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Begonia shepherdii
A bright location with lightly filtered light is ideal.
Water as you would a typical houseplant.
Normal room temperature is ideal. The plant is not frost hardy.
Begonia shepherdii stores water in its caudex, allowing it to tolerate short periods of drought better than most commonly grown begonias.
Begonia shepherdii is a caudiciform begonia native to South Africa, where it grows in coastal forest habitats. Among collectors, it is valued for its swollen trunk-like caudex, compact growth habit, and small, attractively shaped leaves. Thanks to its distinctive appearance, it is often cultivated as a bonsai-style houseplant.
The plant develops a swollen caudex that serves as a water storage organ. From it arise slender stems bearing green leaves on long petioles. The leaves are deeply lobed, resembling small maple leaves, and are decorated with distinctive silvery-white spots that contrast beautifully with the green background. Regular pinching encourages branching and helps the plant develop a dense, compact crown. It typically reaches about 30 cm in height.
It produces small pale pink to white flowers on delicate flower stalks that rise above the foliage. Flowering usually occurs from spring to summer and complements the ornamental leaves.
Begonia shepherdii prefers a bright position protected from intense midday sun, a light, well-draining substrate, and regular but moderate watering. The caudex should never remain in constantly wet soil. With its unusual swollen base, attractively spotted leaves, and easy cultivation, it is an excellent choice for collectors of unusual houseplants.