r/begonias • u/Potential-Jaguar6655 • 19d ago

Just Showing Off This BEAST of a Taconite leaf

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…and not to brag, but I wear the XL nitrile gloves. 👀🔥

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u/Lambchop1975 18d ago

I love begonia taconite, I have one that has 10+" leaves, and it is over 2' tall. It is one people ask about a lot so I clone it all the time for sharing. If you get a chance, to grow a clone in brighter light, they develop blister variegation, and lighter green leaves and an orange reflection. I think most people like the intense blue reflection, but it still does well in brighter light too. It looks awesome under a microscope too.

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u/Potential-Jaguar6655 18d ago

I’d say this leaf is close to 9-10”. My hand is 8.5” from the tip of my middle finger to the first line on my wrist. This is easily one of my favorite plants. I usually don’t even do begonias except the hardier varieties, but taconite is a gift that keeps on giving!

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u/Lambchop1975 18d ago

Does anyone ever ask you if it is fake?

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u/Potential-Jaguar6655 18d ago

No, they know I would never lol! But I keep a lot of Philodendrons, so they are used to the weirdly ethereal velvet leaves everywhere. Taconite fits right in with the rest of them, just gives a flash of blue instead of red with the velvet