Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 8374675

Tuberous Begonia

Begonia tuberhybrida

Also known as Tuberhybrida Begonia

Tuberous begonias are shade-loving ornamental hybrids prized for their massive, brilliant blossoms that bloom profusely from early summer through late autumn. They produce asymmetrical, succulent foliage and separate male and female flowers on the same stem, with male blooms typically displaying larger, more elaborate petals. Underground, fleshy swollen tubers store moisture and nutrients, allowing the plant to survive winter dormancy when foliage dies back.

Shade TolerantShowy BloomOrnamental
Tuberous Begonia reference
Licensed referenceMaedaAkihiko / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Snails
  • Slugs
  • Vine Weevils
ThreatsFreezing temperatures, powdery mildew, tuber rot
HabitatsGardens, shaded beds, hanging baskets, greenhouse displays
Life spanPerennial (indefinite through overwintered tubers)
Classification
  1. OrderCucurbitales
  2. FamilyBegoniaceae
  3. GenusBegonia
  4. SpeciesBegonia tuberhybrida
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Tubers contain soluble calcium oxalates toxic to pets if ingested; keep out of reach of domestic animals.
Why it is dangerous
Tubers and stems contain concentrated soluble calcium oxalates, causing intense oral burning, excessive drooling, and vomiting in cats and dogs.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by fleshy asymmetrical leaves and dramatic, rose-like double flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, or white.
What to do
Position potted plants safely away from pets and wear gardening gloves when division or handling of crushed tubers is required.
Responsible observation
  • Lighting: Place in bright, indirect sunlight or dappled shade to protect fleshy leaves from scorching.
  • Watering: Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings, avoiding moisture on open leaves.
  • Overwintering: Lift tubers after autumn frost kills top growth, then store in cool, dry peat moss.
Related species
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