Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Some baby canes, 1 by hcmcdole

hcmcdole wrote:
Silver Jewel is from imperialis and pustulata whereas U434 is a species also known as the Guatemalan begonia. U434 has a smooth feeling leaf whereas imperialis (et al) has a rough feeling.

Here is a picture of imperialis and peltata plus a barely noticeable U434 in a community pot from last summer. Imperialis did not make it through the winter but peltata came out fine and really put on growth this year. If you look closely you will see a leaf of U434 in the upper right corner (this is a case against community pots because this particular begonia just didn't have a chance with imperialis). Imperialis LOVES humidity and grows like a weed if given the right conditions. It will start crisping around the edges if the air gets too dry (and eventually die like it did in the basement).