Serrate-petal Begonia (Begonia serratipetala)

Serrate-petal Begonia

Begonia serratipetala

Delicate serrated petals bring soft, romantic charm to shaded spaces. Herbaceous perennial begonia; common name: Serrate-petal Begonia.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch leaf margins; tolerates low indoor light conditions
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungal growth
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Temperature Thrives in 18–25℃; protect from temperatures below 12℃ to avoid leaf yellowing and cold damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval to heart-shaped, glossy green with slightly serrated margins, 3–8 cm long
  • Flower: Pale pink to white, with distinct serrated petal edges, clustered in small axillary inflorescences
  • Stem: Succulent, green to reddish-brown, with trailing or low clumping growth habit
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist leaves to maintain 50%+ humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in winter when plant growth enters dormancy

Banana peel compost tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower heads to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season
  • Trim leggy stems to maintain a compact, clumping growth habit
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion leads to drooling, vomiting, oral pain, and difficulty swallowing

Humans: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes mild oral burning and swelling, skin contact may trigger mild redness or irritation

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental indoor flowering plant; suitable for terrariums and shaded window planters