Photo: Flocci Nivis · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Eyelash Begonia
Begonia bowerae
Small leaves edged with fine "eyelash" hairs and chocolate markings. A humidity-lover — keep water off the crown.
- Terrarium type
- Closed
- Terrarium size
- Small
- Light
- Medium
- Care level
- Moderate
- Growth habit
- Upright
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats & dogs
Growing Eyelash Begonia in a terrarium
Where to place it
Feature its 'eyelash'-edged leaves in the mid-ground under medium light. It's a humidity-lover, so a closed terrarium suits it well.
Watering & humidity
Water the substrate to keep it lightly moist and the humidity high — never pour water over the crown or leaves.
Watch out for
Water settling on the crown rots it quickly, so always aim for the soil. Powdery grey patches signal mildew from stagnant, overly wet air.
Reference: Begonia bowerae on Wikipedia.
Eyelash Begonia FAQ
Can Eyelash Begonia grow in a closed terrarium?+
Yes — Eyelash Begonia (Begonia bowerae) thrives in a closed terrarium. The sealed glass traps the constant, high humidity it needs, and it tolerates the lower light inside a covered vessel.
Can Eyelash Begonia grow in an open terrarium?+
It isn't recommended. Eyelash Begonia (Begonia bowerae) wants the constant humidity of a sealed, closed terrarium and will quickly dry out and crisp up in an open, airy one.
What size terrarium does Eyelash Begonia need?+
Eyelash Begonia suits a small terrarium — jars & bottles. It has a upright growth habit, so plan its position with that in mind and trim or divide it if it starts to outgrow the glass.
Is Eyelash Begonia easy to care for?+
Eyelash Begonia is rated moderate to care for in a terrarium. Small leaves edged with fine "eyelash" hairs and chocolate markings. A humidity-lover — keep water off the crown. Water settling on the crown rots it quickly, so always aim for the soil. Powdery grey patches signal mildew from stagnant, overly wet air.
How much light does Eyelash Begonia need?+
Eyelash Begonia does best in medium light. Keep it out of direct sun, which magnifies through glass and scorches leaves. Feature its 'eyelash'-edged leaves in the mid-ground under medium light. It's a humidity-lover, so a closed terrarium suits it well.
Is Eyelash Begonia safe for cats and dogs?+
Eyelash begonia (Begonia bowerae) is toxic to cats and dogs — begonias contain soluble calcium oxalates that cause mouth irritation and vomiting, concentrated most in the roots.
