This is the coolest Begonia!  Begonia luxurians is an unusual species from the rain forests of Brazil that looks more like a palm tree than a Begonia.  This robust, upright-growing species can grow 8 to 12 feet tall!  While the flowers are certainly pretty, the real excitement is its highly decorative foliage.  The oversized, hand-shaped leaves can get 1½ feet across, with slender "fingers" that have coppery undersides.  This is an exceptionally handsome conversation piece, and it's easy to grow when given the right conditions. 

Begonia luxurians is a cane-stemmed type Begonia with tall, rigid stems.  The fan-like leaves emerge in an alternating, zig-zag pattern from each stem, for a great tropical look.  Each leaf has about 11 to 15 leaflets radiating from a reddish center.  The leaves are folded upward lengthwise and have serrated edges.  The plant has gotten 12 feet tall here in San Francisco, although it may be pruned to any size.  The flower clusters appear in Spring from the tops of the branches, containing dozens of pretty, white & yellow blooms.  Begonia luxurians may be crossed with some other Begonias to create new hybrids.  Some plants with fatter leaflets labeled Begonia luxurians may actually be hybrids, or a related species, Begonia digitata.  The plants shown here are the true species.

Begonia luxurians might be able to survive a light, brief frost, but i strongly recommend keeping it above 35 degrees F.  It has reportedly been grown successfully in warmer places like Florida, although extremely hot temperatures might stress it.  It grows well indoors in a pot, and may even be raised as a bonsai specimen.  For soil, a well-draining, fertile mix is best, such as 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite.  The soil should be kept evenly moist and not allowed to dry out.  It doesn't like soggy soil though, so in heavy-rainfall areas, use a looser soil mix.  It enjoys dappled sunlight or bright shade.  Protect it from strong sun exposure.  Over about 50% humidity is best.

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