Picture: Rex Begonia thriving In Container
Begonias are a large and diverse genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Begoniaceae. With over 2,000 known species, they are one of the largest plant genera in the world, native to moist subtropical and tropical climates across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
One of the most distinctive features of begonias is their asymmetrical leaves, which are often lopsided at the base. The leaves can range in color from deep green to burgundy, silver, and even multicolored patterns, making some varieties prized purely for their foliage rather than their flowers.
Begonias are broadly categorized into groups based on their root systems — fibrous-rooted, rhizomatous, and tuberous. Each group has different growth habits, care requirements, and aesthetic qualities, giving gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts a wide range of options to choose from.
They are relatively easy to care for, preferring indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes, as begonias are susceptible to root rot. They thrive in warm temperatures and are often grown as annuals in cooler climates.
Begonias have both ornamental and cultural significance around the world. They are widely used in garden beds, hanging baskets, and as indoor houseplants. Some species also have medicinal uses in traditional practices, and the flowers are even edible, carrying a mildly citrusy flavor.
Picture: A beautiful flowering Angel Wing Begonia
Types of Begonia Varieties
Wax Begonia
One of the most popular and widely grown begonias, the Wax Begonia is beloved for its glossy, waxy leaves and cheerful clusters of small flowers that bloom in shades of red, pink, and white. It thrives equally well in containers or garden beds and is remarkably tolerant of heat and humidity. Its compact, mounding habit makes it a go-to choice for borders, window boxes, and mass plantings throughout the warmer months.
Angel Wing Begonia
Named for the distinctive shape of its elongated, wing-like leaves, the Angel Wing Begonia is a showstopper with silvery polka-dot or speckled markings on deep green foliage. It produces cascading clusters of pendant flowers in coral, red, orange, or pink and can grow quite tall indoors, making it a dramatic houseplant. It prefers bright indirect light and rewards consistent watering with near year-round blooms.
Rex Begonia
Rex Begonias are grown primarily for their extraordinary foliage rather than their flowers. The leaves are large and dramatic, swirling with patterns of silver, green, burgundy, purple, pink, and bronze that seem almost painted on. This variety thrives in humid, low-to-medium light conditions, making it a prized houseplant. Each leaf is a unique work of art, and collectors often seek out rare cultivars with spiral or ruffled leaf forms.
Tuberous Begonia
Tuberous Begonias are famous for their large, rose-like blooms that come in a breathtaking range of colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and bicolors. They grow from tubers and are especially popular in hanging baskets and containers where their cascading stems can be fully appreciated. They prefer cool summers and partial shade, making them ideal for shaded patios and woodland gardens. Their flowers can reach up to five inches across.
Cane Begonia
Cane Begonias get their name from the tall, bamboo-like segmented stems they produce as they mature. They are vigorous growers that can reach impressive heights indoors and are prized for both their decorative foliage and their pendulous flower clusters. The leaves are often asymmetrical and marked with silver spots or blotches, while the blooms hang in graceful bunches. They are among the easiest begonias to care for, tolerating a range of indoor conditions.
Rhizomatous Begonia
Rhizomatous Begonias grow from thick, creeping stems called rhizomes that spread along the soil surface. They produce a wide variety of leaf shapes, textures, and colors and are primarily grown as foliage plants, though many produce delicate sprays of small white or pink flowers in winter and spring. They are extremely adaptable houseplants that tolerate lower light levels and irregular watering better than many other begonia types.
Bolivian Begonia
The Bolivian Begonia is a spectacular trailing variety that originates from the high elevations of South America. It features slender, scarlet-orange tubular flowers that dangle from arching stems, making it a striking choice for hanging baskets and tall containers. Unlike many begonias, it prefers cooler temperatures and performs exceptionally well in shaded outdoor spaces during summer. Its delicate, ferny foliage adds to its elegant, wispy appearance.
