Begonia melanobullata

Natural range and habitat of Begonia melanobullata

Begonia melanobullata comes from northern Vietnam, where it grows in humid tropical limestone habitats.

Indoor care for Begonia melanobullata

A shallow pot with coarse, airy mix gives Begonia melanobullata the quick drainage its roots need. Water when the surface begins to dry while the mix below remains lightly moist, then let the excess drain. Repot when roots or rhizomes fill the pot or compacted mix begins to drain noticeably more slowly; established rhizome sections can be divided.

Filtered light, temperatures around 18–25 °C, high humidity and gentle airflow suit the thick bullate foliage. While new leaves are developing, use a very weak balanced fertiliser every few weeks.

Begonia melanobullata: problems and solutions

• Tissue between the dark cones becomes soft or translucent: Wet foliage and stagnant humid air can encourage bacterial or fungal damage. Remove the affected leaf with a clean tool and keep the plant separate if the damaged area is expanding. Dry new foliage and improved gentle airflow help limit further spread.
• The rhizome or roots turn dark and soft: Saturated potting mix can cause rhizome or root rot. Cut soft or dark tissue back to firm, healthy material with a clean tool, then discard the rotted material and old mix before repotting the healthy sections in coarse, airy potting mix.
• Fine stippling or distorted young leaves appear: Mites can feed beneath the foliage and on young leaves. Keep the plant separate while inspecting the textured foliage and leaf backs. A product labelled for mites on indoor ornamentals can be used if mites are present, repeated as directed.
• Dry bleached patches form on exposed high points: Strong direct sun or heat can scorch the raised leaf surface. Move Begonia melanobullata into filtered light. New foliage can then develop with its usual colour and raised texture.

Begonia melanobullata is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• The roots and rhizomes contain the highest levels of soluble oxalates, and the sap can irritate skin.
• Chewing may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting or stomach pain. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

Begonia melanobullata: name and meaning

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The name melanobullata combines Greek melas, black or dark, with Latin bullatus, blistered.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Begonia in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1056.

Ching I. Peng and Che Wei Lin first described Begonia melanobullata in 2015 in Botanical Studies (Taipei), volume 56, issue 9, page 7.