Hailing from Guinea; the diminutive Begonia vankerckhovenii is a terrarium exclusive with adorably charismatic flowers. Growing small clusters of tightly packed stems with circular, glittery leaves that adorn them; something akin to a ‘firework’ look can be achieved by a well-grown specimen. Though this species is lovely, care must be taken to keep humidity up around it; as it is very prone to melting and wilting when outside of terrarium conditions. It likes to keep its roots airy, and in a fluffy mix, usually based with sphagnum moss; and it is a rampant grower once it gets going. When placing Begonia vankerckhovenii in a terrarium; the semi-epiphytic nature of its origins should be lent some credit; as it is perfectly at home growing higher up on backdrops and walls, maintaining the look of a well-groomed specimen while requiring very little trimming to keep it shaped. As a bonus, this species propagates readily from fallen or broken leaves; sprouting miniature plantlets wherever they happen to fall.