Dragon Wing Begonia
The Dragon Wing Begonia is a heat-tolerant, sun-loving variety that blooms prolifically from spring through fall without deadheading. Its large, glossy, deep green leaves are elegantly arched, and the drooping clusters of red or pink flowers appear in abundant quantities throughout the season. It forms a large, vigorous mound and is exceptionally well-suited to both garden beds and large containers. It handles full sun better than most begonias, making it very versatile.
Begonia Lorraine
Often called the Christmas Begonia, the Begonia Lorraine is a hybrid variety that blooms during the winter holiday season, making it a popular gift plant. It produces masses of small, delicate flowers in pink or white that cover the plant almost completely. It prefers cool indoor temperatures and bright indirect light, and while it is often treated as a seasonal plant, dedicated growers can coax it into reblooming with the right care and rest period.
Hiemalis Begonia
Hiemalis Begonias, sometimes called Rieger Begonias, are compact, floriferous hybrids developed for their ability to bloom heavily in the winter months when other flowering plants are scarce. Their flowers closely resemble camellias or roses and come in vivid shades of orange, yellow, red, pink, and white. They prefer bright indirect light and cool temperatures, making them popular as festive houseplants. They tend to be fussier than outdoor begonias but reward careful attention with stunning blooms.
Begonia Grandis
Begonia Grandis, also known as the Hardy Begonia, is one of the few begonias that can survive winter outdoors in temperate climates, dying back to the ground and reemerging in spring. It produces arching stems with large, heart-shaped olive-green leaves with red undersides and clusters of soft pink or white flowers in late summer and fall. It naturalizes beautifully in woodland gardens and shaded borders, spreading gently over time by dropping tiny bulbils.
Elatior Begonia
The Elatior Begonia is a complex hybrid developed for indoor growing and is noted for its prolific, long-lasting blooms that can fill a pot with color for many weeks. The flowers are double or semi-double and come in rich shades of red, yellow, orange, and salmon. It performs best in bright, filtered light and moderate humidity and is a popular choice as a gift plant for its cheerful, lush appearance. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continued flowering.
Polka Dot Begonia
The Polka Dot Begonia is one of the most visually striking houseplants available, featuring large, deep green leaves liberally covered in silvery-white spots that look as though they were painted on by hand. It grows on tall, bamboo-like canes and produces clusters of small coral-pink flowers when conditions are right. It prefers bright indirect light and appreciates regular misting or a nearby humidity tray. Its bold, graphic foliage makes it a standout in any indoor plant collection.
Iron Cross Begonia
The Iron Cross Begonia is a rhizomatous variety named for the distinctive dark brown cross-shaped marking at the center of its puckered, bright green leaves. The textured, deeply embossed surface of the foliage adds a tactile dimension that makes it particularly interesting up close. It produces small pink or white flowers but is primarily grown as a foliage plant. It thrives in bright indirect light and well-draining soil and is sensitive to overwatering.
Mapleleaf Begonia
True to its name, the Mapleleaf Begonia produces leaves with a distinctly maple-like shape, featuring deep lobes and pointed tips. The foliage often displays rich bronze, burgundy, or green tones and may have contrasting veining or markings. It is a rhizomatous type that grows low and spreading, making it an excellent groundcover-style houseplant or terrarium specimen. Clusters of small pink flowers appear on upright stalks in late winter through spring.
Fern Leaf Begonia
The Fern Leaf Begonia is an unusual rhizomatous variety with deeply dissected, lacey leaves that bear a strong resemblance to fern fronds, giving it a delicate, feathery appearance quite unlike typical begonias. The foliage is a fresh, bright green and the plant forms a graceful, airy mound. It produces sprays of small white or pale pink flowers on slender stems and does best in bright indirect light with regular moisture and good air circulation.
Star Begonia
Star Begonias are rhizomatous varieties whose leaves are distinctly star-shaped, with multiple pointed lobes radiating from the center like a starburst. The foliage can be green, bronze, or burgundy, sometimes with contrasting spots or markings. They are low-growing, spreading plants ideal for shallow pots or terrariums and produce small clusters of flowers in late winter or spring. Their unusual leaf shape makes them a favorite among begonia collectors.
