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Sword-leaved begonia Plant Care
Xiphosium acuminatum Griff.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its striking lance-shaped leaves that are a vibrant shade of green. Hailing from South America, Xiphosium acuminatum is sought after by plant collectors for its beautiful foliage and unique growth habit, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sword-leaved begonia?
Water Sword-leaved begonia every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Sword-leaved begonia Native To?
What Is the Sword-leaved begonia?
Sword-leaved begonia (Xiphosium acuminatum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Xiphosium genus. Sword-leaved begonia is native to Nepal, Bhutan, Assam, Thailand, Vietnam and peninsular Malaysia. Sword-leaved begonia is also known as Sharp-leaved begonia.
Sword-leaved begonia displays an epiphytic, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Sword-leaved begonia produces small, fragrant blooms in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sword-leaved begonia?
Xiphosium acuminatum 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 Sword-leaved begonia Need?
Sword-leaved begonia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Sword-leaved begonia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Sword-leaved begonia Prefer?
Xiphosium acuminatum grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Sword-leaved begonia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sword-leaved begonia?
Well-draining orchid bark mix with perlite and charcoal chunks. Good drainage is essential for Sword-leaved begonia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sword-leaved begonia?
Feed Sword-leaved begonia every 2 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 2 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 Sword-leaved begonia?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. 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 Sword-leaved begonia?
Sword-leaved begonia can be propagated through division, back bulbs.
Is the Sword-leaved begonia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sword-leaved begonia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Sword-leaved begonia?
Sword-leaved begonia is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, 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 Sword-leaved begonia Need?
Sword-leaved begonia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Sword-leaved begonia is native to Nepal, Bhutan, Assam, Thailand, Vietnam and peninsular Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Sword-leaved begonia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Sword-leaved 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 Xiphosium genus (family Orchidaceae) — search all Xiphosium species in the plant lookup.
Sword-leaved begonia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Xiphosium acuminatum Griff., family Orchidaceae (first published in Calcutta J. Nat. Hist. 5: 364 (1845)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sword-leaved begonia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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