🇲🇽 Habitat and Ecology
​Begonia mazae is a rhizomatous begonia native to Southern Mexico, specifically the state of Chiapas. It inhabits wet montane rainforests, where it is typically found growing as a creeping lithophyte (on rocks) or in the rich humus of the forest floor. It thrives in shady, damp microclimates, rooting into crevices where organic debris collects.
​🌿 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This species is a compact, rhizomatous perennial prized for its attractive foliage and manageability.
​Habit: It grows from a thick, creeping surface rhizome that branches freely, forming a dense, low mat of foliage.
​Foliage: The leaves are round to broadly ovate with a cordate (heart-shaped) base. They are typically small to medium-sized (7–10 cm).
​Colour: The standard form has green leaves with contrasting dark veins. However, the most famous form in cultivation is Begonia mazae f. nigricans, which boasts dramatic blackish-bronze leaves with bright green veins and a red underside.
​Texture: The leaf surface is smooth to satin-textured, unlike the hairy leaves of many other rhizomatous types.
​Flowers: In late winter to early spring, it produces erect, branching panicles of small, pale pink to whitish flowers with bright yellow stamens/stigmas. The flowers are relatively showy for a foliage begonia due to their profusion.
​Differentiation:
​Versus Begonia bowerae (Eyelash Begonia): B. mazae is closely related to B. bowerae. The key difference is that B. bowerae typically has distinct stiff hairs ("eyelashes") along the leaf margins, whereas B. mazae margins are generally smooth or have very minute, soft hairs.
​🔬 Taxonomy and Ethnobotany
​Taxonomy: It belongs to the Section Gireoudia, a group of Mexican and Central American begonias often used in breeding. The specific epithet mazae likely honours a Mexican botanist or collector associated with its discovery, though specific records are obscure.
​Horticultural Importance: Begonia mazae (particularly the 'Nigricans' form) is a significant parent plant in begonia hybridization. It is prized by breeders for introducing dark, velvety pigmentation and a compact, vigorous growth habit into new cultivars.
​Ethnobotany: There are no specific recorded traditional medicinal uses for Begonia mazae. Its primary value is ornamental, serving as a groundcover in tropical gardens or a houseplant in temperate regions.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Begonia mazae is considered one of the easier rhizomatous begonias to grow, making it excellent for beginners.
​Light: Requires bright, indirect light. While it is a shade plant in nature, indoors it needs good light to maintain the deep black/bronze colouration. In deep shade, the leaves will fade to a muddy green.
​Substrate: Best grown in shallow pots or pans because the rhizomes spread horizontally and have shallow roots. Use a light, porous mix (potting soil, perlite, and a little orchid bark). Good drainage is essential to prevent rhizome rot.
​Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
​Caution: Avoid getting water on the leaves or letting the rhizome sit in soggy soil, as this encourages fungal issues like powdery mildew or botrytis.
​Temperature:
​Optimal: 18-26 C (64-79 F).
​Minimum: Avoid drops below 13 C (55 F). It is not frost-hardy.
​Humidity: Moderate to High (50-70%). It appreciates humidity but is surprisingly tolerant of average household levels compared to terrarium species like B. amphioxus.
​✨ Unique Features
​The standout feature of Begonia mazae (specifically the 'Nigricans' form) is the gothic beauty of its foliage. The near-black leaves with their glowing green veins create a "stained glass" effect. Additionally, its winter flowering habit provides a welcome splash of pink when most other plants are dormant.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: small divisions from our stock plant. 5 cm pots
Plant Family: Begoniaceae
Plant Passport: A Begonia mazae B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB