One of the members of the diverse Begoniaceae family is Begonia Ferox. It is an incredibly unique plant known for its unusual properties and appearance. Botanists find it hard to believe that this type of plant is not highly famous among people. Therefore, not everyone gets a chance to come across this beautiful plant, and we rarely get to see it around, in gardens, or indoors. Admirers of Begonia species refer to this type as “The Fierce Begonia.”
The term fierce is mainly associated due to the fiery appearance of the plant. The black cones that protrude from the leaf add to the ferociousness of the plant. The look is fiery, but Begonia Ferox is among those plants that feel good to touch.
Begonia Ferox Origin
This unusual yet beautiful plant originally hails from the land of China. Southwest areas of China, especially Guangxi, are the central hub of the Begonia family and, of course, Begonia Ferox. More than 31000 plant species have been discovered in China, and Begonia Ferox is one of them.
Key Feature of the Origin
Guangxi is a vast area, so people wonder how they would manage to locate the exact location of Begonia Ferox. Limestone is the keyword! It is in excess in these areas, and limestone rocks are Begonia’s natural habitat location. This location is found to be littered with abundant leaves that surround it. The vast diversity of other Begonia plants apart from Begonia Ferox in the limestone landscape of Guangxi attracts various tourists and plant lovers.
About Begonia Ferox
This rare species of the plant also holds the credit of growing slowly. Due to its slow growth rate, this plant is unique in its surroundings. It is famous among its keepers for the incredible leaves that have a beautiful intrinsic pattern. The raised portion of these leaves adds a unique and distinct texture to them. The rooting process of Begonia Ferox is exceptionally slower than any other species of Begonia. However, it’s growing, and the propagation process is quite effortless.
Begonia lovers see the true beauty in this plant and admire it truly for its melancholic appearance. Its stipules shred annually, and the leaves have a shape of a triangular oval. It is known to be a herbaceous plant as well.
What Does Begonia Ferox Look Like?
Begonia Ferox, as said earlier, looks fierce, but it is not. Its leaves have raised portions that resemble teeth. These teeth look sharp, but they are soft when you touch them. These raised portions are black cones, also named Bullae. These black bullae have a single strand of white hair protruding out of them as well. The combination of the black cone (it can be red at times), green leaves, and white hair look enchanting. These cones are not on the leaves since the very beginning.
They appear on the leaves after a particular time when they attain maturity and reach a specific size. When each tip with protruding hair is looked upon carefully, it appears maroon-red. However, this white strand on each tip does not stay for long and falls off eventually after a certain period. It has a rhizome of about 40 cm with 1.5 cm long internodes and a base of petioles. The sturdy leaves of Begonia Ferox are its main highlight. These leaves are quite prominent for the genus.
Does Begonia Ferox Share a Resemblance to Other Plants?
Yes! Begonia Ferox shares an uncanny resemblance with Begonia Melanobullata. This resemblance is seen after their maturation. The sturdy leaves of Begonia Ferox make it similar to Begonia Nahangensis. It is distinguished by its ovate and cretaceous leaves that have an acuminate apex. There aren’t any exceeding petioles. The prominent bullate leaves of Begonia Ferox make it’s different from all other types of its colossal family.
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Begonia Ferox Care
Begonia Ferox grows efficiently in soil that is enriched in moisture. A moderate amount of light is needed by this plant to sustain. The presence of particularly natural sunlight is not necessary for this plant. It can be grown under LED light of 1800 lumens.
Humidity
Begonia Ferox is well-adapted to the areas where the humidity percentage is around 75-95%. You can check the humidity to avoid any mishap with the plant by using an indoor humidity monitor. Keeping track of air dryness is a great idea!
In Case of Low Humidity
If your plant is experiencing less humidity that can prove to be fatal for it, you can always install a humidifier in your house. Place this device near them, or you can use a pebble tray filled with water. These steps will keep a check on conditions that ensure the better health of the plant.
Begonia Ferox Fertilizer
It is advised to use a range of one-fourth to one-eighth orchid fertilizer for Begonia Ferox. Orchid fertilizer should be free of urea, and it is recommended that for a healthy plant, one must add it once in thirty days. When sphagnum moss is added in the soil, it helps in the rooting of the plant.
Water Requirement
Begonia Ferox often dries between watering, and during high humidity days, it is most likely to wilt and die. It is recommended to water this plant directly for its better health. Begonia Ferox has a succulent nature that does not prefer standing water on its leaves. It needs to be ensured that water does not stay on the surface for long. Otherwise, a case of excess dampness occurs, and it results in severe rotting of leaves and stems. The water penetrates and completely ruins the plant.
Sunlight Requirements
Begonia Ferox keepers often question the sunlight requirement of this plant. As it is an indoor plant, this suggests that too much sunlight is not needed to stay alive. You can either use 1800 lumens or if the plant is under direct sunlight make sure it is not receiving an excessive amount of sunlight that could burn the leaves. Filter the sunlight in some way or place your plant a little away from the window sill. A somewhat shady place for Begonia is preferred where sunlight can reach as well but not in extremely excessive amounts.
