Begonia sanguinea is a native of southern Brazil where it grows as a shrub up to 50 centimetres tall and at least the same width. The undersides of its oval leaves are blood-red in marked contrast to the dark green of their upper surfaces. Tall flower stems emerge from a dense leaf rosette bearing bunches of whitish pink flowers. A single plant produces both male and female flowers.

Begonia sanguinea need to be in partial shade but it can also tolerate sunlight in winter. The temperature needs to be higher than 10⁰C and lower than 30⁰C. Daytime humidity should be at least 65%, rising to 80% at night. Ideally, the growing medium should stay moist. If the begonia is grown as a houseplant, place a dish containing lukewarm water under the pot to make sure this happens. Add fertiliser to the water twice as month. A peat-based mixture makes the best growing medium. Go to ‘Plant accessories’ for details of this and other useful products. Begonia sanguinea can be pruned if it becomes too big.