The plant shown and described here may not be the true Begonia platanifolia. Indeed, all the descriptions mention white flowers, including the variations presented by Charles Chevalier in 1938. Grown under this name in many French collections, it is now more a traditional label than a botanical identity. It is probably a very old hybrid, perhaps a cross between Begonia aconitifolia and Begonia corallina.
Appearance
A vigorous plant that grows upright quickly. The leaves are large (about 20 cm x 15 cm), brown when young and green later, always covered with many silver spots. Few pink flowers; the males open well, the female flowers are larger. The tepals are always slightly wavy at the edges. A swelling at the base recalls the African semi-tuberous begonias.
Culture
As with all plants in this group, water – and especially too much of it – is the worst enemy. The still very marked winter dormancy unfortunately coincides with flowering. Careful with watering!
Propagation
Fairly easy from tip cuttings. Let the cut dry well before planting. If you like, dip it in a rooting hormone solution.
