Begonia Corallina de Lucerna Care: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

 

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Begonias are a favorite among indoor and outdoor plant enthusiasts, admired for their beauty, vibrant colors, and ease of care. 

One of the most stunning varieties is the Begonia Corallina de Lucerna, known for its stunning, bright green leaves with vibrant red veins, and its ability to flourish in a variety of environments. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, learning how to care for a Begonia Corallina de Lucerna can be a rewarding experience.

In this blog post, we’ll provide a complete guide on how to care for your Begonia Corallina de Lucerna in 2025. From its watering needs to ideal lighting conditions and everything in between, this guide covers all the essential care tips you need to keep your Begonia thriving. These plants are from South America so they will do better in warm climates to see noticeable growth.  Amazon Affiliate links.

What is Begonia Corallina de Lucerna?

Before diving into care specifics, let’s first understand what makes the Begonia Corallina de Lucerna so special. This variety of begonia is part of the Begonia genus, which boasts over 2,000 species and hybrids. The Corallina de Lucerna is prized for its striking appearance, featuring bright green leaves with bold red veins that give it a unique, eye-catching look.

This semi-tuberous begonia is often cultivated as an ornamental houseplant due to its ability to thrive indoors. It's also known for producing small, delicate white or pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its colorful foliage. It's an ideal choice for those looking to add a splash of color and a touch of elegance to their home or garden.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Begonia Corallina de Lucerna

To ensure that your Begonia Corallina de Lucerna thrives, it’s important to provide the right growing conditions. Below, we’ll go over the ideal temperature, lighting, and humidity levels for your plant. Here is your guide to proper care of these beautiful plants. 

Care Requirements:

1. Temperature: The Right Balance

Begonias generally prefer moderate temperatures, and the Corallina de Lucerna is no exception. It thrives in environments where the temperature is maintained between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). It’s best to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as it is sensitive to the cold.

In summer, your Begonia can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but it's essential that the temperature doesn’t get too hot, as this can cause the leaves to burn and the plant to wilt. Keep your plant in a location with consistent warmth and away from cold drafts or heat sources like air conditioners, heaters, or radiators. The right temperature will help the plant grow new roots for big plants, just remember to replant in bigger pots every few years. 

2. Light: Bright Indirect Light is Key

Begonias, including the Corallina de Lucerna, prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, leading to yellowing or browning edges. It’s best to place your plant near a window that offers filtered sunlight. A sheer curtain or shade can help protect the plant from harsh direct rays while still providing the light it needs.

If you live in an area with limited natural light, you can supplement with artificial grow lights. This will provide your begonia with the necessary light spectrum for healthy growth.

3. Humidity: Keep it Moist

Begonias thrive in humid environments. The Corallina de Lucerna enjoys humidity levels between 50% and 60%. If the air in your home is too dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier to raise the moisture level in the room. Alternatively, you can place a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles near the plant to increase humidity through evaporation.

If the leaves of your begonia start showing signs of crispy edges or browning, this could be a sign of low humidity. In such cases, misting the plant occasionally or using a humidity dome can also help boost the moisture levels. The right humidity can prevent powdery mildew from too high humidity.

Watering Your Begonia Corallina de Lucerna

Watering is one of the most important aspects of begonia care. Getting it just right can be a bit tricky, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid overwatering or underwatering.

1. How Often Should You Water?

The Begonia Corallina de Lucerna prefers to be watered thoroughly, but the key is to ensure that the top layer of soil dries out slightly before rewatering. This helps prevent root rot, which can occur when the plant’s roots sit in waterlogged soil.

  • Check Soil Moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture with your finger. If the soil feels dry about 1–2 inches down, it’s time to water.

  • Watering Method: Always water the plant at the base, avoiding wetting the leaves. Wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases, especially in humid environments.

  • Seasonal Adjustments: Water more frequently during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering in the fall and winter months when the plant enters a semi-dormant phase.

