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Begonia listada

Begonia listada

$19.99 USD
$19.99 USD
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Begonia listada: A Velvet Jewel with a Neon Stripe
A Complete, Very Easy-to-Follow Growing and Care Guide for This Elegant Foliage Favorite

If you’re searching for a begonia with pure visual magic, Begonia listada might just be the crown jewel of your collection. This compact species begonia, native to Brazil, features plush, velvety leaves in deep forest green, accented by a brilliant neon green stripe running down the center. Add in a rich burgundy underside, and you’ve got a plant that looks like it belongs in a rainforest museum.

Best of all? It’s surprisingly easy to grow indoors with the right care—and makes a lasting impression without taking up much space.

What Makes Begonia listada So Special?

This is not your average green plant. Begonia listada is all about texture, contrast, and elegance.

Here’s what makes it unforgettable:

  • Leaf Color: Deep green, almost black topsides with a bold lime-green stripe down the midrib. The undersides glow with a warm burgundy or red flush.

  • Texture: Velvety, soft leaves that catch the light and shimmer slightly.

  • Size: Compact—typically 8 to 12 inches tall and wide.

  • Form: Rounded, slightly cupped leaves on short stems form a tidy, low-growing mound.

It’s perfect for small pots, shaded shelves, or a tropical plant nook with refined taste.

Light: Bright, Indirect Light for the Best Color

Begonia listada thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its deep colors and signature stripe.

  • Indoors: Place near an east-facing window or in a bright room with filtered light.

  • Outdoors: Only in full shade—direct sun will scorch the delicate velvet leaves.

Low light will cause the stripe to fade and growth to slow. Keep it bright but gentle.

Watering: Moist, Never Soggy

This begonia likes its soil consistently moist but well-drained.

  • Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

  • Always use a pot with drainage holes.

  • Water at the base to avoid spotting the leaves.

  • In winter, reduce watering slightly, but never let it dry out completely.

Soft, droopy stems can mean overwatering, while crisping edges signal the need for more moisture.

Humidity: Loves a Moist, Tropical Feel

Begonia listada thrives in 50–70% humidity. It is a true rainforest native and responds beautifully to moist air.

How to help it thrive:

  • Use a humidifier, especially during dry seasons.

  • Place on a pebble tray with water (without submerging the pot).

  • Grow in a terrarium or glass-front cabinet for ideal humidity control.

  • Mist gently, but don’t drench the leaves.

Low humidity causes brown edges and a loss of velvet texture. Moist air keeps the plant plush and happy.

Soil: Light, Rich, and Well-Draining

Roots need a breathable mix that holds moisture without staying wet.

Recommended blend:

  • 1 part coco coir or peat moss

  • 1 part perlite or pumice

  • 1 part light potting soil

Or use a begonia or African violet mix that’s designed for moisture-loving but airy root systems.

Feeding: A Gentle Monthly Boost

Feed Begonia listada once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

  • Stop feeding in fall and winter as growth slows.

  • Avoid overfeeding—it can burn the roots or cause weak growth.

Light, regular feeding keeps the leaves lush and encourages healthy root development.

Temperature: Warm and Cozy Is Key

Ideal temperature range: 60–75°F (16–24°C).

  • Keep away from cold drafts, air conditioners, or hot air vents.

  • Never expose to temperatures below 55°F.

  • If grown outdoors in warm weather, bring it inside before fall chills set in.

It likes the same conditions you do—warm, stable, and a little humid.

Pruning and Maintenance

Begonia listada is naturally tidy, but gentle care helps it shine.

  • Remove old or damaged leaves as needed.

  • Pinch off flower stems if you prefer to keep the focus on foliage.

  • Clean leaves occasionally with a soft cloth or a gentle mist and pat dry.

Its blooms are small and pink, but most growers grow this one for the foliage alone.

Propagation: Easy and Fun

You can propagate Begonia listada using stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Stem method:

  1. Take a 3–4 inch stem with at least one node.

  2. Place it in moist soil or water.

  3. Keep warm and humid until roots develop (usually in 2–3 weeks).

Leaf method: Use mature leaves and root in moist soil using a humidity dome for best results.

Common Issues

Like most begonias, Begonia listada has a few sensitivities:

  • Powdery mildew – Provide airflow and avoid wetting the leaves.

  • Root rot – Caused by overwatering. Use breathable soil and pots.

  • Spider mites or mealybugs – Keep humidity high and treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Regular observation and consistent care are your best defenses.

Styling Ideas: Show Off That Stripe

Begonia listada looks best when it’s allowed to shine.

Try this:

  • Place in a matte black or neutral ceramic pot to contrast with the velvet and stripe.

  • Use as a centerpiece on a plant shelf or windowsill where the light will catch the sheen.

  • Pair with silver, lime-green, or burgundy plants for a tropical foliage palette.

  • Grow in a terrarium or glass display case alongside ferns and mosses for a curated botanical look.

Its compact size and unique colors make it a perfect accent in any setting.

Why You’ll Love Begonia listada

This begonia is quietly stunning, endlessly touchable, and wonderfully easy to care for once you find its rhythm.

You’ll love it because:

  • It offers rich color and velvety texture all year

  • It’s compact and perfect for small spaces or terrariums

  • It brings a touch of the rainforest indoors

  • It’s easy to propagate and share

  • It creates an instant feeling of elegance and calm

If you're ready to add a touch of tropical elegance and texture to your collection, Begonia listada is a soft-spoken showstopper that won’t disappoint.

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