18 Common and Rare Begonia Varieties (With Pictures)

Begonias are a fascinating plant group that captivates gardeners with their diverse and vibrant foliage. Showcasing an array of textures, shapes, and colors, these plants can transform any garden or indoor space into a lush, tropical paradise. Their hardy nature and beautiful blooms make them a favorite among experienced and novice gardeners.

This article will explore 18 common and rare begonia varieties, highlighting their unique characteristics and growing requirements. Whether you are looking to expand your plant collection or seeking inspiration for your next gardening project, our guide will provide valuable insights into these remarkable plants.

1. Begonia Maculata

Begonia Maculata is often called the Polka Dot Begonia because of its unique spotted leaves. These silver spots contrast beautifully with the dark green leaves, making the plant stand out. This begonia variety is highly sought after by indoor plant enthusiasts.

The leaves are elongated and sometimes have a spiral shape. They are eye-catching and add elegance to any plant collection. When it blooms, the flowers are usually white or pale pink, adding another layer of beauty.

The plant has an upright, bushy growth habit but can become somewhat cascading as the stems grow longer. It’s essential to provide it with indirect light and consistent moisture.

2. Begonia Rex ‘Fireworks’

Begonia Rex ‘Fireworks’ is a stunning variety known for its vibrant and colorful foliage. The leaves are large and bold with dark purple centers, purple-pink edges, and a shimmering silver-white in between.

This plant is evergreen and grows upright. While its pink flowers are pretty, the main attraction is the rich and striking leaves. It’s important to keep the soil moist and provide indirect sunlight for the best growth. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.

3. Begonia Boliviensis

Begonia Boliviensis is well-known for its bright, tubular flowers and serrated, vibrant green leaves. This plant thrives both indoors and outdoors. Its blooms come in shades of red, orange, and pink.

We need to plant Begonia Boliviensis in loamy, well-draining soil. This variety performs best with consistent moisture but should never be waterlogged.

For optimal growth, place it in a spot where it gets partial sunlight. It can tolerate some shade. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer helps maintain its vibrant appearance.

4. Begonia ‘Escargot’

Begonia ‘Escargot’ is known for its unique spiral-shaped leaves. The pattern resembles a snail shell, which is where it gets its name. The colors of the leaves range from green to silver with touches of chocolate brown.

This begonia is part of the Rex cultorum group. It typically grows about 6 to 12 inches tall. The plant prefers shaded areas and thrives in warm climates where winters are mild.

The care for Begonia ‘Escargot’ involves regular watering but avoiding soggy soil. It does best in well-draining soil and benefits from occasional misting to increase humidity. Propagation can be done through leaf cuttings.

5. Begonia ‘Black Mamba’

Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ is quite a striking plant. Its star-shaped leaves almost look black and can grow up to 12 inches across. These dark leaves make it a unique addition to any plant collection.

In winter, Begonia ‘Black Mamba’ showcases lovely pink flowers. The bright blooms stand out beautifully against the dark foliage, creating a strong contrast. This plant prefers indirect sunlight and does well in humid conditions. It’s a popular choice for shaded patios or indoor spaces.

6. Begonia ‘Harmony’s Red Robin’

Begonia ‘Harmony’s Red Robin’ is a stunning rex hybrid. The plant’s leaves showcase a dramatic mix of colors. The deep black center is surrounded by iridescent gray, brilliant red, and chocolate brown. This small begonia stays under 8 inches in height, making it perfect for compact spaces.

We love the bold contrast and rich hues in the foliage. It is also a vigorous grower with a compact habit. This makes it easy to care for, even for beginners.

This variety thrives in moderate temperatures between 65° and 75°F. It prefers high humidity and should be kept away from drafts and direct heat sources.

7. Begonia Grandis

Begonia Grandis, also known as Hardy Begonia, is a beautiful addition to any garden. It thrives in shaded areas and can handle cooler climates better than most begonias.

We love its heart-shaped leaves that come in shades of green with red undersides. When it blooms, Begonia Grandis produces delicate pink or white flowers that add a touch of elegance.

This begonia is also appreciated for its ability to spread through bulbils, which form at the leaf axils and can easily be planted to grow new plants.

8. Begonia Luxurians

Begonia Luxurians, known as the Palm Leaf Begonia, hail from the tropical forests of Brazil. Its large, fan-like leaves set it apart, giving it a palm tree-like appearance.

It’s crucial to water this begonia only when the soil dries out 20-40%, as overwatering can cause root rot. Bright shade or dappled light works best, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Before fertilizing, water the plant thoroughly to prevent root burn. We should apply diluted fertilizer evenly to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

9. Begonia Pavonina

Begonia Pavonina, also known as the “Blue Begonia,” is famous for its shimmering blue leaves. The plant thrives in high-humidity environments, typically between 60% and 80%. We can use a pebble water tray under the pot to maintain humidity.

It prefers indirect light and well-draining soil. Keeping the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, is essential for its growth.

10. Begonia ‘Iron Cross’

Begonia ‘Iron Cross’ is a striking plant known for its unique and bold foliage. The leaves have a dark cross pattern, giving it a memorable appearance. This variety is native to China and Vietnam.

The plant grows horizontally and reaches a height of about 15-18 inches. It prefers partial shade and high humidity, so we should mist it regularly to keep it happy.

We can propagate this begonia easily by using leaf cuttings. Simply cut a healthy leaf and root it in a moist, sterile potting mix. Covering it with plastic helps maintain the necessary humidity for rooting.

