Each plant is unique. Size, shape, fullness, and variegation will vary.
Begonia ‘Summer Storm’ | Summer Storm Begonia
Metallic silver markings cover the large olive-green leaves of this Begonia, creating an almost painted pattern between the darker veins and burgundy-brown edges. New foliage adds another layer of color, emerging in shades of pink, lavender and silver with deep burgundy veining before gradually developing the greener and silver coloration of the mature leaves. The sharply pointed, serrated foliage and reddish petioles give the entire plant a bold, architectural shape even before you get close enough to see all of the detail in each leaf.
This is a vigorous, substantial Begonia that can develop to approximately 15–18 inches tall and around 18–24 inches wide as it matures. New leaves rise from the center on individual petioles, gradually building a broad, upright mound of foliage. Give the plant enough room around it for those developing leaves to open without repeatedly rubbing against shelves, walls or neighboring plants.
For natural light, place it directly in an east-facing window or approximately 1–2 feet from a south-facing window. Aim for approximately 1,200–2,000 foot-candles at the leaves. Foot-candles simply tell you how much light is actually reaching your plant. Enough usable light supports strong new growth, sturdy petioles and the rich contrast between the green, silver and burgundy foliage. Watch the newest leaves as they mature along with the overall spacing and direction of the plant to fine-tune its placement.
Under a grow light, use a full-spectrum 5000–6500K fixture approximately 8–12 inches above the canopy, adjusting the height as the plant grows to maintain approximately 1,200–2,000 foot-candles at the leaves. Kelvin tells you the color of the light, while foot-candles tell you how much light is actually reaching the plant. Keep the fixture positioned over the canopy so new growth develops toward the light rather than reaching sideways for it.
Water when your plant needs watered. During active growth, this Begonia does best with consistent access to moisture followed by some dryback rather than repeatedly moving between a very wet root zone and a prolonged dry one. Its mix should hold enough moisture to support those large leaves while still allowing plenty of oxygen around the roots. A loose combination of potting mix or coco-based substrate with coarse perlite and fine orchid bark works well. Good drainage and airflow around the root zone become increasingly important as the plant fills its pot.
Pay close attention to the newest growth because it gives you the best look at how the plant is responding to its current environment. New leaves naturally begin with different coloration from the mature foliage, so allow them time to fully expand and harden before judging their final color. Increasing leaf size, sturdy petioles and a steady succession of well-formed new leaves are all useful signs that light, water and the root zone are working together well. If growth begins stretching toward the light or successive leaves become smaller, look at usable light and root health along with the plant’s recent watering pattern before making adjustments.
A thriving plant becomes a full, dramatic mound of large silver-patterned foliage, with new pink and lavender-toned leaves continually adding another color to the display as older leaves mature into deeper green, silver and burgundy. Watch the direction of the newest growth over time. Steady leaf production, increasing size and strong petioles will tell you far more about how the plant is doing than expecting every individual leaf to remain perfect.
