Countless plants I've killed.

But I don't look back. If I did, I wouldn't be able to stay sane...

I'm Suzuki, and this is my 14th year of gardening as a hobby.
This section introduces only plants I have actually grown.

This time, I'm introducing "Begonia Alice N," famous for "bigger is better."

 

What kind of plant is Begonia Alice N?

It's a cane begonia shrouded in mystery.
It seems to be a cross between "Kentwood" and "Lenore Olivier," but the full truth remains elusive.
This begonia is rarely seen even overseas.
Perhaps its real name is different.

First steps.

Many begonias grown as houseplants, primarily for their leaves, are difficult to care for.
A typical example is Rex Begonia.
Many people may have experienced them melting away...

Even cane begonias, which are generally considered relatively easy to grow, often include many challenging varieties.
Alice N offers a glimmer of hope amidst this chaos.
It can be grown much like a regular houseplant.
Alice N is the perfect plant to open the door to the world of begonias.

 

Slightly dry is OK

Begonias probably have a strong image of needing high humidity, don't they?
Indeed, many wild types, especially rhizomatous ones, prefer humidity.
However, this is only true when it's humid, cool, and well-ventilated.
Many begonias melt in Japanese summers because it's too hot.

Alice N doesn't require you to worry about humidity.
Just be careful not to overwater.
Many begonias melt from the base due to excessive watering.

At my house, they started doing better after I switched to bottom watering in the summer and winter.
Begonias might dislike the surface of the soil getting wet.

 

It grows large

When fully grown, the leaves become about the size of a woman's palm.
If grown well, you can enjoy a voluminous and impressive flower display.
It's about one or two sizes larger than the popular "Maculata" with its polka dot pattern.

Please grow it vigorously and enjoy its big devil wings!

Plant Obsession Meter

Finally, I'll give "Anthurium Vittarifolium" a score based on my highly personal opinion.

・Ease of care: 15 points
Don't forget to pay attention to it.

・Ease of styling: 17 points
A stake is essential once it grows.

・Growth speed: 17 points
Neither slow nor fast.

・Osaka compatibility: 18 points
Just be careful of the cold!

・Likability: 20 points
I love its devilish look!

Total score: 87 points

 

That's all, editor-in-chief.

 

Author: Suzuki