🇲🇾 Habitat and Ecology
​Begonia amphioxus is a rare and striking shrub-like begonia endemic to the Sabah region of Borneo, Malaysia. It is highly specialised to a specific microhabitat: it grows almost exclusively on limestone cliffs and outcrops in the deep shade of the wet tropical forest understory. It is typically found clinging to porous rock faces or growing in humus-rich pockets within limestone crevices, where it thrives in an environment of constant high humidity, warmth, and stillness. This specific niche makes it a true "terrarium specialist" in cultivation.
​🦋 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This plant is an evergreen perennial prized for its alien, almost insect-like appearance.
​Foliage: The leaves are the main attraction—they are lanceolate and peltate (the stem attaches to the underside rather than the edge) and uniquely pointed at both ends. This double-pointed shape is the source of its specific epithet, amphioxus, which means "sharp at both ends." The leaves are a vibrant satin green, dramatically speckled with crimson or maroon spots and edged with a thin red margin.
​Growth Habit: It has a shrubby, cane-like habit, producing slender, branching stems that can reach 30–40 cm in height. The stems are often reddish and slightly zig-zagged.
​Flowers: While grown primarily for foliage, it produces small, greenish-white flowers that hang in small clusters.
​Differentiation: Begonia amphioxus is visually distinct from most other "polka dot" begonias (like Begonia maculata) due to its double-pointed leaf tips and much smaller, more delicate stature. Unlike the robust canes of B. maculata, B. amphioxus is fragile and requires enclosed culture.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Begonia amphioxus is considered a challenging species best suited for intermediate to advanced growers who can provide a controlled environment. It is an obligate terrarium plant in most household conditions.
​Light: Requires bright, indirect light. It grows in the shade of limestone cliffs in nature, so it must be protected from direct sunlight, which will rapidly scorch its thin leaves. LED grow lights work exceptionally well.
​Substrate: Needs a highly aerated but moisture-retentive mix. A mixture of high-quality potting soil, plenty of perlite, and chopped sphagnum moss is ideal. Adding limestone chips or oyster shell can be beneficial to mimic its natural calcareous habitat.
​Watering: Water consistently to keep the medium slightly moist but never soggy. It is extremely sensitive to root rot if kept wet, but equally sensitive to drying out (which causes "leaf melt").
​Temperature:
​Optimal Range: 20–25°C (68–77°F).
​Minimum: Avoid drops below 15°C (59°F). It is very sensitive to cold drafts.
​Humidity: Very high humidity (75–90%) is non-negotiable. It struggles in open rooms and is prone to crisping or dropping leaves if the air is too dry. A glass cloche, terrarium, or grow tent is essential.
​✨ Unique Features
​This plant is a "Holy Grail" for begonia collectors due to its unworldly aesthetic. The combination of the sharp, double-ended leaf shape and the blood-red spotting gives it a dangerous, exotic look that contrasts with its fragile nature. It is often cited as one of the most beautiful foliage plants in the world.
​🏷️ Specifications
Plant size: small plants in 5 cm pots. As pictured.
​Plant Family: Begoniaceae
Plant Passport: A Begonia amphioxus B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB