Plant not pet! but help!

[kookykate328]

This is about a plant not an animal but i was just wondering if anyone knew what kind of plant this is. Thanks

 

[Windrider]

Looks like Begonia 'Erythrophylla' or a very similar hybrid - most commonly called the "Beefsteak Begonia." Does well as a house plant, although I grow it outside all year round here in So Cal.

 

[kookykate328]

Thanks we were just wondering and we are going to keep it inside it probly gets too cold to be outside here. Hopefully it does good. We just got it but its already been alive for about 15 years or more but right now it has really old dirt and a very tiny pot. We are going to repot it so I hope it does okay with being replanted and everything.

 

[Windrider]

I would wait until spring to replant it. Winter is pretty stressful for begonias - I have a large begonia collection and even here in So Cal, most of my outdoor ones are nothing but sticks and my indoor ones are looking a little sad. So as long as it is doing okay, I'd leave it alone for now.

If you've never had a begonia before, one tip: Begonias like moisture, but really resent being soggy. Do not water until the soil has almost gone dry (almost, not totally dry). When you repot, pick a good loose (chunky) potting mix and add a lot of perlite for drainage. Nothing kills a begonia faster than a potting soil that holds too much moisture for too long (well, frost will kill most begonias pretty fast, too).

Good luck! Beefsteaks can get really impressive in size if they are happy!