Semperflorens Begonia
Semperflorens means ever-blooming in Latin, and this variety lives up to its name by producing a continuous flush of small, cheerful flowers from planting time until the first frost. Available in a huge range of colors including red, pink, white, and bicolor, it is one of the most widely planted annual bedding plants in the world. It is compact, tidy, and easy to grow, tolerating both sun and shade with equal grace. Its bronze or green foliage provides a neat backdrop for the prolific blooms.
Solenia Begonia
Solenia Begonias are modern hybrid tuberous begonias bred specifically for their exceptional performance in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. They produce a profusion of large, rose-like double flowers on trailing stems and are notable for their ability to tolerate more sun than traditional tuberous begonias. Available in a wide spectrum of colors, they bloom continuously throughout the summer season without requiring deadheading. Their vigorous trailing habit and colorful display make them extremely popular for patios and balconies.
Non-Stop Begonia
Non-Stop Begonias are a beloved series of tuberous begonias bred to produce large, fully double flowers from early summer until frost with minimal care and no deadheading required. Their blooms closely resemble peonies or camellias and come in an impressive range of colors. They are compact growers well-suited to containers and window boxes and perform well in partial shade. Their long, uninterrupted season of color is unmatched among tuberous begonias.
Pendula Begonia
Pendula Begonias are trailing tuberous begonias specifically bred for hanging basket cultivation, producing long, cascading stems laden with large, showy flowers. The drooping stems can reach considerable lengths, creating a dramatic curtain of color in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. They prefer partial shade and cool, moist conditions and are especially popular in the cool-summer climates of the Pacific Northwest and United Kingdom. Their cascading form is unparalleled among flowering plants.
Illumination Begonia
Illumination Begonias are a series of trailing tuberous hybrids producing double flowers in soft, luminous colors including salmon, rose, orange, and white. They are particularly noted for their vigorous trailing habit, which makes them exceptional performers in hanging baskets and tall container arrangements. The blooms have a soft, glowing quality in evening light that gives the series its evocative name. They prefer sheltered spots with morning sun and afternoon shade for the best performance.
Mocca Begonia
Mocca Begonias are a series of compact fibrous begonias distinguished by their rich, deep bronze to chocolate-brown foliage, which provides a dramatic contrast to their brightly colored flowers. The leaves have an almost metallic sheen and the flowers come in shades of red, pink, white, and yellow. They perform exceptionally well in hot, sunny conditions and are heat-tolerant, making them excellent choices for sun-baked beds and containers. Their bold foliage color is unusual and eye-catching.
Senator Begonia
The Senator series is a group of fibrous wax begonias selected for their robust performance in both sun and partial shade and their ability to thrive in heat and humidity. They produce masses of single flowers in red, rose, pink, and white above glossy green or bronze foliage. Senator Begonias are widely used in commercial landscaping and public gardens for their reliable, low-maintenance nature. They maintain a tidy, compact habit throughout the growing season without becoming leggy.
Ambassador Begonia
Ambassador Begonias are a classic series of wax begonias valued for their compact, uniform habit and their prolific flowering over a very long season. They come in a full spectrum of colors and are among the most reliable begonias for mass bedding displays, maintaining their neat appearance without pruning throughout the summer. Their tolerance for both sun and shade makes them exceptionally versatile for mixed plantings. They are widely available and easy for beginning gardeners to grow successfully.
Cocktail Begonia
The Cocktail series is a group of compact wax begonias with distinctive deep bronze foliage that provides a rich, warm backdrop for their brightly colored flowers. They are bred for exceptional heat and drought tolerance, maintaining vigorous growth and continuous bloom even during the hottest summer months. Available in red, rose, white, and pink, they are popular for both containers and bedding displays. Their small, tidy size makes them perfect for edging paths and borders.
