Habitat:
Begonia polygonoides is native to West and West-Central Tropical Africa, recorded from Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It grows in humid lowland and submontane tropical forests, typically between 100 and 1,000 metres elevation, where it occurs as an epiphyte on moss-covered branches and trunks. It thrives in dense, shaded forest canopies where air humidity remains high year-round, and is most frequently observed in undisturbed primary forests with rich botanical diversity.
Description:
Begonia polygonoides is a gracefully pendant epiphytic species with slender, trailing stems that can extend well over 1 metre in length. The stems are flexible, slightly succulent, and sparsely branched. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are narrowly lanceolate to elliptic, 3–7 cm long, with entire margins, a pointed tip, and a smooth, glabrous surface. The foliage is a soft green, occasionally flushed with red beneath in strong light. Flowers are borne singly or in pairs in axillary cymes. Male flowers have 4 tepals, while female flowers have 5 unequal tepals surrounding a 3-winged inferior ovary. Flower colour is typically pale pink to white, and blooming occurs sporadically throughout the year in high humidity. It resembles Begonia rhipsaloides but can be distinguished by its longer internodes, more linear leaves, and less compact growth.
Cultivation:
Grow Begonia polygonoides in bright, indirect light, replicating the filtered light of a tropical canopy. Daytime temperatures should remain between 20–26 °C, with nighttime lows between 14–18 °C. Maintain high humidity (70–90%) with gentle air movement. Use a light epiphytic mix containing fine bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite, or mount on cork with moss backing. Keep the substrate evenly moist, allowing the top to dry slightly between waterings. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8–6.8). Fertilise monthly during active growth with a dilute, balanced fertiliser. Avoid overpotting, and protect from cold drafts or low humidity.
Specifications:
Plant Size: growing in pots, plants are well rooted and established as pictured.
Plant Family: Begoniaceae
Plant Passport: Begonia polygonoides B 140084 C [user input] D GB