Fact Check: Is the Begonia Moonlight Butterfly plant real or fake? Viral pictures leave internet in awe

Facebook user Farm Show went viral on the social networking site on August 26 after uploading an image of the Begonia ‘Moonlight Butterfly’ flower. Netizens were stunned to see its captivating dark leaves with intricate white veins. Despite many expressing their amazement regarding the same online, it is worth noting that the plant is not real.

In the social media post, the Facebook user gave a detailed guide on how to take care of the Begonia plant. They revealed that the plant must be kept under bright light, but avoiding direct sunlight was essential; keeping the soil consistently moist without overwatering was also important. The post further read:

“Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Misting the leaves regularly or using a humidifier can help maintain humidity. Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquit fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season.”

Addressing how the Moonlight Butterfly can be used for decoration, the Facebook user explained:

“These striking begonias are perfect for adding a touch of drama and elegance to your indoor garden. They can be displayed on their own or combined with other plants for a colorful and vibrant arrangement.”

The social media post had amassed over 82,000 reactions and had been shared over 6,000 times at the time of writing. Despite many believing that the plant existed in reality, it does not. The image of the plant was created by using artificial intelligence.

While some comments praised the plant, some users noted that the image was AI-generated.

Netizens react to the viral Moonlight Butterfly plant (Image via Facebook)

The social media user was also sharing information online regarding a Begonia ‘Golden Sunburst,’ a Begonia Rex ‘Blushing Aurora’ and more. Meanwhile, the comments calling out the image for being fake read:

Netizens terming the viral Moonlight Butterfly plant as fake and AI generated (Image via Facebook)

Another comment urged people to stop "the AI madness."

Netizens react to the viral Moonlight Butterfly plant (Image via Facebook)

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The Begonia ‘Moonlight Butterfly’ plant is not real

As per Best Lagos, the fictional plant that has captured the attention of plant lovers is not real. The image that has been circulating online was created by using artificial intelligence, as mentioned above.

It appears as if the images were altered by using pictures of the Begonia darthvaderiana x chlorosticta hybrid plant. The plant boasts a black or brown surface with green or yellow spots on top of them. The plant can reach 40 cm in height with its leaves measuring approximately 15 cm.

The Begonia darthvaderiana x chlorosticta hybrid plant grows best in environments with 70% to 80% humidity, and avoiding waterlogging is highly recommended. One must also never place the plant directly under the sun, and it requires some sunlight.

It appears as if the Facebook user was describing the plant by simply changing the color of the plant.

Hence, it is safe to say that the plant does not exist in reality. A few other plants the Facebook page has falsely claimed are real include the Giant Blue Bougainvillea Tree, the Rock Lotus ‘Pink Aurora’ and the Jacaranda Tree, among others.