Begoniaceae
Bolivian Begonia (Begonia boliviensis)
Begonia boliviensis
Grows best in bright indirect light, rich well-draining soil kept lightly moist, and high humidity. It goes dormant in winter, when the tuber should be stored dry and cool.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
16° - 24°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Bolivian begonia?
Bolivian begonia (Begonia boliviensis) is a medium-care plant from the Begoniaceae family. Bolivian begonia is a tuberous begonia native to the Bolivian Andes, prized for its cascading orange-red tubular flowers set against dark green leaves with reddish undersides. It is a popular choice for hanging baskets and container gardens thanks to its trailing habit.
Bolivian begonia grows up to 60cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 4 days, 16°C – 24°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 8 days.
How to Care for Bolivian begonia?
TLDR: Bolivian begonia needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 16-24°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Bolivian begonia?
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch; avoid waterlogging as the tubers rot easily.
How Much Light Does Bolivian begonia Need?
Give it filtered morning sun and shelter from harsh afternoon sun; intense direct light scorches the leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Bolivian begonia?
Use a well-draining, organically rich soil mix (add perlite or sand); slightly acidic to neutral pH.
What Pot Should You Use for Bolivian begonia?
Hanging basket or well-draining container
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Bolivian begonia and Where Does It Come From?
Bolivian begonia is a tuberous begonia native to the Bolivian Andes, prized for its cascading orange-red tubular flowers set against dark green leaves with reddish undersides. It is a popular choice for hanging baskets and container gardens thanks to its trailing habit.
How to Propagate Bolivian begonia?
Stem cutting
Keep the substrate lightly moist and avoid direct sun until roots form.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem about 15 cm long, just below a leaf node
- 2 Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone
- 3 Plant in light moist potting mix or water, in bright indirect light, misting daily
Materials needed:
Tuber division
Plant with the eye facing up and keep in a warm spot until sprouting.
- 1 Remove the dormant tuber from storage in late winter
- 2 Divide with a sterilized knife, ensuring each piece has at least one eye
- 3 Let cuts callous for 24 hours before planting in moist soil
Materials needed:
How Big Does Bolivian begonia Grow?
TLDR: Bolivian begonia can reach up to 60cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Bolivian begonia?
TLDR: Bolivian begonia is susceptible to 10 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Gray Mold (Botrytis Blight)
Gray mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most common fungal diseases in plants. It affects over 200 plant species, including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, and houseplants. The disease thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation, causing grayish spots and soft rot on infected tissues.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
Meaning & Symbolism
A symbol of resilience and exotic Andean beauty, associated with harmony and attentive care.
Fun Facts
Its hanging flowers resemble small orange-red bells
It is a tuberous begonia, unlike evergreen foliage begonias
It was discovered in the Bolivian Andes, which gave the species its name
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Bolivian begonia?
Is Bolivian begonia toxic to pets?
How can I encourage more blooms?
Do I need to store the tuber in winter?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
