The Begonia ‘Cowardly Lion’ is a striking rhizomatous hybrid. This plant is celebrated for its lush, textured foliage rather than its white, upright flowers, which typically bloom in late winter or early spring. The large, green leaves feature prominent chocolate-colored veins and a unique, slightly curled texture. The leaf undersides often display a vibrant red pattern, creating a dramatic, multi-hued display. This begonia is a vigorous grower and an excellent choice for a houseplant.
Creating the Ideal Growing Environment
The ‘Cowardly Lion’ begonia thrives in conditions that mimic its native tropical and subtropical origins. The most important environmental factor is light exposure, which must be bright but always indirect. Placing the plant in an east-facing window or a filtered south-facing window will provide the necessary light without exposing the delicate foliage to the scorching intensity of direct sun, which can quickly cause leaf burn.
A stable, comfortable indoor temperature range is generally sufficient for this hybrid. Ideal daytime temperatures should remain between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is sensitive to cold, so positioning the plant away from cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents is important to prevent stress.
Maintaining elevated humidity is essential for rhizomatous begonias. These plants prefer relative humidity levels between 50% and 60% for optimal health and to prevent leaf edges from turning brown and crispy. To increase the moisture, consider placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot’s base does not sit directly in the water. Grouping several houseplants together can also naturally elevate the localized humidity.
Essential Day-to-Day Maintenance
The composition of the growing medium is crucial for the health of this begonia, as it is highly susceptible to root rot in dense, water-retaining mixes. A well-draining, airy potting mixture is necessary, often a soilless blend that includes elements like peat moss or coir, with a generous addition of perlite, vermiculite, or fine orchid bark. This chunky structure ensures rapid drainage and provides essential air pockets around the rhizomes and roots.
The correct watering technique involves allowing the top inch or two of the potting mix to dry out completely between applications. When watering, use the bottom-watering method, where the pot is placed in a tray of water to allow the plant to soak up moisture from the drainage holes. This technique ensures the entire root ball is hydrated while preventing water from sitting on the leaves, which is a major cause of fungal issues like powdery mildew.
During the active growing season (spring and summer), the ‘Cowardly Lion’ benefits from regular, dilute feeding. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer applied once a month is sufficient to support its vigorous foliage growth. Since begonias are sensitive to high concentrations of fertilizer salts, the solution should be diluted to half or quarter strength before application. Fertilizing should be suspended in the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.
Managing Growth and Potential Issues
Pruning the ‘Cowardly Lion’ primarily shapes the plant and encourages a denser, more attractive form. To promote bushiness, pinch off the growing tips of the developing leaves and shoots during the active growing season. This redirects the plant’s energy into side growth.
The best time for more substantial pruning, such as removing old or damaged leaves, is in the early spring before the main growth flush begins.
Propagation
Any removed leaves or sections of the rhizome can be used for simple propagation. Rhizomatous begonias are easily propagated through leaf cuttings by inserting a leaf petiole into moist potting mix. Alternatively, cut the rhizome into one-inch segments, ensuring each piece has at least one growing bud.
Despite its resilience, this begonia is vulnerable to certain houseplant pests and diseases. The most common disease concern is powdery mildew, a fungal infection that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. This is often triggered by poor air circulation combined with high humidity. Addressing mildew requires improving air movement and reducing leaf wetness, often treated with a fungicide or a dilute solution of baking soda. Common pests like spider mites and mealybugs can be managed by regularly inspecting the leaf undersides and treating any infestations with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.