{"product_id":"begonia-amphioxus","title":"Begonia amphioxus","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUnusual, eye-catching, and a true collector’s gem, \u003ci\u003eBegonia amphioxus\u003c\/i\u003e is known for its narrow, lance-shaped leaves dotted with vivid red spots. With a bamboo-like stem and elegant upright growth, this tropical begonia brings bold personality to any bright indoor space. Not the easiest begonia to grow, but certainly one of the most rewarding when given the right conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia amphioxus\u003c\/i\u003e (amphioxus = “both ends alike” in Greek – a reference to the leaf shape)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePolka Dot Begonia, Bamboo Begonia (informal), Spotted Lance Begonia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEndemic to limestone cliffs in Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia) – often grows in humid, shaded microclimates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBright, filtered light is essential. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the delicate foliage. Will stretch and lose colour in deep shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eKeep soil lightly moist but never soggy. Water when the top 1–2cm feels dry. Use room-temperature water and avoid letting it fully dry out, especially in warm conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eLoves high humidity – ideally 60–80%. Best grown in a terrarium or with a consistent humidity source like a pebble tray or humidifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a very well-draining, airy mix – a blend of orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of peat or coir works well. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive composts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer with a gentle, diluted fertiliser. Avoid overfeeding – too much can damage the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemp\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers warmth – 18–26°C. Very sensitive to cold and draughts. Keep above 16°C at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eToxic if ingested – keep out of reach of pets and small children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant thrives in a covered environment – a glass cabinet or terrarium is ideal for maintaining the warmth and humidity it needs to stay happy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eBegonia amphioxus\u003c\/i\u003e can become leggy with age – prune gently to encourage bushier growth and propagate stem cuttings in high humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis species was only formally described in 1990 and is considered rare both in the wild and in cultivation. It’s often grown by begonia enthusiasts and botanical collectors due to its unusual shape and markings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"6cm","offer_id":43799777968381,"sku":"CF2427","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"8cm","offer_id":58192650305917,"sku":"7976931829771","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"10.5cm","offer_id":43799778001149,"sku":"CF2428","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/begonia-amphioxus-sprouts-of-bristol-sprouts-of-bristol-3362834.jpg?v=1779376837","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.live\/products\/begonia-amphioxus","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}