If you’re looking to add stunning blooms to your indoor garden, begonias offer an impressive range of options. These versatile plants feature everything from fuzzy Rex varieties with intricate leaf patterns to the dramatic Angel Wing begonias with their cascading flowers. You’ll find specimens that thrive in various light conditions, from bright indirect sunlight to partial shade, and many varieties flower year-round when properly maintained. Let’s explore the most enchanting indoor begonias that’ll transform your space.

1. Rex Begonia’s Fuzzy Leaves

Rex Begonias are known for their distinctive fuzzy leaves that feature intricate patterns and vibrant colors ranging from deep purples and silvers to bright greens. The leaves have a velvety texture due to tiny hairs covering their surface, creating an almost metallic sheen when light hits them. These ornamental leaves can grow quite large and often display asymmetrical shapes with spiral patterns radiating from the center, making them highly prized as indoor decorative plants.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic matter content
  • Humidity: High humidity (50-60%); use pebble trays or humidifiers
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-6.5)
  • Planting depth: Plant rhizomes just below soil surface

2. Rieger Begonia’s Vibrant Blooms

Rieger Begonias (Begonia x hiemalis) produce stunning clusters of rose-like double blooms in vibrant shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and white. These flowering plants maintain their blooming cycle for several weeks, making them popular choices for indoor decoration and partially shaded garden spaces. Their compact growth habit, typically reaching 12-18 inches in height, combined with their prolific flowering nature, creates an impressive display of color against their dark green foliage.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; morning sun is beneficial
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); avoid cold drafts
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels; mist regularly
  • Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Pruning: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
  • Container: Use pots with adequate drainage holes
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3. Angel Wing Begonia’s Pink Blossoms

Angel Wing Begonia’s pink blossoms are delicate, clustered flowers that dangle in graceful groups beneath their distinctive wing-shaped leaves. These blossoms range from soft pastel pink to deep rose hues and bloom profusely throughout the growing season when properly maintained. The flowers appear in pendulous clusters, creating a striking contrast against the dark green, silver-spotted foliage that gives this begonia variety its name.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic matter content
  • Humidity: Minimum 50% humidity; benefits from regular misting
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with adequate drainage holes
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

4. Dragon Wing Begonia’s Red Flowers

Dragon Wing Begonia’s red flowers are striking, angel wing-shaped blooms that appear in abundant clusters against glossy, wing-like foliage. These vibrant scarlet flowers hang gracefully on arching stems and bloom continuously from spring through fall, creating a dramatic cascading effect. The flowers measure about 1-2 inches across and provide a bold pop of color that makes this variety especially popular for containers and hanging baskets.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate some morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Use pots with good drainage holes
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

5. Tiger Begonia’s Striped Petals

Tiger Begonias are notable for their striking striped petals that create a distinctive tiger-like pattern, typically featuring contrasting colors like orange and yellow or pink and white. These dramatic markings run lengthwise along each petal, radiating outward from the flower’s center in a way that resembles the stripes of a tiger’s coat. The blooms are usually large and showy, measuring up to 3 inches across, and appear in clusters above the plant’s dark green, textured foliage.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic matter content
  • Humidity: Prefer 50-70% humidity
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Pots with good drainage holes
  • Growing Zone: USDA zones 10-11, or as houseplants in cooler regions

6. Tuberous Begonia’s Orange Blooms

The vibrant orange blooms of tuberous begonias create stunning displays with their large, rose-like flowers that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. These showy orange blossoms typically appear from early summer through fall, featuring layered petals that range from soft peachy-orange to deep tangerine hues. The flowers contrast beautifully against the dark green, waxy foliage, making them particularly eye-catching in hanging baskets, containers, or partially shaded garden beds.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light or partial shade; protect from intense afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich organic potting mix with pH 6.0-6.5
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Humidity: High humidity (50% or higher)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
  • Winter Care: Reduce watering and allow tubers to go dormant; store in cool, dry place
  • Planting Depth: Place tubers 2-3 inches deep, hollow side up

7. Wax Begonia’s White Flowers

The wax begonia‘s white flowers are delicate and pristine blooms that stand out beautifully against the plant’s glossy, succulent-like foliage. These small, waxy flowers typically measure about an inch across and grow in clusters, featuring four petals arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The white variety offers a clean, bright appearance that can illuminate shaded garden areas and complement other flowering plants in mixed containers or borders.

