Full Specimen Plate
Begonia luxurians
Palm Leaf Begonia
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Begonia luxurians Price Guide & Auction Value
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Before You Buy
Species-specific things to check when evaluating a listing
- 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 luxurians Morphology
About Begonia luxurians
Begonia luxurians, described by Scheidweiler, is a tall cane begonia from the humid Atlantic Forest regions of Brazil, growing in warm, shaded to bright filtered conditions on organic-rich forest substrates with consistently moist soil and high atmospheric humidity. The plant is identifiable by its palm-like silhouette: bamboo-like segmented canes carry leaves composed of many narrow leaflets arranged palmately and radiating outward from the petiole end, forming a light crown unlike any other begonia's foliage structure. Growing to considerable height as a cane begonia, luxurians is a specimen plant rather than a compact windowsill subject, and suits bright conservatories and large indoor plantings better than a small pot.
Native Range
Brazil
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Begonia luxurians
3-5 months
Cultivar character is preserved through vegetative cuttings
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.
Care Guide
Begonia luxurians Care Guide & Growing Conditions
Light, well-draining mix: 50% perlite, 30% potting compost, 20% orchid bark. Begonias are susceptible to root rot, so excellent drainage is essential.
Allow the top half of the substrate to dry between waterings. Water at the base; wet leaves invite fungal problems. Reduce in winter.
50–70%. More tolerant of average indoor humidity than tropical aroids, but consistent moisture prevents crispy leaf margins.
Balanced liquid fertiliser at quarter strength every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Do not feed in winter.
Every 12–18 months in spring. Begonias like shallow, wide pots that suit rhizomatous growth. Don't bury the rhizome.
Common Problems
Powdery mildew
Poor air circulation combined with high humidity
Improve airflow; avoid wetting leaves; treat with a dilute bicarbonate of soda spray
Botrytis (grey mould)
Overwatering, dead leaves left on plant, poor air circulation
Remove dead foliage promptly; increase airflow; reduce watering
Leggy stems
Insufficient light
Move to a brighter position; begonias need good indirect light to maintain compact growth
The Palm That Isn't
The palm begonia: Begonia luxurians produces leaves divided into multiple narrow leaflets arranged palmately, looking more like a tropical Schefflera or a young palm than any recognisable begonia. From humid Atlantic Forest in Brazil; described by Scheidweiler in 1837. Grows as a shrubby plant that can become quite large if you let it, which is an unusual thing to say about a begonia. Somewhat easier than the Bornean and Guangxi limestone specialists. Costs almost nothing and looks genuinely peculiar in an interesting way. Recommended for anyone who has run out of interesting things to grow in floor pot position.
