{"product_id":"begonia-amphioxus-x-malachosticta","title":"Begonia amphioxus x malachosticta","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA truly unusual and highly sought after hybrid begonia, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia amphioxus × malachosticta\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e combines the dramatic spotted foliage of both parent species into one striking collector plant. Narrow, elongated leaves are decorated with dark chocolate spotting and deep red margins, giving the plant an almost hand painted appearance. The foliage becomes even more dramatic as the plant matures, especially when grown in warm, humid conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis hybrid is particularly popular amongst terrarium growers and rare foliage collectors thanks to its exotic appearance and compact growth habit. Despite its delicate look, it can thrive indoors with the right balance of humidity, warmth, and gentle watering.\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 amphioxus × malachosticta\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e (begonia hybrid)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpotted Hybrid Begonia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA cultivated hybrid combining \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia amphioxus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, native to Borneo, with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia malachosticta\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, a species known for its heavily spotted foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the middle of the day, as this can scorch the delicate leaves and fade the markings.\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 between waterings. Reduce watering slightly during cooler months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrives in high humidity and appreciates levels above 60%. Ideal for terrariums, cabinets, bathrooms, or warm rooms with a humidifier. Avoid placing near radiators or draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse a loose, airy, well draining mix rich in organic matter. A blend containing coco coir, fine bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss works particularly 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 warm temperatures between 18–26°C. Avoid temperatures below 15°C and protect from sudden temperature fluctuations.\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\u003eThis hybrid dislikes sitting wet for long periods, especially in cooler weather. Good airflow combined with high humidity helps keep the foliage healthy and reduces the risk of rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe spotted foliage and red edging become more intense when grown in stable warmth with bright filtered light. Young leaves often emerge with stronger colour contrast before maturing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia amphioxus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is one of the most recognisable species begonias in cultivation and is famous for its narrow spotted leaves, while \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia malachosticta\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e contributes larger foliage and bold metallic spotting to this unusual hybrid.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"8cm","offer_id":58192759161213,"sku":"9976931829771","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/begonia-amphioxus-x-malachosticta-sprouts-of-bristol-sprouts-of-bristol-8335605.jpg?v=1779373731","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/products\/begonia-amphioxus-x-malachosticta","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}