About

Begonia 'African Jungle' (R) is a tender, evergreen perennial characterized by its rhizomatous growth. It showcases a dense cluster of bright green, pointed oval foliage, featuring a central flush of dark red and accented by silvery spots and streaks. The undersides of the leaves and the stems exhibit a dark red hue. In summer, this plant produces subtle pink flowers that emerge among the leaves.

About the genus

Begonias can be found as annuals, evergreen or deciduous perennials, or shrubs. They possess fibrous, tuberous, or rhizomatous root systems. The leaves are typically asymmetrical and frequently feature distinctive patterns. Flowers can vary in size and include both male and female forms within the same cluster.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1B

Plant details

Plant type
Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Toxicity
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow under glass, in indirect light, or in frost-free environment. Mainly grown for foliage. See Begonias: houseplants for further advice.
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by leaf cuttings or sections of rhizome
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to caterpillars, mealy bugs, mites, glasshouse thrips, vine weevil and aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews, stem rot and rhizome rot