Big Series Begonia
The Big Series begonias are large-flowered wax begonias developed to produce blooms significantly larger than standard varieties, creating a bolder, more impactful display in the garden. Despite their larger flowers, they maintain the compact habit and tidy appearance associated with the wax begonia group. They bloom continuously from planting through fall and are available in a range of classic begonia colors. Their oversized flowers make them particularly striking when used in containers or as focal points in borders.
Bossa Nova Begonia
Bossa Nova Begonias are a cascading tuberous series developed for outstanding performance in hanging baskets and window boxes. They produce fully double flowers in bright, saturated colors including red, orange, yellow, white, and bicolors on long trailing stems that spill elegantly over container edges. They are notably more heat-tolerant than many tuberous types, extending their range into warmer summer climates. Their continuous blooming habit and easy care make them popular with home gardeners.
Santa Cruz Sunset Begonia
Santa Cruz Sunset is a vigorous trailing begonia that produces masses of single, vivid orange-red flowers on long, arching stems throughout the summer. It is exceptionally vigorous and can fill a large hanging basket or spill generously over a retaining wall or container edge. It performs well in both sun and partial shade and is more heat tolerant than many trailing varieties. The warm, fiery color of its blooms is particularly striking against its glossy dark green foliage.
Million Kisses Begonia
Million Kisses Begonias are a series of cascading fibrous begonias that produce countless tiny, delicate flowers on long trailing stems throughout the growing season. The effect is of a waterfall of small blooms in shades of pink, lilac, rose, and white tumbling gracefully over container edges. They are excellent performers in hanging baskets and window boxes and tolerate both sun and shade. Their dainty, prolific flowers give them a romantic, cottage-garden character.
Bonfire Begonia
Bonfire Begonias produce vivid, tubular, flame-orange flowers held in clusters above compact, bushy mounds of glossy foliage. They are vigorous and free-flowering, performing well in both beds and containers throughout the summer season. Their bright, warm flower color evokes the glowing embers of a fire, making them a bold accent plant in mixed plantings. They are more sun-tolerant than many begonias and maintain their compact, tidy habit without the need for pruning or deadheading.
Gryphon Begonia
Gryphon Begonias are striking, large-growing plants with enormous, deeply lobed leaves featuring bold silver markings on a rich green background and contrasting dark red undersides. They produce clusters of small white to pale pink flowers but are primarily grown as dramatic foliage plants for shady beds, containers, and indoor spaces. They grow vigorously and can reach impressive sizes, creating a tropical, lush atmosphere. Their bold, graphic leaves command attention in any planting combination.
Escargot Begonia
The Escargot Begonia is one of the most distinctive rex varieties, instantly recognizable by its leaves that curl inward in a tight spiral at the base, resembling a snail shell. The spiraling foliage is marked with silver, green, and chocolate brown in swirling, hypnotic patterns. It is a compact, slow-growing houseplant that prefers bright indirect light and high humidity. It is a showpiece plant, often displayed alone to allow its extraordinary leaf form to be fully appreciated.
Fireworks Begonia
Fireworks Begonia is a dazzling rex hybrid featuring large, deeply textured leaves in a riot of silver, purple, green, and burgundy, with bold contrasting veins and margins. The intricate patterning on the foliage resembles the burst of a firework in the night sky, giving the plant its evocative name. Like all rex begonias, it is grown primarily for its spectacular leaves and thrives in humid, warm conditions with bright indirect light. It adds drama and color to indoor plant collections.
Tornado Begonia
Tornado Begonia is a rex variety with leaves that appear to spiral and swirl with layers of color including silver, green, burgundy, and pink. The deeply textured leaf surface catches the light and creates an almost three-dimensional effect. It is a compact grower well-suited to terrariums and humidity-controlled indoor environments. Its dynamic, swirling foliage patterns make it one of the more visually energetic rex varieties, and it is highly sought after by begonia collectors.
