Tamaya Begonia Care

Knowing in depth the care of the Begonia Tamaya is synonymous with enjoying one of the most beautiful indoor plants that exist. Also called Bamboo Begonia, it is not only extremely attractive due to the peculiarity of its leaves or its characteristic flowering. Added to its size, of a bushy nature, makes it an ideal candidate if we consider how to decorate the house with plants. And it is that its small tree shape makes it an ideal plant for almost any room, whether at home or at work.

As with most of the indoor plants that we enjoy in our latitudes, the care of the Begonia Tamaya is marked by its origins. Originally from Mexico, we might think that it only supports cultivation indoors. However, in warm climates it is also possible to enjoy it as part of our outdoor plants and even plant it directly in the ground.

And yes: there is no doubt that its leaves, with silver spots, are its main attraction. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that, due to its bushy nature, its flowers are distributed in the form of clusters. A detail that does nothing but embellish, even more so! to a plant from which it is difficult to look away.

BEGONIA TAMAYA AND BEGONIA MACULATA: ARE THEY THE SAME PLANT?

You are probably asking yourself this question, and it makes perfect sense. The similarities between the two are obvious and even make it easy to confuse them with each other. However, as much as they look alike, no: they are not the same plant, although they are related. Something that we should know since, even though they share some needs, the care of the Begonia Maculata is slightly different from the care of the Begonia Tamaya.

The main difference between Begonia Tamaya and Begonia Maculata lies in the natural arrangement of the plant. While the first grows in a bushy way, the second grows from the ground. A detail that also marks another of its main differences. While the Tamaya has a strong and upright trunk that responds to its growth, the Maculata has thinner and less strong stems.

In addition to this and if we look at its leaves, there is another substantial difference. In the case of the Begonia Maculata, both the moles and the leaves are larger than in the Tamaya. And the last big and obvious difference: while the flowers of the Maculata are white, those of the Begonia Tamaya are pink.

KNOW THE CARE OF THE BEGONIA TAMAYA

Despite appearances, the care of the Begonia Tamaya is not a great complication. A first myth that should be broken: despite its appearance, it is not a fragile or delicate plant. Of course: let’s not lose sight of the fact that it has specific needs, especially with regard to temperature and light, which are not negotiable. In fact, both aspects are key to your well-being, so it is convenient to know them in detail.

And it’s worth doing! Because, with proper care, this beautiful plant can reach half a meter in height. An ideal size to combine with other short green plants or even to enjoy alone in a space where it can shine on its own merits.

1. A lot of light, the most important factor in the care of the Begonia Tamaya

We are not exaggerating: it is your greatest demand. In order to grow, stay healthy and flourish, the Begonia Tamaya needs to be in a space with a lot of light. Something that we must assess before incorporating it into our plants, since if it does not have the amount it needs, it can make it sick and die. And in this case , how do I know if my plant lacks light? Simple: You’ll start by losing the design of your leaves, and then you’ll lose your leaves. Two details that are indicating to us that it does not have the amount of light that it demands.

Let’s not confuse this with exposing it to direct sun, since it does not tolerate it and can burn its leaves.

2. Moderate watering, crucial for good health

We tend to confuse the tropical origins of a plant with a very high need for irrigation. And it’s not exactly like that. Plants from this type of climate are usually intolerant to waterlogging and suffer, as a consequence, fungal diseases derived from excessive irrigation. Something that we cannot lose sight of in the care of the Begonia Tamaya if we want it to prosper smoothly.

Beyond using a substrate for green plants and that it has effective drainage, it is important to be careful when watering. We will only do it when the substrate is completely dry, guiding us through the lower layers of it. In addition, it is advisable to use soft or rain water for irrigation.

3. Warm temperature, another fundamental aspect in the care of the Begonia Tamaya

As we said before, taking care of the temperature is essential for your well-being. As a good tropical plant, it needs a warm environment to feel comfortable. And although its ideal temperature is around 24 degrees, it lives without problems in environments between 20 and 21 degrees.

However, Begonia Tamaya’s relationship with cold is not as tolerant. We are talking about a chilly plant whose life can be compromised below 15 degrees. What is your cold tolerance threshold? Around 10 degrees is more than likely to die.

4. Environmental humidity, something to take care of

An aspect almost as important as getting the right watering right. This beautiful Begonia demands a certain degree of environmental humidity to be comfortable. If we provide it, it will have a positive effect on the general state of the plant but, above all, on its leaves. We can offer it using a humidifier or creating a humid atmosphere, placing it on a plate with water and volcanic clay that separates the base of the pot from the water.

In months of heating or if the temperature exceeds 30 degrees, offering this environmental humidity will be essential for its well-being. If you don’t, you’re likely to get dehydrated.

5. Regular fertilization in the growing season

A fundamental task to help it develop and, above all, to flourish. The Begonia Tamaya takes advantage of the sunny seasons to grow, so starting to fertilize it at the beginning of spring will allow it to have all the nutrients it needs.

To do this, the ideal is to use a liquid fertilizer for green plants dissolved in the irrigation water once a month. A guideline that we will maintain until the beginning of autumn.

And ready! With these tips, your Begonia Tamaya will show off that wonderful exotic beauty so characteristic that makes it a plant as beautiful as it is impressive.