Begonia ‘Tamaya’ has been “specially bred for its distinctive appearance that is said to resemble a classic Japanese bonsai tree. It produces large numbers of small, purple flowers between its leaves on 12 centimetre stems. These pointed green leaves are speckled with white spots, varying in number from one plant to another. The structure of the flowers resembles that of an orchid with one large tepal, four smaller tepals and a single white central tepal. The male flowers have a number of bright yellow stamens; the female flowers have a similarly coloured pistil.

Begonia ‘Tamaya’ is a compact size and shape making it ideal for a terrarium or as a potted houseplant. It needs plenty of light but must not be exposed to direct sunlight. It can be kept outside provided the temperature remains higher than 15⁰C and lower than 30⁰C and the plant is protected against rain. Keep the substrate moist by placing the pot in a dish containing lukewarm water. During the daytime, humidity needs to be around 70% and higher at night. Begonia ‘Tamaya’ needs fertilising regularly two to three times a month. The best potting compound for this cultivar is a peat-based mixture. It can be pruned as and when necessary. For more information on this and other useful products, go to ‘Plant accessories’.