Begonia heracleifolia ‘Draco’

Begonia heracleifolia Draco is a cultivar of the species Begonia heracleifolia, selected for its distinctive foliage and compact growth habit indoors. The leaves are asymmetrical (typical of begonias), with palmate lobing in some forms, and may display deep green tones often contrasted by coloured undersides or stems. This particular cultivar tends to maintain a modest size, making it wellsuited for indoor containers or terrariums under the right conditions.

Native to: The species Begonia heracleifolia is native to Mexico and northern Central America (including Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador and Panama). The cultivar Draco is a selected form intended for indoor cultivation rather than a wild variety.

Water: Keep its substrate consistently moist but not saturated. Water when the top third of the potting mix begins to lighten slightly. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as roots and rhizomes are prone to rot under waterlogged conditions.

Light: Provide bright filtered light. Avoid direct strong sunlight, which can scorch the leaves or wash out the subtle detailing. A spot near an eastfacing window or a few metres back from a southfacing window works well.

Humidity: This cultivar will benefit from elevated humidity levelsaround 6075% is ideal. Given its foliage and growth habit, it is suitable for humid indoor zones (such as a bathroom with natural light) where air movement is still maintained.

Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures of approximately 1826 C. Avoid exposure to cold drafts or allowing the temperature to drop below about 15 C, which may cause the plant to decline.