2. Best Type of Water

Begonias are sensitive to chemicals found in tap water, especially chlorine and fluoride. It’s ideal to water your begonia with distilled water, rainwater, or filtered water. If you must use tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate.

Soil and Potting for Begonia Corallina de Lucerna

The right soil is essential for ensuring good drainage and healthy root growth.

1. Best Soil Mix

Begonias prefer a well-draining, airy soil mix that holds moisture without becoming soggy. You can use a begonia-specific mix or create your own by mixing equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. This will ensure that the soil retains enough moisture while providing adequate drainage. A well-draining soil mix is your key to success.

2. Potting and Repotting

Repotting should be done every 1–2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of the pot. When repotting, use a slightly larger pots to allow the roots room to grow. Larger plants need bigger pots. 

Be sure to gently loosen the roots and remove any dead or damaged sections during the repotting process. Fresh, well-draining soil is essential to avoid root rot.

Fertilizing Your Begonia Corallina de Lucerna

Regular fertilization is crucial for healthy growth, especially during the growing season.

1. Type of Fertilizer

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) or one that is designed specifically for begonias. Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content, as they can cause excessive leaf growth without encouraging flowers.

2. Fertilization Schedule

Feed your Begonia every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer) and reduce the frequency during fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing. Always dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding.

Pruning and Maintenance

While begonias do not require extensive pruning, occasional care will help maintain their shape and health.

1. Deadheading

Remove any spent flowers or damaged leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent disease. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid injuring the plant.

2. Leaf Care

If the leaves start to become too large or leggy, you can prune them back to encourage fuller growth. However, be careful not to remove too many leaves at once, as this can stress the plant. When you prune in the early spring you will get a new stem on the lower leaves. If you get yellow leaves, you need more nitrogen. 

Common Problems and Pests

1. Common Pests

Although the Begonia Corallina de Lucerna is relatively pest-resistant, it can still fall prey to the following:

  • Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to curl. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat aphids.

  • Mealybugs: Another common pest, mealybugs can be found around the stems and leaves. Wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.

  • Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause the leaves to appear speckled and dry. Increase humidity around the plant and consider using a miticide if necessary.

2. Fungal Diseases

Begonias are susceptible to fungal diseases, particularly in high-humidity environments. Ensure your plant has good air circulation and avoid letting water sit on the leaves. If you notice spots or mildew, remove affected leaves and use a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.


These problems happen with moist soil and too much water. 

Where to Buy Begonia Corallina de Lucerna

If you’re ready to add a Begonia Corallina de Lucerna to your collection, consider purchasing from the following reputable sources on Amazon:

These sellers offer a variety of begonias, as well as fertilizers, soil mixes, and tools to keep your plants healthy and vibrant.

Our Personal Experience with Growing Begonia Corallina de Lucerna

As plant enthusiasts, we’ve had the pleasure of growing the Begonia Corallina de Lucerna for some time now, and it has quickly become one of our favorite houseplants. From its vibrant red-veined green leaves to its delicate white flowers, this begonia has been an absolute showstopper in our collection. Here’s a glimpse into our journey with this beautiful plant, from the initial stages of care to its long-term growth and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Getting Started: The Initial Setup

We began by purchasing a young Begonia Corallina de Lucerna from a local nursery, and it arrived as a small but healthy plant. At first, we were excited about its unique appearance—those bright green leaves with bold red veins immediately caught our attention. To ensure it thrived, we set it up in a bright, indirect light location in our living room, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent any risk of leaf burn.

We repotted the plant into a slightly larger container with a well-draining potting mix made from equal parts peat moss, perlite, and coconut coir. This mix helped retain the right amount of moisture while allowing for good drainage. We made sure the new pot had drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which we knew could be disastrous for begonias.

Challenges with Humidity and Temperature

Like many begonias, the Corallina de Lucerna has particular humidity and temperature preferences, and we quickly realized how sensitive it was to low humidity. Initially, we placed it in an area with moderate humidity, but we noticed the edges of the leaves started to turn crispy and brown. This was a sign that the plant wasn’t getting the moisture it needed in the air.

