Begonia Amphioxus care Tips & Growing Guide 2023!

Begonia Amphioxus purify the air you breathe and eliminate contaminants from the air within your house. Begonia Amphioxus care can be difficult. The Amphioxus is like a baby that needs very specific conditions and will create a fuss if those conditions are not provided! However, with the right knowledge and tips, caring for this rare, exotic plant can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Read on to find out more!

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What is a Begonia Amphioxus plant?

The Begonia Amphioxus is an exotic plant with a very distinct appearance. The plant was given its name in 1990 by Martin Sands of the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, England.

Its leaves are pointed at the ends and have a jagged appearance. The leaves also have dark red spots in the middle and a bright red tinge on the curled edges.

Begonia Amphioxus is native to the Malaysian state of Sabah in Borneo. When it comes to growing conditions and other essential factors for plant growth, the Begonia Amphioxus is quite fussy.

It only thrives in a specific set of conditions and is sensitive to change. However, once the plant has settled in and adapted to the new environment, it isn’t difficult to look after.

This species of Begonia can grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 11. Since the plant belongs to a tropical species, it requires a year-round temperature between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive and grow. At temperatures lower than 50 degrees, the plant will begin losing its leaves and can die.

Another requirement for growing the Begonia Amphioxus is high humidity levels. The plant thrives in humid conditions such as enclosed terrariums.

Origin and classification

The Begonia Amphioxus was first discovered in the late 20th century and is native to the region of Sabah in Malaysia. As far as the scientific classification of the plant is concerned, the plant belongs to the Begonia genus of flowering plants. The scientific name for the family of the plant is Begoniaceae.

Features of Begonia Amphioxus

• Height: The height of the average Begonia Amphioxus is between 20 and 30cm.
• Flowers and leaves: It has wide, pointy leaves with red spots and red edges. The leaves are small and purple or white in color.
• Foliage and stem: short stems
• Evergreen: Yes, blossoms throughout the year.

Basic care of Begonia Amphioxus

Size and growth. On average, the Begonia Amphioxus can grow up to 30cm tall and 31cm wide. The rate of growth of the plant is normal.

Light requirements. The Begonia Amphioxus prefers bright indirect light or partial sunlight. Placing the plant in a shaded area when it is sunny also works fine. But exposure to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

Water requirements. When it comes to watering, this Begonia requires an average to high amount of water. The plant should ideally be watered once every two days in summers and once a week in colder temperatures.

Soil requirements. The Amphioxus thrives in rich, high-quality, and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.1 and 7.5. You can acquire a ready-made soil mixture or make one yourself using sphagnum moss and grit/sand. Adding substrate to the soil also gives good results. 

Temperature and humidity. As we mentioned before, the Amphioxus thrives well at a consistent, year-round temperature between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It also needs plenty of humidity, usually more than the humidity in most homes. To regulate the humidity inside homes, a humidifier can be used.

Drought and diseases. The Begonia Amphioxus can not tolerate drought conditions since it needs a substantial amount of water. Thrips and Mealybugs are two of the most common pests that can infect the plant.

The pests can be removed by using insecticides or soap/alcohol solutions. “Bacterial leaf spot” is a disease that can affect the Amphioxus and can be tackled with bacterial treatment.

Pruning requirements. Pruning the leaves of the Amphioxus isn’t necessary but is recommended. However, pruning and removing infected parts of the plants is something that must be done.

Fertilizing. Water-soluble fertilizers are good for the Amphioxus and fertilizing the plant once a month is recommended. Do keep in mind that over fertilizing can cause serious damage.

How to Propagate Begonia Amphioxus

• Take a stem cutting from the parent plant 
• The cutting should be about 2 to 3 inches long
• It should be inserted into the soil and the same growing conditions should be provided for it

Common Problems in Caring For Begonia Amphioxus

• The Begonia Amphioxus can be easily infected by pests such as thrips and mealybugs
• If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant’s leaves can start dropping
• Exposing the Amphioxus to direct sunlight can scorch its leaves
• Between watering sessions, if the leaves are not allowed to dry completely, they can develop fungus and leaf rot

Final thoughts

Begonia Amphioxus care isn’t difficult but there are a few things you should keep in mind when taking care of the plant. The Amphioxus is very fussy and specific when it comes to growing conditions and doesn’t adapt well to changing environments. Thank you for reading this guide and we hope you found it useful!

Frequently Asked Questions