  • Light: Partial shade to full sun; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix or garden soil with added organic matter
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Pots with drainage holes
  • Spacing: 8-12 inches between plants
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8. Escargot Begonia’s Spiral Leaves

The Escargot Begonia (Begonia rex ‘Escargot’) is a striking variety known for its distinctive spiral pattern that resembles a snail’s shell, hence its French name meaning “snail.” Each leaf displays mesmerizing concentric circles in varying shades of silver and green, creating a hypnotic whirlpool effect from the center outward. The leaves grow to about 6-8 inches in diameter, featuring deep green borders with silvery bands that follow the spiral pattern, all set against a dark background that adds depth and drama to the plant’s appearance.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: High humidity (50-60%); use pebble trays or humidifiers
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added peat moss
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Soil pH: 6.0-6.5

9. Polka Dot Begonia’s Spotted Leaves

The Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata) features distinctive olive-green leaves adorned with silvery-white spots on their upper surface and deep purple undersides. These spotted leaves grow in an asymmetrical angel-wing shape, creating a striking visual pattern that makes this variety a standout among houseplants. When healthy and mature, the plant produces delicate white flowers that bloom in clusters, providing an elegant contrast to its dramatic foliage.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, loose potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: High humidity levels (60-70%); use pebble trays or humidifiers
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Potting: Use containers with drainage holes; repot annually in spring
  • Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves and trim leggy growth to maintain shape

10. Beefsteak Begonia’s Thick Foliage

The Beefsteak Begonia (Begonia erythrophylla) features distinctively thick, round, glossy leaves that can grow up to 8 inches in diameter. These fleshy leaves have a deep green top surface and a rich burgundy underside, creating an attractive contrast. The plant’s succulent-like foliage grows in a compact, mounding habit, making it an excellent choice for indoor growing, where its dense growth pattern creates an impressive display of overlapping leaves.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sunlight
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch to dry between waterings
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with good drainage holes
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

11. Painted-Leaf Begonia’s Metallic Patterns

Painted-leaf begonias showcase stunning metallic patterns on their asymmetrical leaves, featuring iridescent silver, copper, and pewter markings that seem to shimmer in the light. These distinctive patterns often appear as bands, spots, or streaks across the leaf surface, creating dramatic contrasts with deep green, burgundy, or purple base colors. The metallic effect results from light reflecting off specialized cells in the leaf structure, making these begonias particularly striking as indoor ornamental plants.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can fade patterns; morning sun tolerated
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic matter content
  • Humidity: Minimum 50% humidity; higher levels preferred
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Pots with adequate drainage holes
  • Growing Medium pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

12. Mapleleaf Begonia’s Autumn Colors

The Mapleleaf Begonia (Begonia acerifolia) features stunning foliage that shifts through vibrant autumn-like colors throughout the year. Its maple-shaped leaves emerge in bright copper tones, maturing to deep green with reddish-bronze undersides, and can display hints of orange and burgundy when exposed to proper lighting. The textured leaves have pronounced veining and serrated edges, creating a dramatic display that mimics fall foliage year-round.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; morning sun is tolerable but avoid harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added peat moss and perlite
  • Humidity: Minimum 50% humidity; benefits from regular misting or humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Soil pH: Slightly acidic, 6.0-6.5
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13. Iron Cross Begonia’s Dark Veins

The Iron Cross Begonia gets its name from the distinctive dark brown to black cross-shaped marking in the center of each leaf, which creates a stark contrast against the olive-green foliage. This rhizomatous begonia variety features round, peltate leaves that grow low to the ground, forming a compact and attractive mound. The dark veining pattern is most pronounced in mature leaves, making it a striking choice for indoor displays and shaded garden areas.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during growing season
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes
  • Growing Zone: USDA zones 10-11 for outdoor growth; excellent as houseplant

14. Cane Begonia’s Tall Stems

Cane begonias, also known as angel-wing begonias, are characterized by their distinctive tall, bamboo-like stems that can grow several feet high. These stems are segmented with prominent nodes and feature large, wing-shaped leaves that often display striking patterns and colors. The stems grow in an upright fashion and branch out to create a bushy appearance, with clusters of delicate flowers blooming at the stem tips throughout the growing season.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; can tolerate some morning sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefer 50% or higher humidity
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes; may need staking for support as stems grow tall
  • Pruning: Trim leggy stems in spring to encourage bushier growth

15. Strawberry Begonia’s Fuzzy Blooms

Strawberry Begonia’s fuzzy blooms are charming, delicate white flowers that appear in clusters above the plant’s silvery-veined foliage. Despite its common name, this plant isn’t actually a begonia but rather belongs to the saxifrage family. The small, star-shaped flowers emerge on long stems in spring and summer, creating an ethereal display that contrasts beautifully with the plant’s rounded, hairy leaves. Each bloom features five white petals and prominent yellow stamens.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch to dry between waterings
  • Soil: Well-draining, organic-rich potting mix
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Propagation: Easily propagated through runners, similar to strawberry plants