Bolivian Begonia Plant Care
Begonia boliviensis A.DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Begonia boliviensis is a plant in the begonia family, Begoniaceae, which was introduced to Europe in 1864 by Richard Pearce who discovered it in the Bolivian Andes, although the plant had previously been identified by Hugh Weddell in the same region but not introduced.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Bolivian Begonia?
Water Bolivian Begonia every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Bolivian Begonia?
Bolivian Begonia (Begonia boliviensis) belongs to the Begoniaceae family within the Begonia genus.
Bolivian Begonia displays a varies by species, can be upright or trailing growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bolivian Begonia produces showy, colorful flowers in various shapes and sizes.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bolivian Begonia?
Begonia boliviensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bolivian Begonia Need?
Bolivian Begonia thrives in bright indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch. Avoid placing Bolivian Begonia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light, avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bolivian Begonia Prefer?
Begonia boliviensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Bolivian Begonia prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bolivian Begonia?
Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Bolivian Begonia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bolivian Begonia?
Feed Bolivian Begonia every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bolivian Begonia?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide space for growth. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bolivian Begonia?
Bolivian Begonia can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to angel wing begonia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bolivian Begonia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bolivian Begonia?
Bolivian Begonia is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bolivian Begonia Need?
Bolivian Begonia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Bolivian Begonia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Bolivian Begonia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Begonia genus — compare its care with other Begonia species on PlantoScan.
Begonia is part of the Begoniaceae plant family — browse all Begoniaceae genera and species.
Bolivian Begonia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Begonia Species
Other Begonia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Begonia boliviensis A.DC., family Begoniaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 4, 11: 122 (1859)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Bolivian Begonia is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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