Begonia metallica has large ovate, lobed dark green leaves, which are its most attractive feature. They have a silvery metallic sheen and tiny hairs. Young leaves also have red veins. All the leaves have a red underside which provides an attractive contrast with the green of the upper surface. Begonia metallica originates in Brazil where it can grow to a height of 1 metre. Like many other begonia species, it produces pale pink flowers which in this case are hairy. At the centre of the male flowers there are rather strange bright yellow stamens.

Like other begonias, Begonia metallica needs a good deal of light but care must be taken to protect it from harsh sunlight. Room temperature must not be below 13⁰C. When the plant is subjected to fluctuating temperatures or receives too little water it can suddenly drop its leaves. If that happens, cut off the stem tips and raise the humidity by mist spraying. The best temperature for this begonia is 18o C but it will also thrive in slightly warmer temperatures. The room in the house must also be reasonably humid so the plant does not dry out. If the growing medium feels dry to the touch, spray the plant’s leaves with a fine mist but always allow the potting mixture to dry out before watering again. During the winter, give the plant less water. Add liquid fertiliser every two weeks to feed an actively growing plant. A mixture of peat and perlite creates the kind of growing medium that provides the nutrients and moisture the plant requires. Go to “Plant accessories” for details of this and other useful products. Begonia metallica grows rapidly into a bush in the right conditions but it can be pruned whenever growth is excessive