B. sizemoreae | Photo: Steve’s Leaves
MEMBER NAME: In Search of Small Things, Pacific Northwest
SPECIES NAME: Begonia sizemoreae, renamed B. longiciliata
[1] SHADE, SEMI-SHADE, SUN, TERRARIUM, FLUORESCENT LIGHTS
I have grown this species primarily in terrarium conditions, under LED lights of 1800 lumens, but also recently in open air hydroponically. After an initial crisping of the leaf edges, 3 months have gone by and it has started to put out new growth, while maintaining old leaves. It sits in a west facing window.
[2] TYPE OF GROWING MEDIUM USED
Happy Frog potting soil with about 1/3 perlite and 10% coco fiber, 10% turface. In the future I’d like to add small amounts of lime chips as a recent trip to the Amazon Spheres revealed some wonderfully grown plants on limestone chips.
[3] TYPE OF FERTILIZER AND FREQUENCY OF FEEDING
1/8-1/4 urea-free orchid fertilizer applied once a month.
[4] MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS AND METHOD OF SUPPLYING APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF WATER
In a terrarium, it is tolerant of drying out between waterings but should not be left to dry out for long (1 day is sufficient) as it is not especially tolerant to lack of water. Grown in the open air the soil should ideally not be left to dry out entirely, as the leaves are especially delicate when newly emerging and will quickly turn crispy.
[5] PEST PROBLEMS AND HOW YOU TREATED THESE
No pests thus far.
[6] NOTE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF SETTING SEEDS AND GROWING SEEDS OF YOUR SPECIES
None, but this species flowers readily.
[7] NOTE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION
It propagates easily from whole leaves or leaf sections. Ideally, one newer leaf would be used, with about .75 inch stem, planted directly into the above potting mix. Success rate is near 100% this way, provided humidity is high and temps stay in the 70’s.
B. sizemoreae | Photo: Anthony Pinto
