Full Specimen Plate
Begonia sizemoreae
Sizemore's Begonia
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Pricing Data Key
Community price estimate based on limited sales history
Market Analysis
Begonia sizemoreae 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 sizemoreae Morphology
About Begonia sizemoreae
Begonia sizemoreae, described by Kiew, is a compact rhizomatous species from the humid limestone-associated forest of Vietnam — growing in deep shade with high humidity on moist, humus-rich substrate among rocks and leaf litter in the sheltered understory. The leaves are velvety and asymmetrical, each bearing a distinctly silvery central zone fading to darker margins and rich red undersides — a bicolour effect that is intrinsic to the species and produces a leaf face of considerable ornamental interest. The plant creeps by a surface rhizome and produces handsome clumps of foliage on red petioles well suited to the conditions of a humid understory cabinet or enclosed terrarium. As a Vietnamese limestone begonia from the same tradition as ningmingensis, sizemoreae represents the quieter end of the collector begonia spectrum — beautiful but rarely the first species discussed, which means it is more obtainable than its quality deserves.
Native Range
Vietnam
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Begonia sizemoreae
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 sizemoreae Care Guide & Growing Conditions
Light, well-draining mix: 50% perlite, 30% potting compost, 20% orchid bark. Begonias are susceptible to root rot — 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
Limestone Vietnam
From limestone-associated forest in Vietnam, Begonia sizemoreae is one of the Vietnamese begonias that has filtered into specialist cultivation in the UK through the same routes that brought Guangxi species to wider attention — botanical surveys, specialist nurseries, collector networks. Limited natural range, genuine rarity in cultivation, and the specific cultural requirements of a limestone cliff begonia. Upper middle tier pricing that reflects the specialist nature of the plant. Worth having but not as a first begonia; requires specific substrate and humidity management.
