Plant Profile: Begonia scharffiana

The Begoniaceae family is a vast group of flowering plants, encompassing around 1,500 species and numerous hybrids. These mature begonias can vary significantly in height, ranging from just a few inches to over 12 feet, and they exhibit a wide array of flower and leaf colors and sizes.

One notable member of this family is Begonia scharffiana, commonly known as the Elephant Ear Begonia. This tender, herbaceous perennial is prized for its striking foliage and vibrant white flowers. Characterized by its bushy growth, it features broad, hairy leaves and white blooms adorned with red hairs. To encourage a fuller appearance, gardeners can pinch back the tips and prune the outer stems during the growing season. Typically, the Elephant Ear Begonia is cultivated indoors in containers or hanging baskets, thriving in moist, well-drained soil and filtered light, although it can tolerate some direct sunlight in winter. It also flourishes in peat-based compost. However, this plant is not resilient enough for outdoor cultivation in regions above USDA zone 10 unless grown as an annual, as it thrives in the warm, humid conditions of its native southern Brazil.

**Plant Care Issues:**
A sudden shift in temperature can lead to leaf drop.