11. Begonia ‘Pink Minx’

Begonia ‘Pink Minx’ is a captivating cultivar introduced in 2002. This variety was created by crossing Begonia aconitifolia and Begonia U062. Its deeply lobed leaves are quite striking.

The foliage of ‘Pink Minx’ features black venation splashed with silver and pink hues, while the backs are a deep red. These leaves make it stand out in any collection.

The flowers grow in pink clusters, adding to its stunning appearance. This begonia is sure to catch the eye of any plant lover.

Begonia ‘Pink Minx’ thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity. This makes it suitable for indoor environments where these conditions can be controlled.

12. Begonia ‘Benitochiba’

Begonia ‘Benitochiba’ is a striking variety known primarily for its unique foliage. The leaves are large, palmately divided, and showcase a silvery sheen with dark green markings along the veins.

The young leaves have a purplish-pink tint that enhances their visual appeal. This makes it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

In late summer, Begonia ‘Benitochiba’ produces small clusters of shell-pink flowers. While the flowers are beautiful, it’s the foliage that stands out most.

This variety adds a touch of elegance to any collection, making it a delightful addition for both novice and experienced growers.

13. Begonia Mazae Nigra

Begonia Mazae Nigra is a striking choice for plant lovers. It features dark green, almost black leaves with a unique texture.

This begonia prefers bright, indirect light and thrives in humid environments. It’s perfect for indoor gardens or shaded outdoor spaces. The leaves display a beautiful, slightly metallic sheen. This adds a touch of elegance to any collection.

14. Begonia Soli-Mutata

Begonia Soli-mutata, also known as the sun-changing plant, is a unique variety. Its leaves darken when exposed to more light. The foliage is pebbly-textured with rounded shapes.

We can see shades of pink and red along the margins and undersides of the leaves. They are heart-shaped and have lime-green veins with scarlet edges. The leaves are covered in tiny hairs and raised lumps.

This begonia grows to an average height of twelve inches. It is an evergreen, creeping, rhizomatous perennial. This plant is mainly grown for its spectacular foliage.

15. Begonia Gryphon

Begonia Gryphon is a hybrid begonia noted for its striking foliage. The leaves are large, thick, and glossy. They feature an attractive blend of green, silver, and red. The undersides and stems are deep orange-red, adding vibrant contrast.

This plant thrives in shady areas and can grow in containers or garden beds. As an evergreen perennial, it retains its leaves throughout the year. It’s known for its durability and low maintenance.

Ideal planting involves spacing the plants about 18 inches apart. This allows for proper growth and airflow. The soil should be well-draining and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

16. Begonia ‘Marmaduke’

Begonia ‘Marmaduke’ is an eye-catching variety known for its striking foliage. The leaves are large and wavy with a bright green color, adorned with dark red veins and blotches. This creates a beautiful contrast that makes it stand out in any garden or indoor collection.

‘Marmaduke’ thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s best to avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. The plant also prefers a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot.

This begonia variety enjoys moderate humidity, making it perfect for a bathroom or kitchen placement. Regular watering is essential, but the soil should dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to problems, so it’s important to maintain a balanced watering schedule.

17. Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’

Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’ is a striking plant known for its unique, patterned foliage. The small, chocolate to bronze-red leaves feature bright green, paw-like markings. These leaves have white, eyelash-like hairs on the edges, giving the plant the common name Eyelash Begonia.

Its foliage is not its only charm. The undersides of the leaves and the juicy stems are wine-red, adding even more visual interest. Begonia ‘Tiger Paws’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can fade the leaves.

This variety needs high humidity to do well, but overwatering is a common problem. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Regular pruning helps to encourage bushiness and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.

This stunning Begonia variety is a must-have for any plant lover seeking a unique addition to their collection.

18. Begonia ‘Apple Blossom’

Begonia ‘Apple Blossom’ features large, soft pink and white blooms. These beautiful flowers have a pleasant, citrus-like fragrance. Their cascading stems make them perfect for hanging baskets and containers.

This plant thrives in full sun in cooler climates, while in warmer areas it requires some afternoon shade. Its increased sun tolerance allows versatile use in different garden settings.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Begonias are beautiful plants that require specific care to thrive. Key factors include proper watering, suitable soil, and effective pest and disease management.

Watering Requirements

Begonias need consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. We should water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. It’s important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. For indoor begonias, using room-temperature water is best. We recommend watering in the morning to allow the soil to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

When growing begonias outdoors, it’s crucial to adjust watering based on weather conditions. Hot, dry weather might require more frequent watering, while cooler, damp conditions may need less. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Suitable Soil Types

Begonias thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. A mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and some organic matter works well. We should avoid heavy, clay soils that retain too much moisture. If planting in containers, a quality potting mix designed for houseplants or flowers will support their growth.

For outdoor planting, amending garden soil with compost can improve texture and drainage. Raised beds or mounds can further enhance drainage in garden soil. Regularly checking the soil’s pH and maintaining a slightly acidic environment (pH around 6.0) will help begonias absorb nutrients more effectively.

Pest and Disease Management

Begonias can be susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. We can manage these pests by regularly inspecting the plants and using methods like rinsing with water or applying insecticidal soap. For more sensitive varieties, testing on a small leaf section first is advisable.

Diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis can affect begonias, especially in damp conditions. Ensuring good air circulation by spacing plants properly and avoiding overhead watering can reduce these problems. Removing affected leaves and using fungicides as needed can help manage outbreaks. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to maintaining healthy plants.