Ruby Begonia

Description

Begonia acetosa is aplant species in the Begoniaceae family. This rhizomatous begonia is native to Brazil. The plant is easily cultivated to form slightly hanging decorative pots. This rhizomatous plant with red stems bears very rounded leaves, with a discreet asymmetrical tip. The reverse is red. The fine white hairs which give them a hairy surface are characteristic. White flowers, male or female, appear in spring. Begonia acetosa is a fairly common one in cultivation, introduced to the United States in 1946 by Mulford B. Foster. Its spreading and drooping habit, its rounded and velvety leaves with a red stem and its white spring flowers make it a popular begonia in a decorative pot. The plant thrives in abundant light, without direct sun and in moderately moist soil and even almost dry in winter, but in a humid atmosphere. Propagation is easily done by seed. Stem or rhizome cuttings being slow to carry out.