Contents
Description
Begonia Alto Scharff is a stunning plant that belongs to the Begoniaceae family. It is a hybrid of Begonia metallica and Begonia sutherlandii, and was first introduced in 1992 by a German botanist named Peter Borchardt. It is named after the famous German botanist, Gustav Adolf Scharff. This plant is known for its striking foliage, which features metallic silver-green leaves with red undersides. It grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for indoor or outdoor planting. It produces pink flowers in late summer, adding to its beauty.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Begoniaceae |
| Genus | Begonia |
Appearance
Begonia Alto Scharff has unique metallic silver-green leaves with red undersides, making it a striking addition to any garden or indoor space. It grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, with a mounding habit. Its flowers are small and pink, blooming in late summer.
Care Guide
Begonia Alto Scharff requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some care tips:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.Soil: Plant Begonia Alto Scharff in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Begonia Alto Scharff is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Begonia Alto Scharff is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This plant is also prone to diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Begonia Alto Scharff is native to South America, specifically Brazil. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions, where it prefers partial shade and moist soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Begonia Alto Scharff tolerate full sun?
A: No, this plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.Q: How often should I water Begonia Alto Scharff?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry.Q: What fertilizer should I use for Begonia Alto Scharff?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.Q: What hardiness zones is Begonia Alto Scharff suitable for?
A: Begonia Alto Scharff is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Begonia family include Begonia rex, Begonia maculata, and Begonia semperflorens.
References
– “Begonia Alto Scharff.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b728.- “Begonia Alto Scharff.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/begonia-alto-scharff/begonia-alto-scharff-care.htm.- “Begonia Alto Scharff.” Plant Care Today, plantcaretoday.com/begonia-alto-scharff-care.
