This Begonia species is from Palawan Island in the Philippines. It is a nicely colored plant, especially when viewed in bright light. A pale green mark runs down the middle of the leaf, and around the edges of the leaf is short pale striping. It is a smaller Begonia species, with leaves that reach around 4-5″. It grows well as a house plant (as pictured here) so long as it is provided with ample light. I have grown it in south and east facing windows with success.
The pattern can vary, as shown here between plants grown in different conditions (one as a window plant, the other grown in a terrarium with clay substrate). It seems tolerant of a wide variety of conditions, and has a sort of ‘creeping’ growth habit that is very charming.
Below, growing as a houseplant in a south facing window year round.
A nicely filled out cleopatrae growing in high humidity and soil mix,
Below, growing in a terrarium and displaying more green foliage, and a trailing habit.
And the flower,
I have this one ! It is very charming , I think it will be happier when the weather is warmer, It’s living in my unheated sun room .
It was one of my first Begonia species, thanks to Stephanie Willis, and got me hooked! I suspect there is a small pocket of them residing around Portland. 🙂