This tropical tuberous perennial has a pendulous habit and outrageously bold, bright orange flowers.Bolivian mountain begonia is native to the mountainous regions of Peru, Argentina and Bolivia in South America where it can be found growing among moist rocks and tree roots. It is the parent species of many tuberous begonia cultivars with drooping flowers.The bushy plants have linear wing-shaped green leaves that are not glossy but covered in fuzzy hairs. These have red tinted edges and are attractive even when plants are not flowering. The flowers are fiery orange and have four long distinctly curved petals. These require no deadheading and will bloom nonstop as long as growing conditions are favorable.
Plant should be fed once a month. Mineral fertilizers are suitable. When begonia reaches 10 centimeters in height, it is necessary to start feeding.
It will neither withstand cold and drying winds nor oppressive summer heat. In USDA zone 8 it overwinters in the soil, emerging very late in spring once soil is quite warm; in colder regions it grows well as a warm season annual.
May be grown permanently in pots or hanging baskets under glass in bright light shaded from direct sun. Otherwise move containers outdoors into a sunny or semi-shaded position when all risk of frost is past.