Plant Know-How: Begonia 'Tiger Paws'
With very unique, showy leaves, Begonia 'Tiger Paws' is always a show-stopping plant, and unlike its relatives know as "Rex Begonias", this plant is part of the Rhizomatous Begonia group, which are less fussy and humidity needy, making them a bit easier to care for!
Rhizomatous Begonias don't need super high humidity, but will do best in at least 50% humidity, so if you find your plant is drying out too fast, or the leaves are getting crispy edges, you can add humidity with a humidifier near the the plant, or keep the plant in a terrarium with a removable lid, in a capsule, or under a cloche to help boost the humidity levels.
HOW TO CARE FOR BEGONIA 'TIGER PAWS':
Light requirements for Begonia 'Tiger Paws': Rhizomatous Begonias do best in bright indirect/filtered light so a bright windowsill that doesn't get direct sun is a perfect spot. Avoid direct sun as it tends to fade leaves. If the plant isn't receiving enough light, stems will stretch out as they look for more light and the plant will become 'leggy' and lose the full/bushy appearance.
Watering tips for Begonia 'Tiger Paws': Water Rhizomatous Begonias when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch, but don't keep the soil too soggy- you want damp, but not wet. In cooler/darker months, your plant may go dormant and you won't see any new growth- if this happens, water sparingly until growth starts back up. If you need some help knowing when to water your plant a moisture meter is a helpful tool that can take out some of the guesswork!
The Best Soil for Begonia 'Tiger Paws': Rhizomatous Begonias grow best in a well-draining soil that can retain a little moisture. Our Thirsty Tropicals mix is an excellent choice.
Is Begonia 'Tiger Paws' pet-safe? Rhizomatous Begonias are not pet-safe and can be toxic when consumed by pets. If you're looking for pet-safe plants, be sure to check out the Pet Safe category of the Plant Care Compendium!
Did you know? Though Rhizomatous Begonias can tolerate slightly lower humidity than their Begonia Rex relatives, if your plant is drying out too fast or leaf edges are getting crispy, try keeping your plant in an open terrarium or capsule to keep more humidity around the plant.
