{"product_id":"begonia-mantuk","title":"Begonia ‘Mantuk’","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAn extraordinary tropical foliage begonia with richly patterned leaves and dramatic texture, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e ‘Mantuk’ is a highly desirable collector plant believed to originate from Bornean species lineage. Its foliage combines deep olive and charcoal tones with contrasting silver green markings that create an almost camouflage like appearance across the leaves. As the plant matures, the foliage develops increasing depth, texture, and metallic sheen, making it a real standout in terrariums, indoor cabinets, and rare plant collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis begonia thrives in warm, humid conditions with stable moisture and bright filtered light. Its rainforest origins make it especially well suited to enclosed growing environments where humidity remains consistently high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e ‘Mantuk’ (cultivar begonia)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMantuk Begonia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBelieved to originate from Bornean begonia species and rainforest habitats, where begonias grow beneath dense tropical forest canopies in humid shaded conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage and reduce the richness of the leaf patterning. Softer filtered light helps maintain the strongest contrast and colouring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Allow the very top layer of soil to begin drying slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during cooler months when growth slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally above 60%. Excellent for terrariums, indoor cabinets, bathrooms, or rooms with a humidifier. Avoid dry air and cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse a loose, airy, free draining mix rich in organic matter. A blend containing sphagnum moss, fine bark, coco coir, and perlite works especially well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeed every 2 to 4 waters during spring and summer using a diluted balanced houseplant fertiliser. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemp\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers temperatures between 18–26°C. Avoid temperatures below 15°C and sudden fluctuations in temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToxic if ingested, so keep away from pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConsistent humidity and gentle airflow help prevent crispy leaf edges and encourage larger, healthier foliage. Avoid allowing the compost to stay cold and wet for prolonged periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dramatic silver and olive patterning can appear almost metallic under soft lighting, especially on mature leaves grown in stable humid conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany begonias native to Borneo evolved highly reflective and textured leaves to help maximise light absorption in the dim conditions beneath dense rainforest canopies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"8cm","offer_id":58193273880957,"sku":"2636186829771","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/begonia-mantuk-sprouts-of-bristol-sprouts-of-bristol-2000883.jpg?v=1779373726","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/es\/products\/begonia-mantuk","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}