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Description
Begonia Looking Glass, also known as Begonia rex ‘Looking Glass,’ is a stunning foliage plant that is highly sought after by gardeners and collectors. This cultivar of the Begonia rex species is prized for its eye-catching, silver-grey leaves with green veins and a red-purple underside. The leaves have a shimmering, iridescent quality that gives them a unique and captivating appearance.Begonia Looking Glass is a relatively small plant, typically growing up to 12 inches in height and spreading up to 18 inches across. It is a perennial plant that is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Begoniaceae |
| Genus | Begonia |
Appearance
Begonia Looking Glass features stunning, silver-grey leaves with green veins and a red-purple underside. The leaves are obliquely heart-shaped and have a shimmering, iridescent quality that makes them stand out. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. The flowers are not the main attraction of this plant, and many growers prefer to pinch them off to encourage more foliage growth.
Care Guide
Begonia Looking Glass is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some special attention. Here are some tips for keeping your Begonia Looking Glass healthy and thriving:- Water: Begonia Looking Glass prefers consistently moist soil, but it does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause spotting and fungal problems.- Fertilization: Feed Begonia Looking Glass with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Reduce fertilization in the winter months when the plant is dormant.- Soil: Begonia Looking Glass prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.- Sunlight: Begonia Looking Glass prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Begonia Looking Glass is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. In colder climates, it is best grown as a houseplant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Begonia Looking Glass is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common problems. Here are some issues to watch out for:- Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest the plant and cause damage to the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause webbing and damage to the plant’s leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Begonia Looking Glass is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa, where it grows in humid, shady areas. It can be found in forests, along streams, and in other similar habitats. As a houseplant, it prefers warm temperatures and high humidity.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Begonia Looking Glass be grown outdoors?
A: Begonia Looking Glass is hardy in USDA zones 10-11, so it can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates. In colder climates, it is best grown as a houseplant.
Q: Can Begonia Looking Glass be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Begonia Looking Glass can be propagated from stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from the plant, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in a pot of moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in indirect light until it roots.
Q: How often should I fertilize Begonia Looking Glass?
A: Begonia Looking Glass should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Reduce fertilization in the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Q: Does Begonia Looking Glass prefer full sun or shade?
A: Begonia Looking Glass prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Related Plants
– Begonia Rex- Begonia Maculata- Begonia Boliviensis- Begonia Escargot- Begonia Dragon Wing
References
– “Begonia Rex ‘Looking Glass’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 13, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b610.- “Begonia Rex ‘Looking Glass’.” Plant Care Today. Accessed August 13, 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/begonia-rex-looking-glass.html.- “Begonia Rex ‘Looking Glass’.” The Gardening Cook. Accessed August 13, 2021. https://thegardeningcook.com/begonia-rex-looking-glass/.
