🌿 Species Guide
🌸 Begonia
🌸 In brief — Begonia
For foliage: Begonia Maculata with silver spots · Maculata Wightii with white spots · For flowers: Betulia Candy with double pink flowers · Light: bright indirect without direct sun · Key rule: water at the base, never on the leaves · Propagation: very easy in the water or substrate
Begonia is one of the largest and most varied genera in the plant world — over 2,000 species, from the most graphic foliage to the most generous blooms. Some are grown for their spectacular spotted or colorful patterned leaves, others for their abundant flowers. This guide covers the varieties available in the catalog and all the keys to successful care.
Overview and Major Families
The Begonia genus is one of the most diverse in the plant kingdom, with over 2,000 species spread across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This vast family is divided into major groups based on growth habits and decorative use.
Stem Begonias (Maculata type)
Also called "bamboo begonias" for their segmented upright stems, they are best known for their spectacular foliage. The silver-spotted Begonia Maculata is the most famous example. They combine graphic foliage with delicate flowers.
Rex Begonias (foliage)
Grown exclusively for their extraordinary patterned and colored leaves — silver, purple, red, metallic green. They are true living artworks. Their flowering is insignificant: the foliage is what matters.
Flowering Begonias (Elatior, Betulia types)
Selected for their abundant and long-lasting blooms — double pink, red, orange flowers. Betulia Candy is a beautiful example. They bring floral color indoors for extended periods.
⚠️ Toxicity
Begonia is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested — its tubers and sap contain calcium oxalates. Keep out of reach of animals. For homes with pets, check the pet-friendly plants selection.
Begonia Varieties
The Verdeia catalog offers a selection of Begonias covering graphic foliage and generous blooms. See the complete Begonia collection.
The Maculata is one of the most photographed Begonias in the world — its large asymmetrical dark green leaves are dotted with shiny silver spots that look painted. Its burgundy underside is just as decorative. Its bamboo-like stem gives it a very graphic look.
See the Maculata →
The Wightii version features pure white spots even more contrasting than the classic Maculata and very decorative coral red stems. Its delicate white blooming is a bonus. Same care as the Maculata — the two complement each other perfectly in arrangements.
See the Wightii →
The Betulia Candy is grown for its blooming — its double pink flowers bloom abundantly over long periods above shiny green foliage. It’s the Begonia to gift for lasting floral color indoors. Its generous blooming brightens any room.
See the Betulia Candy →| Variety | Type | Asset | Size | Grown for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maculata | Stemmed | Silver spots | H20 cm | Graphic foliage |
| Maculata Wightii | Stemmed | White spots + red stems | H20 cm | Contrasting foliage |
| Betulia Candy | Flowering | Double pink flowers | H35 cm | Long-lasting blooming |
How to care for a Begonia
Light
The Begonia needs bright indirect light — never direct sun that burns its leaves. An east or west-facing window with sheer curtains is ideal. In insufficient light, foliage Begonias lose the intensity of their patterns and flowering Begonias stop blooming. See the light and humidity guide.
Watering — only at the base
This is the essential rule for Begonia: always water at the base, never on the leaves. Wet leaves are very susceptible to rot and powdery mildew. Water when the top 2 cm of substrate are dry using the finger test. Never let water stagnate in the saucer. See the complete watering guide.
Humidity and temperature
Begonia prefers medium to high ambient humidity but without wetting the leaves — place the pot on a bed of moist clay pellets rather than misting. Ideal temperature between 18 and 24 °C. It dislikes cold drafts and temperatures below 15 °C.
Substrate, fertilization, repotting
Light, well-draining substrate — potting soil + perlite. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during growth (May to September). Repot in spring when roots fill the pot. See the repotting guide.
- Bright indirect light without direct sun
- Water at the base only — never on the leaves
- Let the top 2 cm dry between waterings
- Humidity by clay pellets rather than misting
- Temperature 18–24 °C — no cold drafts
- Fertilize every 2 weeks from May to September
Cutting and propagation
Begonia is one of the easiest plants to propagate — it is even one of the few plants that can be propagated from a simple leaf fragment.
Stem Begonias (Maculata) — stem cuttings
- Cut a healthy stem 10–15 cm long with at least one node
- Place it in a glass of water or directly in moist substrate
- Keep in a warm, bright place without direct sun
- Roots appear in 3 to 4 weeks
- Repot when roots reach 3–4 cm
Rex Begonias — leaf cuttings
Rex Begonias multiply from a leaf fragment: place a leaf on moist substrate, lightly cut the main veins, and keep under a cloche. Small plantlets appear at the cut points in 6 to 8 weeks.
💡 The best time
Spring and early summer are ideal times for cuttings — the plant is in full growth and rooting is fast. See the guide propagating your plants.
Common problems and solutions
| Symptom | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Excess water or stagnant water | Check drainage, let dry. See yellow leaves: 5 causes |
| Powdery white spots (powdery mildew) | Wet leaves + confined air | Water at the base, ventilate, treat with sulfur or baking soda |
| Brown spots on leaves | Water on foliage or direct sun | Water at the base, keep away from direct sun |
| Soft stems at the base | Rot — substrate too wet | Reduce watering, repot in fresh, well-draining substrate |
| No flowering | Lack of light | Move closer to a bright window without direct sun |
| Pale leaves | Lack of light or nutrients | Improve light, fertilize during growth |
| Scale insects or aphids | Stress or confined air | Treat with neem oil. See diagnosis guide |
Decoration and pairings
In what interior style?
Graphic-leaf Begonias (Maculata) are perfect in contemporary and bohemian interiors — their polka dot pattern has become an icon of plant design. Flowering Begonias (Betulia Candy) add a touch of color to classic or romantic interiors. Check the guide choosing plants according to your style.
Which plants to pair them with?
- Foliage contrast: Begonia Maculata + Calathea — silver dots against graphic stripes
- Tropical composition: Maculata + Philodendron + Maranta — varied tropical foliage
- Floral touch: Betulia Candy + Anthurium — two long-lasting blooms together
Decorative pots
The silver spots of the Maculata stand out in a dark or terracotta decorative pot. The burgundy underside matches warm tones. See the selection of pots and decorative pots and the guide combining potted plants by colors and textures.
Verdeia Collection
All Begonia varieties
From silver-spotted Maculata to flowering Betulia Candy — graphic foliage and generous blooms.
Frequently asked questions
Bright indirect light without direct sun, watering at the base only when the top 2 cm are dry, medium humidity with clay pebbles rather than misting, temperature 18–24 °C. Golden rule: never wet the leaves. See the light and humidity guide.
Most often excess water or stagnant water. Check drainage and let the top 2 cm dry between waterings using the finger test. Too dry air or lack of light can also be causes.
Very easily. For the Maculata: cut a stem with a node and place it in water or moist substrate. For Rex Begonias: place a leaf fragment on moist substrate. Roots appear in 3 to 6 weeks in a warm, bright place. See the propagation guide.
Yes — toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Its tubers and sap contain calcium oxalates that cause mouth irritation and digestive issues. Keep out of reach of animals. For homes with pets: pet-friendly plants.
Verdeia Shop
Find your ideal Begonia
Graphic spotted foliage or generous pink blooms — a Begonia for every desire.
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