Begonia thiemei, Macdougalii purpurea

Absolutely! Let's explore the charm, care, and growing tips for two rare and captivating species: Begonia thiemei and Begonia macdougalii 'Purpurea'. These begonias are tropical treasures—each with its own look, personality, and cultivation needs. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just diving into rare foliage, these plants are worth a spot in your growing space.

🌿 Begonia thiemei

A Cloud Forest Climber With Graceful Greenery

Begonia thiemei is a vining or scrambling begonia species native to the cloud forests of Ecuador and northern Peru. What makes it so special is its delicate, velvety green leaves and its tendency to grow upward, reaching for filtered light. This is not your average begonia. It's elegant. It's rare. And it’s a perfect fit for terrariums, plant cabinets, or bright indoor spaces with high humidity.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Climbing Habit: This begonia can be trained on a moss pole, trellis, or let loose to scramble across nearby plants.

• Velvety Leaves: Soft to the touch, with a matte finish—rich and understated.

• Rare and Collectible: A true collector’s species that isn’t easy to find in stores.

Growing Conditions:

Light:
Bright, indirect light. Too much sun and the leaves will crisp. Too little, and you’ll lose the growth momentum.

Watering:
Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water when the top 1" of soil feels dry.

Humidity:
Thrives in high humidity (60–80%). Great in terrariums or with a pebble tray.

Soil:
Use a light, airy mix—something like:

• 1 part coco coir

• 1 part perlite or pumice

• 1 part orchid bark

Temperature:
Likes warmth—65–80°F (18–27°C). Keep it away from cold drafts or vents.

Feeding:
Use a gentle, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth (spring and summer).

Styling Ideas:

• Let it twine up a mini trellis.

• Display in a hanging basket to showcase its trailing nature.

• Perfect addition to a jungle-style plant shelf.

🍷 Begonia macdougalii 'Purpurea'

Bold Purple Undersides With a Jungle Vibe

This cultivar of Begonia macdougalii, often labeled 'Purpurea', is a striking species native to Guatemala and southern Mexico. Its foliage is truly a show-stopper: bright green topsides with deeply contrasting, velvety purple undersides. The leaves are long, slightly serrated, and deeply veined—giving the whole plant a dramatic flair.

'Purpurea' refers to that brilliant purple coloring, which shows best when the plant is grown in bright indirect light.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Purple Drama: Deep plum undersides make this a must-have for color lovers.

• Tropical Shape: The leaves give off major jungle vibes.

• Vigorous Growth: With the right care, it can grow quite fast and full.

Growing Conditions:

Light:
Bright, indirect light is key to maintaining bold leaf coloration. Avoid harsh direct sun.

Watering:
Keep the soil moist but not wet. This begonia is thirsty, but it hates soggy roots.

Humidity:
It does best in high humidity—ideally 60% or more. If your home is dry, a humidifier helps.

Soil:
Well-draining and moisture-retentive mix:

• 1 part coco coir or peat

• 1 part perlite

• A handful of worm castings or compost

Temperature:
Keep it warm—65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid cold nights.

Feeding:
Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season.

Growth Habit:
Moderate to fast-growing. Can get bushy if pinched back. Try pruning it lightly to encourage fuller growth.

✨ Tips for Both Species

Whether you’re growing Begonia thiemei or Macdougalii ‘Purpurea’, here are some shared tips:

• Avoid soggy soil. Both begonias are prone to root rot if overwatered.

• Never let them dry out completely. These aren’t drought lovers.

• Provide airflow. Stagnant air encourages mildew and fungal issues.

• Clean the leaves gently with a soft brush or cloth every now and then.

• Use rainwater or filtered water if your tap water is hard—this helps avoid leaf spotting.

💡 Where to Grow Them

These rare begonias thrive in the same types of places:

• Greenhouses

• Bright plant cabinets

• Terrariums (especially B. thiemei)

• Sheltered indoor spaces with good light and humidity

They're also great companions to other humidity lovers like ferns, orchids, peperomia, and jewel orchids.

🐾 Pet Safety Note

Like most begonias, these species are toxic to pets if ingested. Keep out of reach from curious cats and dogs.

🛍️ Where to Find Them

Begonia thiemei and Begonia macdougalii 'Purpurea' are rare and mostly sold by:

• Specialty tropical plant shops

• Aroid or begonia collectors

• Online rare plant nurseries and Etsy shops

If you see one for sale—don’t wait. They tend to sell out fast.

🌱 In Closing

Begonia thiemei and Begonia macdougalii ‘Purpurea’ are perfect for plant lovers who crave something a little off the beaten path. They’re exotic, they’re eye-catching, and they bring a rich, tropical atmosphere to any space. With the right setup, both species will thrive and become proud centerpieces in your collection.