Begonia Tamaya

How to care for Begonia Tamaya

Light

Begonia Tamaya thrives in bright, indirect light. A position near an east- or west-facing window is ideal; direct midday or afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Some gentle morning sun is tolerated and can encourage flowering. In low-light conditions the plant will survive but flowering and new growth will be significantly reduced.

Watering

Allow the top 2-3 cm of compost to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain freely. Begonia coccinea is susceptible to root rot if left sitting in waterlogged compost, so good drainage is essential. Reduce watering frequency in autumn and winter when growth slows. Always use room-temperature water, as cold water can stress the roots.

Soil and potting

A light, free-draining compost is essential. A mix of peat-free multipurpose compost combined with perlite or coarse grit in roughly a 2:1 ratio works well. The mix should retain some moisture while allowing excess water to escape quickly. Avoid heavy, dense composts that compact around the roots.

Feeding

During the active growing season from spring through to early autumn, feed every two to four weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength. A fertiliser with a slightly higher potassium content can promote flowering. Cease feeding in winter when the plant is resting.

Humidity and temperature

Begonia Tamaya prefers moderate to high humidity levels of 50% or above. Misting directly onto the leaves is not recommended as it can encourage fungal spots; instead, use a pebble tray filled with water placed beneath the pot, or a room humidifier. Keep temperatures between 15°C and 27°C and avoid cold draughts, sudden temperature fluctuations, and proximity to radiators or air conditioning units.

Repotting

Repot in spring every one to two years, or when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes. Move up only one pot size at a time, as overly large pots retain moisture for longer and increase the risk of root rot. Use fresh, well-draining compost at each repotting and water lightly afterwards, allowing the plant to settle before resuming a regular watering routine.

Pruning

Regular pruning keeps the plant compact and encourages bushier growth, as canes can become long and leggy if left unchecked. Pinch out the growing tips of young stems to promote branching. Older, woody canes that are no longer producing leaves can be cut back to just above a node in spring. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning snips to reduce the risk of disease.

Is Begonia Tamaya toxic?

Common problems

How to propagate

Stem cuttings

Cut a healthy stem section 10-15 cm long, just below a node, and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a glass of water or directly into moist perlite or compost, keeping it in a warm, bright spot; roots typically appear within two to four weeks.

Leaf cuttings

A healthy, mature leaf with its petiole can be inserted at an angle into moist compost and kept in a warm, humid environment. Small plantlets will eventually emerge from the base of the petiole, though this method is slower than stem cuttings.

Where Begonia Tamaya comes from

Native to south-eastern Brazil, Atlantic Forest biome.

Story and origins

The genus name Begonia was established by Charles Plumier in 1690 in honour of Michel Bégon, a French naval officer, administrator, and keen plant collector who served as governor of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti). The species epithet coccinea derives from the Latin word 'coccineus', meaning scarlet or deep red, referring to the colour of the flowers in the wild species. The trade name Tamaya is of uncertain origin but is widely believed to be a reference to a plant nursery or regional name used in its commercial introduction.

Begonia coccinea was first described scientifically by William Jackson Hooker in 1839 based on specimens collected from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. It was among the earlier members of the cane begonia group to reach European glasshouses, where it became popular as a conservatory and houseplant during the Victorian era. Throughout the 20th century it was used extensively as a parent plant in the breeding of hybrid angel wing begonias, contributing its upright habit and spotted foliage to many widely grown cultivars. The trade name Tamaya gained prominence in continental European horticulture and spread globally through mass retail channels from the late 20th century onwards.

Varieties to know

Begonia coccinea 'Tamaya'

The most widely sold selection, noted for heavy silver spotting on the upper leaf surface and abundant coral-pink pendant flower clusters.

Begonia coccinea 'Lucerna'

A classic angel wing hybrid with large, silver-spotted leaves and drooping clusters of rose-pink flowers; one of the oldest and most widely grown cane begonias.

Begonia coccinea 'Looking Glass'

Selected for its striking, almost entirely silvery foliage with a narrow green margin; flowers are typically pale pink.

Fun facts

• Begonia coccinea was one of the first cane-stemmed begonias to be introduced to European horticulture, arriving in cultivation in the late 19th century.
• The name 'Tamaya' is not a botanical cultivar name registered in any international register but rather a trade name that became so widely used it is now almost universally applied to the species in retail.
• The hollow, bamboo-like internodes of cane begonias inspired the common name 'Bamboo Begonia', though the plant is completely unrelated to true bamboos.
• Begonia coccinea can live for many decades in cultivation; well-maintained specimens regularly exceed the height of 1.5 metres indoors.
• The genus Begonia is one of the largest genera of flowering plants, containing over 2,000 recognised species.

Begonia Tamaya FAQ