This rhizomatous begonia is from China. It is located in the karstic zones of Guangxi. It grows on limestone slopes (at an altitude of 200 to 600 m).
Its leaves, with a reddish petiole, have a suborbicular blade, cordate at the base and more or less acuminate at the apex. The blade has a denticulate, ciliate margin, and its surface is rough and covered with short hairs. Between the green veins, darker brown areas can be seen (reddish on the lower surface). Along the main veins, the blade is dotted with a varying number of small white spots.
B. retinervia flowers generously from August to October-November and produces triwinged fruits.
Place it in a terrarium or greenhouse, and let the substrate dry out partially between waterings. Excessive moisture at the roots does not suit it.
