Begonia dregei (Caudex)

Begonia dregei is a highly variable species of begonia, often referred to as the maple-leaf begonia. The species name dregei honors Johann Franz Drège, a German horticulturist and plant collector. In the wild, it grows in coastal forests of South Africa, reaching elevations of up to about 600 meters.

The plant has green, soft leaves with distinctly lobed margins, carried on long petioles. A defining feature is the thickened trunk with a pronounced caudex, which serves as a water-storage organ. This gives the plant a small tree-like appearance, and when grown in containers it typically reaches a height of around 30 cm. Its overall habit is highly variable and strongly influenced by growing conditions and pruning.

The flowers are small, white, with a yellow center. They appear regularly and naturally complement the overall appearance of the plant.

Begonia dregei is not a true succulent, but thanks to its caudex it tolerates short periods of dryness better than most begonias. It prefers a bright position without harsh midday sun, a well-draining substrate, and moderate watering. It responds very well to pruning and shaping, which makes it especially popular as an indoor bonsai for growers who enjoy actively shaping their plants.