Nettle-Leaved Begonia
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(Begonia urticae)
Nettle-Leaved Begonia (Begonia urticae)
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Nolan Exe
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Nolan Exe
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nolan Exe | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nolan Exe | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2022-01-12T19:34:06-08:00 |
Summary
Begonia urticae, commonly known as Nettle-leaved Begonia, is a perennial herb native to the understory of tropical rainforests in Central and South America. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, typically reaching 1.5-2 feet (0.46-0.6 meters) in height and 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters) in width. The plant is characterized by its asymmetrical, heart-shaped leaves that resemble those of a nettle, and its clusters of pink flowers that are quite showy and bloom predominantly in the summer months.
Nettle-leaved Begonia is valued for its ornamental foliage and flowers, which add a tropical flair to shaded garden areas. It is commonly used in container plantings, as a houseplant, and in shaded border areas where its flowers can be appreciated up close. This Begonia requires consistently moist, well-draining soil, preferably a loamy or sandy mix, and thrives in part shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun. It is sensitive to overwatering and root rot, so proper soil drainage is crucial. While it is not typically prone to serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for signs of distress.CC BY-SA 4.0
Nettle-leaved Begonia is valued for its ornamental foliage and flowers, which add a tropical flair to shaded garden areas. It is commonly used in container plantings, as a houseplant, and in shaded border areas where its flowers can be appreciated up close. This Begonia requires consistently moist, well-draining soil, preferably a loamy or sandy mix, and thrives in part shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun. It is sensitive to overwatering and root rot, so proper soil drainage is crucial. While it is not typically prone to serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for signs of distress.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Understory of tropical rainforests in Central and South America
Other Names
Common Names: Nettle-leaved Begonia
Scientific Names: Begonia urticae, Begonia antioquensis, Begonia antioquensis, Begonia chiriquensis, Begonia coccinea, Begonia coccinea, Begonia columnaris, Begonia columnaris var. glabra, Begonia cucullata, Begonia cucullata
GBIF Accepted Name: Begonia urticae