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Begonia Tiger Kitten
Begonia Tiger Kitten
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Begonia ‘Tiger Kitten’: A Tiny Plant with Big Personality
A Complete, Very Easy-to-Follow Care Guide for This Adorable Rhizomatous Begonia
Small in size but mighty in charm, Begonia ‘Tiger Kitten’ is a true collector’s treasure. With its playful name, compact form, and bold leaf patterning, this rhizomatous begonia brings a touch of the jungle to your shelf—without taking up much space. It’s perfect for small pots, terrariums, or tucked among your bigger begonias as the quirky little star of the show.
Don’t let its tiny size fool you—this kitten packs a visual punch.
What Makes Begonia ‘Tiger Kitten’ So Special?
It’s all about the striking foliage in a bite-sized package.
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Leaf Pattern: Olive green leaves with bold dark brown or black tiger-like stripes radiating from the center.
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Leaf Shape: Round to oval, slightly cupped, and edged with soft serrations.
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Size: Compact and low-growing, usually under 6 inches tall—ideal for tight spaces and terrariums.
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Texture: Fuzzy, velvety leaves that shimmer subtly in the light.
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Growth Habit: Spreads slowly via rhizomes, forming a tidy, creeping mat.
It’s cute, unique, and makes a perfect accent plant with a jungle vibe.
Light: Bright Indirect Is Just Right
Begonia ‘Tiger Kitten’ prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its color and keep its growth compact.
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Indoors: Set it near an east-facing window or a few feet away from bright, filtered light.
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Outdoors: Only in full shade—direct sun will scorch the leaves.
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Terrarium or cabinet: It thrives with controlled light under grow lights or filtered glass.
Too much light can wash out the stripes. Too little light causes leggy growth and dull color.
Watering: Keep It Light and Consistent
Tiny leaves = tiny roots. That means you’ll want to water carefully and regularly.
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Water when the top ½ inch of soil is dry.
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Always use well-draining soil in a pot with drainage holes.
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Avoid letting it sit in water or dry out completely.
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Water the soil directly—avoid splashing the fuzzy leaves, which can lead to spotting.
Think of it like caring for a kitten—gentle, attentive, and just enough.
Humidity: Yes, Please!
This little begonia comes from humid environments and does best with 50–70% humidity.
Here’s how to keep it happy:
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Terrariums or glass cabinets are perfect habitats.
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Use a humidifier in dry homes.
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Place the pot on a tray of pebbles with water below the pot.
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Mist lightly in the morning (but avoid soaking the leaves).
Dry air will cause crispy leaf edges and slow growth.
Soil: Soft, Airy, and Moisture-Holding
Give it a home that breathes. The best soil mix for ‘Tiger Kitten’ is:
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1 part coco coir or peat moss
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1 part perlite or pumice
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1 part high-quality potting mix
Or use a begonia or African violet mix, which balances drainage and moisture retention well.
Feeding: A Little Goes a Long Way
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
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Do not fertilize in fall or winter, when growth slows.
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Avoid overfeeding—this little guy doesn’t need much to thrive.
Proper nutrition helps keep leaf patterns bold and supports new growth.
Temperature: Keep It Warm and Cozy
This kitten doesn’t like the cold. Ideal temperatures are 60–75°F.
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Never expose it to temperatures below 55°F.
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Keep away from cold drafts or heat vents.
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If growing outdoors in warm months, bring it in well before the first fall chill.
Warm and steady wins the race for this compact climber.
Grooming and Care
This is a tidy plant, but regular care helps it look its best.
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Remove any old or yellowing leaves.
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Keep an eye on rhizome spread—it may gently spill over a small pot.
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Wipe the pot and nearby surfaces clean to prevent mold or fungus in humid conditions.
Its small size makes care easy and satisfying.
Propagation: Easy and Fun
Want more ‘Tiger Kittens’? Propagation is simple through rhizome division or leaf cuttings.
Rhizome method:
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Carefully cut a piece of the creeping rhizome with 1–2 leaves attached.
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Plant it in moist soil.
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Keep it warm and humid until it starts to root and grow.
You can also root a healthy leaf by pressing the petiole (stem) into soil or laying the leaf flat with vein cuts.
Common Issues
Even this easygoing plant has a few sensitivities:
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Powdery mildew – Improve airflow and avoid wetting leaves.
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Spider mites – Watch for speckled leaves and webbing; treat early with neem oil.
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Root rot – Caused by overwatering or heavy soil. Always use well-draining mix.
With good care and observation, you’ll keep your kitten happy and healthy.
Styling Tips: Let It Play and Prowl
This plant is ideal for:
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Mini pots on desks or windowsills
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Terrarium scenes with moss, ferns, and stones
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Understory placement in larger begonia collections
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Cabinet or cloche displays where humidity can be maintained
Pair it with other small or slow-growing plants like jewel orchids, baby ferns, or pileas.
Why You’ll Love Begonia ‘Tiger Kitten’
It’s compact, colorful, and full of charm. Perfect for small spaces or collectors who love the quirky side of begonias.
You’ll love it because:
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It has a bold, stripy personality in a petite form
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It’s low maintenance once you learn its rhythm
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It’s ideal for terrariums, cabinets, and small pots
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It adds a touch of the exotic jungle to any shelf
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It’s fun to grow, propagate, and show off
Ready to add a little attitude and a lot of style to your begonia collection? Begonia ‘Tiger Kitten’ is playful, beautiful, and purr-fect for plant lovers of all kinds.