Nonstop Joy Begonia
Nonstop Joy Begonias represent an evolution of the classic Nonstop series, offering improved heat tolerance and more vigorous performance in challenging summer conditions. They produce the same large, peony-like double blooms in a wide spectrum of colors but are more adaptable to a broader range of climates. They bloom continuously without deadheading from planting through the first frost and perform well in both containers and garden beds. Their improved heat tolerance makes them particularly valuable in warm-summer regions.
Whopper Begonia
Whopper Begonias are oversized fibrous begonias that grow dramatically larger than standard wax begonia types, capable of reaching two to three feet in height and width. They produce large clusters of flowers in red, rose, or white above glossy deep green or bronze foliage and bloom abundantly throughout the season. Their sheer size makes them outstanding specimen plants for large containers or as focal points in borders. Despite their impressive size, they maintain a tidy, upright habit.
Odorata Begonia
Unlike most begonias, the Odorata group is known for producing sweetly fragrant flowers, a rare trait in the genus. The blooms are typically white or pale pink and are borne in graceful drooping clusters above large, glossy leaves. They are primarily grown indoors and prefer bright indirect light with consistently moist soil. Their fragrance is most noticeable in the evenings, making them particularly pleasant in rooms where one spends time after dark. They can grow quite large with time and good care.
Metallic Leaf Begonia
Metallic Leaf Begonias are a diverse group of rhizomatous varieties selected for their extraordinary iridescent foliage that shimmers with copper, bronze, silver, or purple tones depending on the light angle. The metallic sheen is caused by specialized reflective cells in the leaf surface and varies in intensity depending on light levels. These plants are grown almost entirely for their spectacular foliage and do best in bright indirect light that showcases their shimmer. They are a favorite among collectors of unusual houseplants.
Painted Leaf Begonia
Painted Leaf Begonias encompass a range of varieties whose foliage appears to have been carefully hand-painted with intricate designs, swirls, and color transitions. The leaves typically combine multiple colors in complex patterns that include zones, spots, and graduating tones. They are closely related to the rex group and share similar care requirements, preferring warmth, humidity, and bright indirect light. Each variety has a distinct artistic character, and the collection of several types creates a fascinating living gallery.
Rieger Begonia
Rieger Begonias are a group of winter-flowering hybrids that produce an abundance of large, semi-double or double flowers in warm colors including orange, yellow, red, and salmon during the cooler months of the year. They were developed specifically to fill the gap when most flowering plants are dormant, and they are extremely popular as houseplants and gift plants during autumn and winter. They prefer bright indirect light and moderate temperatures, and they are sensitive to both overwatering and dry air.
Bertini Begonia
The Bertini Begonia is a tuberous variety producing small, pendulous, bright scarlet-orange flowers with pointed petals on gracefully arching stems. It has a wispy, delicate character that makes it especially beautiful in hanging baskets where the blooms dangle at eye level. It prefers cool summer temperatures and partial shade and is especially popular in the UK and other cool-climate regions. Its dainty appearance belies its relatively robust nature once established in appropriate conditions.
Richmondensis Begonia
Richmondensis Begonias are vigorous, cane-type hybrids that produce masses of small flowers in pink, red, or white on arching stems above glossy, waxy leaves with distinctive reddish undersides. They are exceptionally free-flowering and relatively easy to care for, tolerating a range of indoor conditions. They can grow quite large over time and benefit from periodic pruning to maintain a bushy, attractive shape. Their long flowering season and easy nature make them a popular choice for beginners.
Fuchsioides Begonia
The Fuchsioides Begonia is a graceful shrubby type that produces slender, arching stems adorned with small, pendulous flowers in rose-red or pink that closely resemble tiny fuchsia blossoms. The leaves are small, glossy, and slightly serrated, giving the plant a delicate, refined appearance. It blooms almost year-round in warm conditions and is prized for its elegant, weeping habit and continuous display of dainty flowers. It prefers bright indirect light and slightly higher humidity than some other begonia types.
