Propagation
Surface sow fresh seed during spring in a well-drained media, and maintain a temperature of 16ş to 18ş C. (61ş to 64ş F). Prick out and pot up when they are large enough to handle
Division of the rhizome during spring.


Botanic information
Leaf: The large soft leathery textured leaves are reniform to round-ovate with a cordate base and appear peltate-like. The margin is serrulate-ciliate and the greenish pubescent petiole is up to 300 mm (1 ft) long. The rounded leaves can become enormous to almost 600 mm (2 ft) wide and are a feature of the plant.

Flower: The waxy white female rotate flowers have 2-large and 2-small petals and a 3-winged ovary and the male flowers appear similar. They are arranged in an upright sparsely branched cyme that is held high above the foliage on a slender scape. They appear from a late winter to spring or sporadically throughout the year in tropical climates.

Note
Flowers are unisexual with the male flowers having 2- sepals and petals with numerous central stamens with bright yellow anthers. The female flowers have 2-5 sepals and petals that are of similar size and colour and contain a 3-sided inferior ovary with 3- styles and stigmas. Both male and female flowers are arranged in the same inflorescence.

Fruit: The small capsule opens longitudinally under the perianth segments and releases numerous fine seeds that are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.


Begoniaspecies require a temperature that is not less than 12.7şC (55şF) and placed in bright indirect light.
The soil should be allowed to dry on the surface before re-watering. Never allow the soil to become permanently wet as this will cause rot and when watering, avoid wetting the leaves.

The pot may be emersed in water and then allowed to drain. They prefer a humid environment and this may be achieved by misting the surrounding air but again avoid misting the leaves.

During the growing period liquid fertiliser every 10 to 14 days prior to flowering to promote growth. During winter reduce watering and in many cases the plant will shed leaves during this period.

Re-pot the plants during spring when they are pot bound or when the leaves lose colour.