To combat this, we moved the begonia to a room with higher humidity and added a humidifier nearby. This small change made a significant difference. Within a few weeks, the plant started to look healthier, with brighter, more vibrant leaves and no more crispy edges. It really reinforced the importance of maintaining consistent humidity for plants like the Corallina de Lucerna.

In terms of temperature, we kept it in a room where the temperature ranged between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), which is within its ideal range. It was a perfect spot that mimicked its native tropical climate and encouraged steady growth.

Watering and Fertilization

Watering was something we paid particular attention to early on. Begonias are sensitive to overwatering, so we learned quickly that allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings was key. We kept the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. We also made sure to water from the base rather than top-watering to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause fungal issues.

During the growing season (spring through summer), we fed our Begonia Corallina de Lucerna with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks. We found that less is more when it comes to fertilizing this plant. Over-fertilization can lead to leggy growth or burnt roots, so we kept the feeding schedule on the lighter side, and it worked wonders.

Growth and Development

Over time, our Begonia began to thrive. We noticed the plant growing more robust and bushy, and the red veins on the leaves became more prominent, adding a striking contrast to the green foliage. One of the most rewarding aspects of growing this plant has been watching it produce its delicate white and pink flowers, which are a beautiful bonus.

The plant didn’t grow excessively fast, but it maintained steady, healthy growth, which is something we appreciated. It never got out of control or overly invasive, making it a perfect fit for our home.

Pruning and Maintenance

As the plant matured, we occasionally pruned some of the older, dead leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. This also allowed the younger leaves to thrive and develop more freely. Pruning didn’t feel like a regular task—it was more about gently maintaining its shape and removing any leaves that didn’t look as healthy. We also used clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

Every now and then, we would wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them looking glossy. The smooth, shiny surface of the leaves really stood out once they were clean and free from dust.

Lessons Learned

Our time with the Begonia Corallina de Lucerna has been a rewarding journey, but there were a few lessons along the way:

  1. Humidity Matters: Never underestimate the importance of humidity for begonias. While they can tolerate average humidity, they thrive in higher humidity levels. A humidifier made a big difference in our plant’s overall health.

  2. Light is Crucial: This begonia loves bright, indirect light, but it’s essential to avoid direct sunlight. We quickly realized that placing it near a window with sheer curtains was the best way to provide it with sufficient light without risking leaf burn.

  3. Patience is Key: Begonias are relatively slow growers, and it took time for the Corallina de Lucerna to settle in and start showing its full beauty. While it doesn’t grow at an explosive rate, it rewards patience with its elegant foliage and stunning flowers.

  4. Watering Technique: Proper watering is essential to avoid root rot. We learned to let the soil dry out a little between waterings and always checked the moisture level before adding more water.


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Overall, growing Begonia Corallina de Lucerna has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. It’s a stunning plant that adds a touch of elegance to any space, and its care requirements are not too demanding once you understand its needs. The plant's beautiful foliage and occasional flowers have made it a standout in our indoor plant collection.

If you’re thinking about adding a Begonia Corallina de Lucerna to your home or garden, we highly recommend it! With a little attention to its lighting, humidity, and watering, you’ll have a gorgeous, low-maintenance plant that thrives and brings beauty to your space for years to come.


The Begonia Corallina de Lucerna is a striking, beautiful plant that can bring a touch of elegance to any space. With the right care, it can thrive and become a centerpiece in your home or garden. By providing the right environment, watering, lighting, and fertilization, you can enjoy vibrant foliage and delicate blooms year-round. These indoor plants are magnificent with the right humid conditions and much nutrition your begonia 'lucerna will have stunning foliage and large clusters with the correct light conditions.

Whether you're a seasoned plant owner or a beginner, caring for this begonia can be a rewarding experience. Happy gardening!

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