It is my oldest begonia - about 41 years or more old. Not saying it is the original plant but rather a cutting of a cutting of a cutting... Very easy passalong plant which is where we got ours.

I neglect mine so it is not as stellar as it should be or was in the distant past. There are just too many other canes that have more to offer in the "looks" department - splashes of silver, more cut leaves, better trusses of blooms, etc.

If given the right care, you can get a large cane from it with many blooms. This means more time spent on watering needs, fertilizer, watching the levels of light (sun), etc. So many other canes are simpler to care for.

I will attach a couple photos in a minute but for some reason I cannot do it from IE on my laptop so I either have to go use another computer or a different browser.

PS - it is B. 'Corallina de Lucerna'

Here is one of my Lucerna plants from 3 years ago. Probably the best it looked in a long time.

And what it can become if grown by an expert grower (this was at the West Palm Beach ABS Convention 2009). I am guessing it was around 5 to 6 feet tall.

this is old but I could swear I replied to this to thank you for taking your time. That plant is amazing. I am enjoying my begonia. It actually is pretty high maintenance. Lots of water, fertilizer, sun, I have to repot once or twice a year. I have pretty good luck keeping it looking good all winter, almost.........
Then February comes, and it begins a decline, which is a drag because if it could just keep it together March give the long days again.

That's weird that you find it high maintenance. I am trickling water on the surface through winter once a week or two into my four or five different pots of it and have two trying to bloom. I don't remember the last time I repotted any of them either. I did add a little extra mix on top of the surface a month or so ago. I did pluck off one leaf that had an obvious bad spot on it but that is not uncommon on a lot of begonias especially indoors.

This is the leaf I picked off. The white residue is from sulfur spray to control mildew outbreaks.

I think the soil I made for this plant should hold water just a skosh longer than it does. It wants to be repotted not just once a year, but it may need it in November too.

I rarely repot mine. Only if I want to start it over or it looks pretty sick. I've heard some folks do theirs every six months. That's a lot of work, pots, and potting mix.

Here are a few pictures around the basement. It usually takes me a couple of hours or more to water everything.

Mr. Hunt with new leaves.

Hc Mcdole you need a greenhouse!

I was supposed to get one at this house but instead we got an interior designer to do our living room, master BR and bath! Now we need to do it again as furniture has seen its better days. UGH!

A 30x60 should be a good start? HAHA!

I love your set up. Your begonias are just beautiful. I found a greenhouse that is just your size, 30 x 60 and financing. HE HE

I like that much better. I will bring a bottle of wine when it's finished. wow. how fun would it be.

Loads of fun! I could probably grow some orchids too.

and have a nice little pond

and even some Chihuly glass artwork?

Beautiful additions, I have a pitiful set up in a rec room of an old Rambler, I cannot help but dream of a greenhouse. I do think you have put together a wonderful growing space.

Laurie, it has taken a number of years to get where I am but each year adds on to the years before. Be careful though as it does become addictive. They require a lot of attention and water! It is much easier in summer since I can place them around a sprinkler on a timer and go on a two week vacation and hope that the hose, timer, and sprinkler(s) do not fail. I feel like a slave in winter though as going away for four days is pushing the limits on their ability to not dry out and blow away.

Well it looks like I cannot attach any photos at the moment for some reason (GW? my browser?)