Habitat and Ecology
​Begonia chloroneura is a rare, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial that is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines, specifically found in the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is a shrub-like begonia found growing terrestrially on clayey slopes or in crevices of vertical limestone cliffs that are often overgrown with moss, typically at elevations around 900 to 1,500 metres. It thrives in the highly humid, cool-intermediate environment of the lower montane cloud forest, where it is subjected to constant moisture and deep shade.
​Description
​This Begonia is a highly ornamental rhizomatous species cultivated primarily for its stunning, dark, contrasting foliage. The leaves are medium-sized, rhomboid to ovate-elliptic, and markedly asymmetrical. The base colour of the upper leaf surface is an unusual dull dark green or even brownish-purple/near-black, which provides a spectacular backdrop for the primary feature: fluorescent, bright lime-green to chartreuse veins that stand out almost neon-like against the dark blade. The leaves and stems are often covered in sparse reddish-brown hairs, giving the plant a soft, velvety texture. The underside of the leaf blade is often a contrasting dark red or burgundy. It produces small clusters of white or pale pink flowers tinged with red, which are typically considered secondary to the magnificent foliage.
​Cultivation
​Begonia chloroneura is a sensitive, cool-intermediate growing plant that is highly prone to rot and leaf damage if environmental conditions are not stable. It is strictly recommended for a terrarium, vivarium, or sealed humid cabinet in the UK. It requires low to medium indirect light (deep shade is preferable); bright light is needed to enhance the vein colour, but direct sunlight must be avoided as it will melt the foliage. Use a loose, airy, and well-draining substrate that includes limestone grit (if available) or fine orchid bark, perlite, and a very small amount of synthetic peat or well-draining compost. The medium must be kept consistently moist but never soggy.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-28 C (64-82 F)
​Minimum Winter Temperature: Not below 12 C (54 F). Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
​Extremely high humidity (70-90%) is mandatory, combined with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Water with tepid, soft water. Fertilize very sparingly (monthly, highly dilute feed).
​Unique Features
​This Begonia is a collector's favourite due to the unparalleled, electric contrast between its almost black leaf surface and its fluorescent lime-green veins—a trait that makes it look almost artificial. The addition of the velvety texture from the reddish hairs and the contrasting dark red underside makes it a visually dramatic and highly prized miniature foliage plant for enclosed ecosystems.
​Specifications
​Plant Size: divisions from our stock plant. Individuals are in 10 cm post and have at least 4 leaves.
​Plant Family: Begoniaceae
​Plant Passport: A Begonia chloroneura B 140084 C [user input] D GB