A spectacular variety of begonia that’s guaranteed to stand out anywhere in your home, the Exotic Begonia is known for its bright red leaves. If you collect exotic begonias, you’ll be well equipped to keep this plant happy, but if this is your first you’ll want to be sure to keep the soil from drying out and keep the humidity up. This plant does well in shade or under fluorescent lights, and we recommend keeping it out of direct light to avoid bleaching or burning the leaves. Exotic Begonias are a fun addition to sunrooms, terrariums, and other bright, indirect light areas.
Plant Profile
- Scientific Name: Begonia Brevirimosa subsp. Exotica
- Common Name: Exotic Begonia
- Family: Begoniaceae
- Native Range: New Guinea
Begonia brevirimosa Care Guide
- Care Level: Advanced
- Light: Prefers medium light to shade. Keep exotic begonias out of direct sun.
- Water: Soil must be moist. Requires more frequent watering in spring and summer. Avoid overwatering
- Humidity: High, >60%
- Temperature: 67-85F
- Pruning: Prune as needed to remove brown or dead leaves and control growth.
- Feeding: Fertilize using ted liquid houseplant fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer.
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Growth: Grows upright. Leaves are usually asymmetric, extending to approximately 20 cm in length
- Pests: Subject to mealybugs and whiteflies
- Toxicity: Exotic Begonias are toxic if ingested by pets or humans
Mackenzie Howell (verified owner) –
Was super excited to get this girl as I’ve been looking for an exotica forever—unfortunately I’m disappointed with the quality of my plant. The colors are extremely muted and a far cry from the representative photo. Super bummed, as she was the most expensive plant on my order, but hoping for the best.
Linda Stagnol (verified owner) –
This plant arrived in excellent condition with no sign of leaf loss the day after arrival. This is noteworthy, since this species is notorious for traveling poorly. It may yet drop leaves, but it’s condition after arrival suggests it will bounce back and put out new leaves.