by Evin Morrison, Extension Master Gardener
Photo by Evin Morrison
When most people think of begonias, they imagine the waxy filler plants used in flower beds with their pink, red, or white ruffled petals. But if you are looking for a houseplant that blooms, begonias are right up your alley. Put down your book on orchids and delve into the world of exotic begonias—species so bizarre, alien, and striking that they almost seem a little frightening!
These strange, exotic species boast textures and colors that toe the line between beautiful and maybe a little weird. There’s no doubting that these plants are as dramatic as they are decorative. Yet, despite their horror-movie aesthetic, they’re surprisingly manageable houseplants—if you know how to treat them right. While these are just a few of the most bizarre, you’ll have to be careful because once you start down the begonia rabbit hole, you’ll want to start collecting them all!
1. Begonia ferox
If spikes are your thing, Begonia ferox is a plant that you need in your collection.
Native to China, this species boasts wicked black spines that rise from its deep green leaves giving an altogether frightening display. Unlike thorns on a rose, these spikes are composed of leaf tissue, but they can grow over an inch long! This begonia looks positively prehistoric or like a mythical creature. The foliage is often mottled with dark browns and greens, and while the spikes look nasty, they are harmless to the touch. In fact, these leaves feel more like reptile skin then anything else. Of course, it’s tempting to touch the spines, but since they aren’t hardened like a rose thorn, over touching or petting the leaves can lead to breakage.
Begonia ferox needs indirect light. With most of these exotic begonias, you want to avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Using a well-draining soil mix can help keep your begonia happy. Look for one that incorporates orchid bark to increase airflow but maintain moisture.
Humidity is key! Exotic begonias require high humidity ideally somewhere in the high 70% range, but even up to 80%. If you want to start an exotic begonia collection it might be time to investigate a greenhouse cabinet, but if you’re just looking for one to try out, a terrarium or humidity dome is ideal.
2. Begonia amphioxus
Begonia amphioxus looks a little like a poison dart frog, even the name makes you think of something amphibious. Not many plants can truly boast these bright colors. With its narrow, elongated leaves shaped like spearheads and spots in bright red against an almost neon green canvas, this begonia is visually striking and almost doesn’t look real! While the leaves of this begonia are smaller and narrower, it definitely still gives you the feeling that it’s otherworldly.
Begonia amphioxus will do best in a filtered light. Again, these leaves can be tender and will scorch and brown if subjected to harsh bright light. Maybe because this plant looks so much like a swamp resident, overwatering is a common killer. Make sure to maintain moisture, while still allowing your soil to dry out a little in between waterings. A mix with coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark will help keep the roots happy.
These plants don’t love to be moved very often and will enjoy being able to acclimate to one spot. Find it a home in a humid room or in a terrarium and leave it to thrive. High humidity (above 60%) is crucial, if you don’t have a closed system like a terrarium, keeping a humidifier nearby will help this plant thrive. It’s not uncommon to see some leaf drop when this plant gets stressed. While beautiful, it’s not one for beginners, so grow at your own risk.
3. Begonia pustulata
While the name sounds rather grotesque, this species of begonia is quite pretty and boasts a highly textured leaf. The white spots on these fuzzy leaves shine with an iridescent sheen that’s as unusual as it is interesting. If this plant is happy, it can grow quite quickly. This is a rhizomatous-type begonia that is easy to propagate as it grows. While it’s a good candidate to let trail, it needs to be in a very humid location, so a normal hanging basket in your home might not be ideal. If you have a humid greenhouse, it will trail and hang beautifully.
Begonia pustulata will thrive best in dappled shade. The goal is to mimic understory forest conditions that it would experience in its native region of Mexico. You will need to keep the planting substrate consistently moist but not soggy; it’s important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Adding some sphagnum moss or cocoa coir to the soil can help retain moisture. However, you don’t want the roots swimming in water either, so allow some water to evaporate in between waterings. Very high humidity, up to 90% is ideal for this rainforest plant. A terrarium or greenhouse is ideal as this plant will not do well just left on a shelf in our homes. Consistency is key with most exotic begonias and maintaining constant temperature and humidity levels is essential for healthy plants.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
There’s something beautiful about strange plants.
Bizarre begonias challenge the idea of what a houseplant should look like; they are different and a little more challenging, but their bold look is exactly what makes them irresistible to collectors and plant lovers who crave the unusual.
Caring for these exotic species can be demanding — especially when it comes to humidity — but if you’re willing to give one a try, you won’t be disappointed by the beautiful foliage you can choose from. With their bizarre textures and unique colors, begonias bring a touch of the unusual into any indoor jungle. And the pride you feel when you get one to bloom is worth the extra maintenance.