Haageana Begonia
Haageana Begonias are large-growing, shrubby cane types with oversized, hairy leaves that can reach impressive dimensions and display attractive reddish-bronze tones, especially in bright light. They produce large clusters of pale pink flowers on strong stems and can grow into impressive specimen plants several feet tall with proper care. The velvety texture of their foliage is distinctive and adds a tactile interest in addition to their visual appeal. They are best suited to bright spaces with consistent moisture.
Luxurians Begonia
The Luxurians Begonia is one of the most unusual members of the genus, producing deeply divided, palm-like leaves that bear no resemblance to typical begonia foliage. The large, compound leaves are olive to bright green and emerge from thick, upright stems, giving the plant a decidedly tropical and sculptural character. It produces small white flowers but is grown almost entirely for its dramatic foliage. It prefers warm, humid conditions and makes a stunning specimen plant in large tropical-themed gardens or interiors.
Dregei Begonia
Dregei Begonias are semi-tuberous types prized for their ability to form thick, bonsai-like caudicles, which are swollen bases where the plant stores water and nutrients. They have small, deeply lobed leaves and produce a profusion of tiny white flowers. They can be trained into beautiful bonsai-inspired specimens and are favorites among collectors who enjoy unusual plant forms. They are more drought-tolerant than many begonias due to their water-storing base and appreciate a dry winter rest period.
Sutherland Begonia
The Sutherland Begonia is a tuberous species that produces elegant, trailing stems with attractive, bronze-tinted foliage and clusters of soft orange flowers throughout the summer. It is ideal for hanging baskets and cascading container arrangements and performs well in partial shade. The warm tone of its flowers complements its bronzed leaves beautifully, creating a harmonious, cohesive look. It requires a dry winter rest period to replenish its tubers and will reward proper care with vigorous regrowth each spring.
Reniformis Begonia
Reniformis Begonias are rhizomatous types with distinctive kidney-shaped leaves that are round, slightly cupped, and covered in fine hairs, giving them a soft, velvety texture. The leaves are typically mid-green with interesting veining patterns. They produce sprays of small white or pale pink flowers in spring and are low-growing, spreading plants ideal for terrariums or shallow containers. Their unusual leaf shape and soft texture make them a charming and distinctive addition to indoor plant collections.
Serratipetala Begonia
Serratipetala Begonias are small-leaved, shrubby types with finely toothed, deeply textured olive-green leaves that are peppered with tiny pink or red spots, creating a speckled, pointillist effect. The plant produces small, delicate pink flowers throughout the year and is notable for its compact, upright, or slightly trailing habit. It is an excellent candidate for terrariums and enclosed growing environments where humidity can be maintained. Its unusual spotted foliage sets it apart from most other begonias.
Foliosa Begonia
The Foliosa Begonia is a shrubby type notable for its masses of tiny, closely spaced leaves that give it an almost ferny appearance quite different from most begonias. The leaves are very small, dark green, and glossy, and the plant produces tiny white or pale pink flowers in great abundance along its arching stems. It has a feathery, delicate character that makes it attractive in hanging baskets or as a soft-textured contrast in mixed houseplant displays. It prefers moderate humidity and bright indirect light.
Listada Begonia
Listada Begonias are distinctive rhizomatous types with bold, dramatically patterned leaves featuring a vivid lime-green stripe running down the center of each deep, velvety dark green leaf. The contrast between the bright central stripe and the dark surrounding leaf surface is striking and highly decorative. It produces small orange or red flowers and prefers warm, humid conditions similar to those found in tropical rainforests. Its bold foliage pattern makes it an unmistakable and highly sought-after collector’s plant.
Maculata Begonia
Often called the Trout Begonia for the fish-scale pattern of silver spots on its dark green leaves, the Maculata Begonia is a cane type with a bold, graphic appearance. The undersides of the large, wing-shaped leaves are rich burgundy-red, creating a beautiful contrast when viewed from below. It produces drooping clusters of delicate white or pale pink flowers and can grow quite tall over time with proper support. It is one of the most popular begonias among indoor plant enthusiasts for its dramatic, eye-catching foliage.
