Spotted Begonia amphioxus Care Guide

Quick Profile

Scientific Name: Begonia amphioxus
Family: Begoniaceae
Origin: Borneo (tropical rainforest)
Type: Rhizomatous begonia
Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, can get leggy if not pruned
Hardiness: USDA zones 10–12 (best grown indoors in most climates)

Light

Begonia amphioxus thrives in bright, indirect light.

Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
Too little light will dull the leaf colors and reduce growth.
A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south-facing one is ideal.
It also does well under grow lights, especially in winter or low-light homes.

Watering

This plant likes consistently moist soil, but is sensitive to overwatering and root rot.

Water when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly, then allow excess water to drain.
Avoid letting the pot sit in water.
In winter, reduce watering slightly but don’t let the soil dry out completely.

Tip: Amphioxus is more sensitive to hard tap water. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if possible.

Humidity

Humidity is key to keeping Begonia amphioxus healthy and happy.

Ideal Humidity: 60–80%
It can struggle if humidity drops below 50%.
Use a humidifier, humidity tray, or group plants together to boost the local humidity.
Avoid misting directly, as water on leaves can cause fungal issues.

Temperature

This tropical beauty loves warm temps:

Ideal range: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
Avoid temps below 55°F (13°C)
Keep away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Prefers a stable environment — no wild swings in temperature or humidity.

Soil & Potting

A light, airy, and well-draining soil mix is crucial.

Use a mix of:
- 1 part potting mix
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- Optional: add orchid bark or coco coir for extra drainage
A terracotta pot helps wick moisture away and prevent root rot.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes.

Fertilizer

Begonia amphioxus appreciates regular feeding during the growing season:

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Feed every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer.
Do not fertilize in winter when growth slows.

Avoid overfeeding—it can lead to leggy growth and stress.

Pruning & Maintenance

Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pinch back growing tips regularly if you want a fuller plant.
Remove dead or yellowing leaves to promote airflow and prevent disease.

Propagation

Propagating Begonia amphioxus can be done through stem cuttings:

Cut a healthy stem with a couple of nodes and leaves.
Let it callous for a few hours.
Root in moist soil or sphagnum moss (covered with a humidity dome or plastic bag).
Keep in bright, indirect light and warm temps.

It can also be propagated via leaf cuttings, but this takes more time and effort.

Common Problems

Problem	Cause	Fix
Brown, crispy edges	Low humidity	Increase humidity, use pebble tray
Yellowing leaves	Overwatering or poor drainage	Improve soil, reduce watering
Drooping stems	Too dry or root issues	Water more consistently
Mold or mildew	Poor air circulation or wet leaves	Improve airflow, avoid misting

Pests to Watch For

Spider mites – Especially if humidity is too low.
Mealybugs
Fungus gnats – If soil stays too wet.

Combat pests with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or by wiping down leaves with diluted alcohol.

Extra Tips

It makes a great terrarium plant due to its love of humidity.
Keep it in a location where it’s protected from sudden changes—stable conditions are best.
If it starts looking leggy, prune and move to a brighter spot.

Summary

Requirement	Ideal Condition
Light	Bright, indirect
Water	Keep soil lightly moist, not soggy
Humidity	High (60–80%)
Temperature	65–80°F (18–27°C)
Soil	Airy, well-draining mix
Fertilizer	Half-strength monthly (spring–summer)

Begonia amphioxus is a bit of a collector’s plant—it has a unique look and a more specific care profile than your average houseplant. But if you give it what it craves—humidity, warmth, and gentle light—it will reward you with exotic beauty and a truly unusual vibe.