It doesn't matter if you already have an expansive indoor plant collection or if you're just getting started with your indoor garden, there is a begonia for every home. With their unique textures and colors, these houseplants are some of the most striking to incorporate in your interiors.
Growing begonias is quite straightforward, and they can be grown both outdoors (across US hardiness zones 6 to zone 9) and indoors. They're loved for the wide range of colors they come in, as well as their low-maintenance nature.
There are actually thousands of types of begonias, many of which are suitable as indoor plants. This means it can be quite overwhelming to choose a begonia for your home, but we're here to help. Here, we've rounded up some of the best begonia varieties for you to browse.
5 beautiful begonia varieties
It's important to research the care requirements for the specific begonia you choose to grow, but generally speaking these plants are easy to maintain. Simply give your begonia a bright position and keep moisture levels consistent. With the right care, you might even see your begonia bloom.
1. Angel Wing Begonia
This is arguably one of the most popular begonias available. Angel wing begonia earns its name from the elegant shape of its foliage.
'Beautiful and well known for its angel wing-shaped leaves. It's the most attractive of all begonia varieties, in my opinion,' says Alex Kantor, owner of Perfect Plants Nursery.
The foliage of angel wing begonia is often dotted with silvery spots, as well as a deep burgundy color on the underside of leaves.
'Provide medium-bright light and water when the top inch to two inches of soil has dried out,' advises Julie Bawden Davis, indoor plant expert at Healthy Houseplants.
Something to note: begonias are not on the list of cold-tolerant houseplants and may start to wilt and drop leaves when exposed to cold temperatures. 'Keep it in an area that is warmer than 60°F,' Julie advises.
'You should also pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness and more flowers,' Alex advises.
As Alex mentions, these begonias will flower in summer and you can encourage growth by using essential pruning tools to cut back leggy and damaged growth - like these pruning shears from Amazon.
Shop Angel Wing Begonia at The Sill.
Julie Bawden-Davis is a garden author and University of California Certified Master Gardener, who has written several gardening books, including Indoor Gardening The Organic Way. In addition to running HealthyHouseplants.com, she shares indoor gardening advice on her YouTube channel @HealthyHouseplants.
Alex has worked in the horticultural industry for over 20 years and grew up on the farm since his childhood years. Alex is an expert on landscape trees, shrubs, and indoor plants. He is passionate about growing and helping others learn the trade.
2. Begonia maculata
Often mistaken for angel wing begonia, Begonia maculata is another spotted begonia - it's even known as polka dot begonia for its dotted foliage.
'Angel wing's silver spots are typically larger, and the underside of the leaves features a deeper color,' explains Nastya Vasylchyshyna, botany expert at Plantum. 'The polka dot begonia has striking elongated leaves, adorned with silvery spots on a rich forest-green base,' she adds. 'With proper care, this plant will reward you with beautiful clusters of graceful white or pinkish flowers.'
Begonia maculata does well in bright, indirect light and you should only water this plant when the top couple of inches are dry. Try using this soil moisture meter from Amazon to identify when to water your houseplants.
You can find Begonia maculata for sale at Walmart.
Nastya Vasylchyshyna is a professional botany expert for the Plantum app that helps identify plants and plant diseases and provides care recommendations. For four years she has consulted on botany-related topics for Plantum. Her specialization is plant morphology, phytopathology, and plant physiology.
3. Begonia rex
If you're a fan of the best unusual houseplants, then there is no better choice than Begonia rex, also known as painted-leaf begonia or king begonia. These plants come in a wide range of vibrant colors, even earning them a spot on the list of the best red houseplants.
'The king begonia lives up to its regal name with its luxurious appearance,' says Nastya. 'The velvety, densely covered leaves showcase a beautiful mix of green, red, pink, and beige, often accented with silver specks or patterns in wine or violet hues,' she adds.
You'll need to provide Begonia rex with bright light to maintain its bright hues, but avoid direct light which could cause leaf scorch. 'An eastern window works well for these begonias,' says Julie. 'If you will be growing the plant in front of southern or western windows, set the plant back two to three feet or use window coverings,' she advises.
There are so many types of Begonia rex plants to choose from: 'Its ability to easily crossbreed means you’ll find a wide variety of hybrids, each with unique leaf shapes, patterns, flowers, and color combinations, making this plant a true showstopper,' explains Nastya.
This Begonia Rex Pink from The Sill is a brilliant choice, with bright pink foliage and deep purple veins. For something more unusual, opt for this Vampire Kiss Begonia Rex from Walmart.
4. Begonia metallica
Perhaps a variety you haven't heard of before, Begonia metallica (metal leaf begonia) is certainly one to consider. It showcases the classic begonia leaf shape with a finish that gives it a metallic appearance.
'The metallic sheen on the leaves gives this variety a unique and eye-catching appearance. The leaves are a bronzy-green color with hints of silver,' describes Alex Kantor.
While other types of begonia are more sensitive to direct sunlight, Begonia metallica can benefit from slightly more sun exposure. 'Plenty of sunlight will even bring out the metallic sheen,' Alex says.
'This fast-growing, low-maintenance plant blooms in summer and fall, making it an easy choice for any plant lover,' Nastya adds.
5. Rieger begonia
If you're shopping for begonias for their blooms, there's no denying that Rieger begonia is one of the best indoor flowering plants to consider.
'Rieger begonia comes in a variety of bright flower colors, including yellow, pink, red and orange,' says Julie Bawden-Davis.
Unlike the variegated indoor plant foliage of other begonia varieties, Rieger begonia usually has plain deep green leaves. However, this allows their showy blooms to take center stage.
Their blooms also usually come out in winter, brightening your home during the darker months. 'For this reason, keep the plants away from heating vents in winter to prevent wilting,' advises Julie.
FAQs
Which begonia varieties are best for growing outdoors?
There are plenty of types of begonias that can grow well outdoors. To name a few: rex, cane, and tuberous begonias. Generally speaking, begonias are hardy across US hardiness zone 6 to US hardiness zone 9), but you should always check the hardiness of the specific begonia you wish to grow in your yard to ensure it will thrive in your local climate.
It's no surprise that because begonias grow well as houseplants, you can also grow begonias in pots outdoors. You can even move your begonias outdoors for the warmer months before bringing them back inside for the colder months. When doing this, make sure to prevent pests when you bring these houseplants back indoors.
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