Sign of Excessive Dampness
The first significant sign of excessive dampness is that it begins to rot the leaves and splitting of the plant tissues that reside inside of the stem. This splitting occurs in various directions. Once this phenomenon starts, it is difficult to stop; thus, the water intake of Begona Ferox must be checked cautiously. It is crucial that before watering the plant, you make sure whether they need the water or not? Remember, too much water will kill the plant eventually, but its drying up is fatal as well. You can check whether it needs water or not by examining the soil. Use your bare finger and feel the texture of the soil. If it is damp, let it dry and water the plant later on.
A soil moisture gauge is a useful tool for those who find the above method troublesome. This gauge is a lifesaver for you and the plant.
Grow Begonia Forex at Home
Growing Begonia Forex at home without any hassle and effortlessly is simple and easy. All you need is a small pot and some good advice with charged-up responsibility instincts. Take 1800 lumens of LED light to provide the required energy to plant if you intend to keep it indoors. Don’t forget to keep a happy frog potting soil with you. The soil needs to contain three main and most essential ingredients. Coco Fiber, Perlite, and Turface are significant for their growth. They need to be added to the percentage of 10:33:10 each. This is an ideal growing medium for this plant without having to go to China or bring its limestone landscape to your place. This is known terrarium culture that is known to have helped Begonia to grow in a pot with leaves having a 16″ diameter.
Uses of Begonia Ferox
As mentioned earlier, it is a herbaceous plant. The entire Begonia family is immensely popular for its herbs. We can use its fermented form to treat various diseases and illnesses such as:
- Cold
- Bronchitis
- Burns
- Candidiasis
- Digestive Diseases
This plant has anti-inflammatory qualities in addition to different useful nutrients like:
- Vitamin C
- Carbolic Acid
- Oxalic Acid
- Alkaloids
It is effective for:
- Antidysentery
- Hemostatic
- Hepatoprotective
Effective Combination:
It has a combination of three flowers, such as chrysanthemums, dandelion, and Japanese Honeysuckle.
Winter Recommendations
It is preferable to keep your begonia ferox inside during winters. If the plant is taken care of, the beauty of these plants can be enjoyed throughout the year. Extreme winter seasons and especially if it snows in your area, it can make the plant suffer, and it will be damaged and die very soon.
Begonia Ferox FAQs
Is Begonia Ferox Grandma’s Favorite?
Not really! But they all don’t hate it either. Begonias, in general, are known to be every grandma’s favorite. The entire species has been a household famous for its qualities and hassle-free maintenance. Begonia Ferox is known to be that savage species that might not be grandmother’s favorite, but its ferociousness is popular among plant admirers. Due to its slow-growing properties, it is less favorite among people. As the leaves often break, it takes a lot of time for them to become a large plant.
How to Get Your Hands on Begonia Ferox?
You are not going to China to buy it! It is readily available in nurseries, but in case you can’t find it there, various online stores are shipping Begonia Ferox at an affordable rate. Google it, place your order, and spend quality time with your favorite plant. It is delivered within three days, immersed in sweet soil, and wrapped well with sphagnum moss, plastic, and paper to avoid any severe damage.
What Does Begonia Ferox Taste Like?
The raw form must be atrocious, but when extracted, it tastes sweet and acrid.
When Should We Not Use Begonia Ferox?
Begonia Ferox is naturally a cool plant, but you must be cautious before using it if you do not have any prior kidney problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Does Begonia Ferox Cure Diseases?
Begonia helps to cure various diseases. Cold and stomach diseases, rheumatic arthritis, and asthma can be treated with this perennial plant. It can also be used as a liver tonic and treat cancer patients.
Is the Slow Growth of Begonia Ferox a Bad Thing?
It is not if you think about this with an optimistic perspective. Begonia Ferox is more likely to be placed inside our homes. In that case, it is recommended to have a small plant inside your house that won’t create a huge mess. Otherwise, you will be under constant pressure to cut it, clean the area, and worry about placing and finding a big enough space in the house.
What is Fussy About Begonia Ferox?
The humidity and water intake can often drive you crazy if you are not responsible enough. These two things need to be checked otherwise, there is no fuss involved.
Conclusion
Begonia plants and specifically Begonia Ferox can be kept inside homes and grown outside in your orchid. No matter what, without flowering, they produce the most beautiful and vibrant leaves one has seen. The color and unique texture add a different vibe to your place, and you feel naturally radiant and stress less.
The foliage and patterns of these fantastic plants are worthy of examining. Lately, botanists are paying particular attention to Begonia to come up with interesting information that can prove to be extremely beneficial for us. Begonia Forex is a rhizomatous type of plant that grows for its exceptional and exceedingly resplendent foliage. These plants can live for many years if taken special care of. You won’t have to worry about buying new ones every month if you treat them well.
The fantastic foliage of Begonia Forex makes up for its non-flowering properties. The unique leaf pattern, for instance, is better than any other colorful flower. These different patterns help us wonder more about the hidden treasures in mother nature.