Amphioxus Begonia
The Amphioxus Begonia is a rare and sought-after species with narrow, elongated leaves covered in tiny, randomly scattered spots of red, orange, and yellow on a dark olive-green background. The spotting pattern varies from leaf to leaf, making each one unique. It is a small, delicate grower best suited to terrariums or humid, sheltered indoor environments. Collectors prize it for its unusual, intricate leaf patterning and its compact, manageable size. It produces tiny white flowers on slender stems.
Rajah Begonia
Rajah Begonias are stunning rhizomatous types with intricately patterned leaves that feature a central mosaic of olive, chocolate, and silver tones radiating outward from a distinctive bullseye center. The leaf surface is deeply embossed and textured, adding depth to the already complex coloration. It is a compact grower that requires high humidity and warm temperatures to thrive, making it best suited to terrariums or very sheltered indoor environments. Its extraordinary foliage patterning makes it one of the most prized collector begonias.
Heracleifolia Begonia
Heracleifolia Begonias are impressive, large-leaved rhizomatous types with bold, star-shaped leaves that can reach considerable sizes, giving the plant a lush, tropical presence. The leaves are often variegated or marked with contrasting zones of color and have an attractive, textured surface. The creeping rhizomes spread along the soil surface, gradually filling a container or shaded bed. In late winter through spring, the plant sends up tall stalks bearing clusters of delicate pink flowers well above the foliage.
Carolineifolia Begonia
The Carolineifolia Begonia is a spectacular rhizomatous species with large, glossy, palmate leaves divided into multiple pointed, deep green leaflets that fan out like an outstretched hand. The tropical, bold leaf form gives the plant an architectural presence unlike most begonias. It produces small pink or white flowers on tall stalks in late winter and early spring. It is well-suited to large shaded containers or indoor spaces where its dramatic foliage can be fully appreciated, and it tolerates lower light levels better than many other types.
Nelumbiifolia Begonia
Nelumbiifolia Begonias are giant-leaved rhizomatous types whose enormous, circular, peltate leaves can reach a foot or more across, with the stem attached to the center of the leaf rather than the edge like a water lily. The leaves are mid-green and waxy, with an impressive, almost architectural presence. They produce tall stalks of small white flowers in winter and spring. This is a plant for spacious indoor environments or heated greenhouses where its remarkable leaf size can be fully accommodated and admired.
Mazae Begonia
Mazae Begonias are compact rhizomatous types with attractive, deeply puckered or textured leaves that are often marked with contrasting darker zones or patterns. They are among the easiest begonias to grow as houseplants, tolerating lower light and irregular watering better than many other types. They produce sprays of small pink flowers in late winter and spring and spread slowly by their creeping rhizomes. Their manageable size, easy care requirements, and attractive foliage make them an excellent choice for beginning begonia collectors.
Crispula Begonia
Crispula Begonias are distinctive for their deeply ruffled and curled leaf margins, which give the foliage a crinkled, almost wavy texture that is quite unlike the flat leaves of most begonia varieties. The ruffling effect creates interesting patterns of light and shadow across the leaf surface. They are compact growers suitable for containers and indoor cultivation and produce small clusters of flowers in spring. The unusual texture of the foliage makes them highly tactile and visually interesting at close range.
Prismatocarpa Begonia
Prismatocarpa Begonias are miniature species prized by terrarium enthusiasts for their tiny, jewel-like form and their cheerful yellow flowers, which are rare in the predominantly pink-and-white world of begonias. The small, bright green leaves and delicate yellow blooms make this a charming and unusual plant for enclosed, humid growing environments. It stays very compact and can be grown in miniature terrariums or alongside other small tropical plants. Its yellow flowers make it a particularly unique and sought-after collector’s species.