Begonia Pavonina – Super Rare

Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing | Free Delivery

The Begonia pavonina, commonly known as the Peacock Begonia, is a truly unique and mesmerizing plant. Its claim to fame is its stunning blue, iridescent shimmer, an adaptation that allows it to capture more light in the dim forest understory of its native Malaysia. This characteristic makes it a highly sought-after plant for collectors.

While its beauty is captivating, its care can be a bit more demanding than a typical houseplant. The key to success is replicating the high-humidity, low-light environment it thrives in naturally.

Here’s a detailed care guide for your Begonia pavonina:

Light

• Low to Medium, Indirect Light: This is the most crucial factor for achieving the signature blue shimmer. The plant has evolved to absorb the few wavelengths of light that reach the forest floor. In low light conditions, its leaves form “iridoplasts,” which are modified chloroplasts that create the iridescent blue.
• Avoid Direct Sun: Direct sunlight will not only burn the leaves but will also cause the plant to lose its iridescent quality.
• Optimal Placement: A good location would be an east-facing window where it gets gentle morning light or a few feet away from a north-facing window. Many growers find success placing it in a terrarium or cloche where they can control the light and humidity.

Watering

• Keep the Soil Consistently Moist: Begonia pavonina prefers its soil to be consistently moist but never soggy. It’s a fine line to walk.
• Avoid Overwatering: Soggy soil leads to root rot, which is a common problem for this plant. Make sure the pot has excellent drainage.
• Watering Technique: Water thoroughly when the top inch or so of the soil feels dry. Some growers prefer to water from the bottom to allow the plant to soak up water as needed and avoid getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal issues.

Humidity and Temperature

• High Humidity is a Must: This plant absolutely requires high humidity to thrive, ideally between 70% and 80%. This is the primary reason why it is often grown in a terrarium, vivarium, or a specialized plant cabinet.
• Temperature: It prefers a mild, stable temperature range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Consistent warm temperatures, especially with warm nights, can be challenging. A slight temperature drop at night can actually be beneficial.
• Avoid Fluctuations: Keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating sources.

Soil and Fertilizer

• Well-Aerated, Chunky Mix: A typical potting mix is too dense for this begonia. A chunky, well-draining aroid mix is ideal.
• Ideal Soil Components: A good mix can include ingredients like sphagnum moss or coco coir, perlite, orchid bark, and a small amount of potting soil. This provides the necessary aeration for its delicate root system.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength. Over-fertilizing can easily damage the plant. Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.

Other Care Tips

• Terrarium Conditions: Many people find that the easiest way to keep Begonia pavonina happy is to grow it in a closed or semi-closed environment like a terrarium. This allows you to maintain the high humidity and stable conditions it craves.
• Air Circulation: While it loves high humidity, good air circulation is still important to prevent fungal diseases. If growing in an enclosed space, a small fan can be helpful.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites and mealybugs, which can be a problem in humid environments.
• Pruning: You can prune the plant to maintain its shape or to remove any damaged or yellowing leaves.