Begonia aconitifolia 'Variegata'
Variegated Cane Begonia
UK price
£25 to £80
Estimate
Price by size
- Sold, 90 days
- 0
- Middle half
- -
- Last sold
- -
- On record
- 0
Cutting/cormNone
7cmNone
12cmNone
MatureNone
- Sale
- Typical
- Middle half
- Estimate
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes the prices we show.
About Begonia aconitifolia 'Variegata'
Begonia aconitifolia 'Variegata' is a cultivated selection derived from the Brazilian cane begonia Begonia aconitifolia A.DC., selected and maintained in cultivation for its irregular variegation. The base species is a tall, bamboo-stemmed cane begonia from Brazil with deeply palmately lobed leaves; the 'Variegata' form overlays this architecture with an irregular marbling from cream through to pale yellow against the base green, with each leaf and each flush of new growth showing distinct variation in pattern and intensity. The upright bamboo-like segmented stems remain a structural feature, and the deeply lobed, serrated leaf margin adds further textural interest. A plant in full growth with newly emerging, more brightly variegated foliage alongside older settled leaves is a genuinely attractive specimen.
Native range
Cultivated selection (derived from Begonia aconitifolia, native to Brazil)
Classification
- Genus
- Begonia
- Family
- Begoniaceae
- Type
- Variegated
- Growth habit
- Upright cane, bamboo-like
- Form of
- Begonia aconitifolia
Morphology
- Leaf shape
- Deeply palmately lobed with long pointed lobes and serrated margins
- Leaf length
- 15-30 cm
- Leaf width
- 15-30 cm
- Petiole colour
- Reddish-green
- Venation
- Palmate, prominent on leaf surface
- Texture
- Semi-glossy, moderately thin
- Variegation
- Irregular cream to pale-yellow marbling against green, variable between leaves
- Growth habit
- Tall, upright branching canes with distinct segmented nodes
Recent UK sales
No UK eBay sales recorded for this plant yet.
For sale in the UK
Before you buy
- Check for powdery mildew (a white dusty coating on leaf surfaces, especially in dry conditions); it spreads rapidly between plants
- Inspect for mealybugs at leaf axils and the underside of stems where they hide in white cottony deposits
- Rhizome begonias should show firm, healthy rhizome tissue; avoid plants with soft, discoloured rhizomes
- Most begonias ship well as leaf cuttings; if buying a cutting, ensure it has a healthy petiole and no signs of rot at the cut end
Begonia aconitifolia 'Variegata' care
- Substrate
- Light, well-draining mix: 50% perlite, 30% potting compost, 20% orchid bark. Begonias are susceptible to root rot, so excellent drainage is essential.
- Watering
- Allow the top half of the substrate to dry between waterings. Water at the base; wet leaves invite fungal problems. Reduce in winter.
- Humidity
- 50–70%. More tolerant of average indoor humidity than tropical aroids, but consistent moisture prevents crispy leaf margins.
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertiliser at quarter strength every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Do not feed in winter.
- Repotting
- Every 12–18 months in spring. Begonias like shallow, wide pots that suit rhizomatous growth. Don't bury the rhizome.
Common problems
Powdery mildew
Cause: Poor air circulation combined with high humidity
Fix: Improve airflow; avoid wetting leaves; treat with a dilute bicarbonate of soda spray
Botrytis (grey mould)
Cause: Overwatering, dead leaves left on plant, poor air circulation
Fix: Remove dead foliage promptly; increase airflow; reduce watering
Leggy stems
Cause: Insufficient light
Fix: Move to a brighter position; begonias need good indirect light to maintain compact growth
Gear for this plant
- Natural Rooting Powder, 3 x 75gRooting hormone powder for stem and leaf cuttings.
- Precision Bonsai Pruning Scissors, 200mmFine-bladed snips for clean node cuts when taking a cutting.
- Humidity Dome, Heavy-Duty Germination KitVented propagation dome for holding humidity around fresh cuttings.
- Digital Hygrometer & ThermometerLCD humidity and temperature gauge for checking a grow spot against a plant's target range.
How to propagate Begonia aconitifolia 'Variegata'
- Methods
- Leaf cutting, Stem cutting, Rhizome division. Step-by-step guide
- Difficulty
- Easy. Forgiving of missed waterings, average home humidity, and imperfect light. A solid pick for beginners or low-fuss collections.
- Time to establish
- 3-5 months
- True from cuttings
- Yes. Cuttings keep the cultivar's character.
- Notes
- Most rhizomatous begonias root readily from leaf sections or petiole cuttings placed on moist substrate. Keep warm and humid until plantlets emerge at leaf margins.