Description

This new Begonia species is called Jiew-Hoe’s Begonia. The botanical name is Begonia jiewhoei. It was described by botanist Ruth Kiew and named after Tan Jiew-Hoe, patron of plant taxomony and botanical exploration who resides in Singapore.

It is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia and grows on vertical limestone cliffs. It will grow up a support or trail on the ground or hang from a hanging basket. The leaves are oval shaped, a deep emerald green with large silver spots between the veins. The back of the leaf is red.

The flowers are white to light pink. This remarkable species is rare in its native habitat.  It requires a high humidity and is usually grown in a terrarium or humid greenhouse. Althought in grows on limestone in it’s native habitat, it also grows well in our regular tropical plant potting mix or a sphagnum perlite mix. 4 parts sphagnum, 1 part perlite.

Care of Begonia jiewhoei:

• Bright, indirect light
• 55 to 95 degrees
• Humidity 70-90%
• 15 to 18 inches tall
• Water when soil has become fairly dry

• Family: Begoniaceae

  This plant is shipped in a 3.5 – 4 inch pot.