored as the leaves play the game in this plant. Its beautifully patterned and colorful leaves are quite eye-catching and they add to the aesthetic of your home.
Other than this, its herbal and medicinal properties are becoming famous day by day. It’s quite useful for asthma and rheumatic arthritis. Along with this, it is hepatoprotective as well.
All these are good factors but the important thing is to keep watering your plant at the right times. Humidity and watering are tricky factors but other than that it’s easy to maintain and does not require a lot of effort.
