10 -20cm Begonia Taconite House Plant 10,5 cm Pot

🌿 Begonia 'Taconite' — Rex Begonia Hybrid

Begonia 'Taconite' is a striking Rex Begonia hybrid, admired for its intensely patterned foliage and deep, metallic colouration. The leaves are asymmetrical and heart-shaped, featuring a shimmering blend of steely blue, silver, and dark purple tones, often edged in near-black. This dramatic appearance gives it a bold, gothic quality that makes it a standout in any indoor foliage collection. Like other Rex types, Begonia 'Taconite' is grown primarily for its stunning leaves rather than flowers, though it may produce small pink blooms in the right conditions. Compact and clump-forming, it thrives in warm, humid environments with soft, indirect light. It’s perfect for shaded interiors, plant displays with contrasting foliage, or grown in terrariums and conservatories. While it’s a bit more temperamental than standard bedding begonias, with the right care it can be an extraordinary feature plant for collectors and interior plant stylists alike.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Indoors: Prefers bright, indirect or filtered light.

• Too much sun: Direct light will scorch the leaves and fade their colour.

• Too little light: May result in leggy growth and duller variegation.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 18–25°C (65–77°F)

• Minimum temperature: Keep above 15°C (59°F) — sensitive to cold draughts and temperature drops.

• Humidity: Requires moderate to high humidity (50–70%). Ideal for bathrooms, terrariums, or grouped with other moisture-loving plants.

💧 Watering Needs

• Watering frequency: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top 2–3 cm to dry slightly between waterings.

• Watering tip: Avoid wetting the leaves, as excess moisture can cause spotting or mildew.

• Winter: Reduce watering slightly as growth slows.

🪴 Soil & Repotting

• Soil type: Light, free-draining mix — ideal blend includes houseplant compost with added perlite, bark, or vermiculite.

• pH: Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5)

• Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when rootbound. Avoid pots that are too large, as they retain excess moisture.

🌱 Feeding

• Growing season (spring–summer): Feed every 2–4 weeks with a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser.

• Autumn–winter: Reduce feeding to once every 6–8 weeks or stop entirely if the plant enters dormancy.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning: Pinch back leggy stems to encourage a fuller, bushier shape.

• Leaf care: Remove faded or damaged leaves promptly to prevent disease and maintain appearance.

• Airflow: Ensure good ventilation to prevent mildew and fungal issues.

🌾 Propagation

• Leaf cuttings: A very effective method. Slice a healthy leaf and press it into moist compost or root entire leaves with petioles.

• Stem cuttings: Can also be taken and rooted in moist soil or perlite.

• Ideal time: Spring or early summer for the fastest results.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Common pests: Fungus gnats, aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs — especially in dry air.

• Diseases: Prone to powdery mildew if overcrowded or kept in stagnant, moist air.

• Prevention: Good airflow, careful watering, and regular inspection are key.

• Typical issues:

  • Leaf edge crisping: Often due to low humidity or underwatering.

  • Yellowing leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

🧤 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxicity: Mildly toxic if ingested. Can cause irritation in pets and humans.

• Precaution: Keep out of reach of pets and small children.

🏡 Indoor Care Highlights

• A dramatic foliage plant perfect for collectors, shaded windowsills, or terrariums.

• Offers rich, metallic colour that complements green or silver-leaved companions.

• Best displayed in decorative pots or grouped with ferns, calatheas, and other tropicals.

• Ideal for a shaded conservatory, desk, or bathroom shelf with stable humidity.

• A beautiful challenge for more attentive plant owners seeking rare and expressive foliage.