Irene Nuss was a Los Angeles backyard Begonia enthusiast and breeder honored near and far for her contributions to the Begonia world. This lovely Begonia was named in her honor. A cane type Begonia, it grows, of course, on sturdy green stems seemingly up to 4' and maybe beyond. One photo of the plant shows it almost covering Irene herself! Asymmetrical lacy and raggedy leaves in a rich olive/pine hang from the stems on pink petioles. The leaf edges look like they have been delicately torn and curl gently up in spots to reveal their pretty wine colored undersides. New little leaves come out nicely bronzed and settle down to the greens as they mature. As pretty as the leaves are, it wouldn't be a Begonia without the flowers. From a single red peduncle hanging straight down, forking branches of little red stems (secondary peduncles, to be exact!) each hold their own little, single, ballerina skirt of a flower in shiny, bright pink. Showers of flowers happen often and last for a long time. Canes are easy to root and can be shared with everyone. She's very hardy and tough as cane Begonias tend to be, and you'll have her a long time.
Quick Care Guide:
- Water - Medium (3): Water plant when dry. Plant does not like soil to always be moist, but doesn't like to stay dry once becomes dry. Water as soon as soil is dry.
- Light - Medium (3): Plant prefers natural, diffused light. Can be placed in a spacious living room. Indirect light preferred. No direct sunlight on leaves.
- Difficulty - Medium (3): Not too difficult to keep happy, but does require some attention.