While you might think growing begonias requires a green thumb, you’ll find these 15 varieties surprisingly forgiving for beginners. From the velvety Rex Begonia with its jewel-toned leaves to the prolific Angel Wing’s cascading blooms, there’s a begonia that matches your skill level and style. You’ll discover how these adaptable plants can transform your indoor space with minimal effort, starting with the most resilient varieties that thrive in typical home conditions.

1. Rex Begonia’s Velvety Leaves

Rex Begonias are prized for their stunning, highly ornamental foliage featuring velvety-textured leaves in vibrant patterns of silver, purple, red, pink, and green. These large, heart-shaped leaves have a distinctive metallic sheen and often display spiraling patterns, making them striking focal points in indoor gardens. The leaves’ plush texture comes from tiny hairs covering the surface, which create an almost iridescent appearance when light hits them at different angles.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves; morning sun is tolerable
  • 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: High humidity (50-70%); use humidity trays or regular misting
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Shallow, wide pots with drainage holes to accommodate spreading root system

2. Angel Wing Begonia’s Pink Blooms

Angel Wing Begonias produce clusters of delicate pink flowers that dangle gracefully beneath their distinctive wing-shaped leaves. These pink blooms appear multiple times throughout the growing season, typically lasting several weeks each time. The flowers range from soft pastel pink to deeper rose hues, creating a striking contrast against the plant’s dark green, silver-spotted 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 content
  • Humidity: Minimum 50% humidity; mist regularly or use humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
  • Pruning: Remove spent blooms to encourage new flower production
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3. Wax Begonia’s Colorful Clusters

Wax Begonia’s colorful clusters are a defining feature of this popular bedding plant, displaying dense groups of delicate flowers in shades of pink, red, or white that bloom continuously against waxy, rounded leaves. The glossy foliage comes in various colors from deep green to bronze, creating an attractive contrast with the abundant flower clusters that sit atop sturdy stems, making them excellent choices for borders, containers, and mass plantings.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial sun to partial shade; morning sun preferred
  • 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 humidity levels; 40-50%
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

4. Iron Cross Begonia’s Bold Pattern

The Iron Cross Begonia (Begonia masoniana) features striking dark chocolate-brown markings in the center of its textured, olive-green leaves, forming a distinctive cross or plus-sign pattern that gives this plant its common name. Each leaf grows up to 6 inches wide and has a pebbled, quilted surface that adds depth to its already dramatic appearance, making it a standout choice for indoor plant collections.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct sun that can scorch 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 content
  • Humidity: Requires high humidity levels of 60% or higher
  • Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions between 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot

5. Polka Dot Begonia’s Spotted Foliage

The Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata) features distinctive olive-green leaves adorned with silvery-white spots on their upper surface and burgundy-red undersides. These eye-catching spots, which give the plant its common name, create a striking contrast that makes it a standout choice for indoor gardening. The asymmetrical, wing-shaped leaves grow on bamboo-like stems, reaching heights of 2-4 feet when mature.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, lightweight potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: High humidity levels (50-70%); use pebble trays or humidifiers if needed
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

6. Tuberous Begonia’s Ruffled Petals

Tuberous begonias are renowned for their stunning ruffled petals that create an almost rose-like appearance. These showy blooms can reach up to 8 inches in diameter and come in various colors including pink, yellow, orange, red, and white. The petals have a delicate, crepe-paper texture and layer upon each other in elaborate ruffled patterns, making them particularly eye-catching in hanging baskets or container gardens.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; protect from intense midday sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering when dormant
  • Soil: Well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: High humidity levels between 50-75%
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from frost
  • Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Planting depth: Plant tubers 1-2 inches deep with hollow side facing up
  • Winter care: Dig up tubers after first frost and store in dry peat moss at 45-50°F

7. Maculata’s White-Speckled Stems

The Begonia maculata’s white-speckled stems are one of its most distinctive features, creating an eye-catching contrast against its dark green coloring. These unique stems display silvery-white polka dots scattered across their surface, giving the plant its common name “Polka Dot Begonia.” The spots appear randomly distributed along the stems, which grow in an upright pattern and can reach heights of 2-4 feet when mature.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves; morning sun is tolerable
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark
  • Humidity: Minimum 50% humidity; prefers 60-70%
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
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8. Tiger-Striped Begonia’s Orange Markings

The tiger-striped begonia showcases striking orange markings that resemble tiger stripes across its distinctive foliage. These vibrant, elongated patterns contrast beautifully against the deep green base color of the leaves, creating an eye-catching display. The markings can vary in intensity and pattern depending on growing conditions and individual plant genetics, with some specimens displaying bolder stripes while others show more subtle variations.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun which can fade markings
  • 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: Minimum 50% humidity; mist regularly or use humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: Slightly acidic soil, 6.0-6.5

9. Dragon Wing’s Arching Stems

Dragon Wing Begonias are known for their gracefully arching stems that create an elegant cascading effect, making them perfect for hanging baskets and container gardens. These stems can grow up to 2-3 feet long and feature glossy, wing-shaped leaves that droop beautifully from the main branches, creating a full, flowing appearance that adds dramatic visual interest to any space.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; morning sun is ideal; 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: Moderate to high humidity levels (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Pots with adequate drainage holes; hanging baskets or containers that showcase trailing stems

10. Looking Glass Begonia’s Metallic Sheen

The Looking Glass Begonia (Begonia rex ‘Looking Glass’) features striking silvery-metallic foliage that appears almost mirror-like in appearance. Its large, heart-shaped leaves display a lustrous, pewter-colored surface with dark green veining and edges, creating a dramatic contrast. The metallic sheen is most pronounced when the plant is healthy and well-maintained, making it a stunning decorative specimen for indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can damage leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: High humidity (50-60%); use pebble tray or humidifier
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

11. Eyelash Begonia’s Hairy Leaves

The Eyelash Begonia (Begonia bowerae) features distinctive hairy leaves that give this plant its common name. The leaf margins are adorned with fine, reddish hairs that resemble eyelashes, while the leaf surface displays a deep green color with metallic silver markings. These decorative leaves grow in a compact, mounding pattern, making the plant an attractive choice for indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite
  • Humidity: High humidity (50-60%); use a humidity tray or regular misting
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during growing season
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

12. Beefsteak Begonia’s Heart-Shaped Leaves

The Beefsteak Begonia (Begonia erythrophylla) features distinctive, large heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 8 inches wide. These thick, fleshy leaves have a glossy dark green upper surface and a deep red undersides, giving the plant its “beefsteak” nickname. The leaves grow on short stems directly from the rhizome, creating a compact and attractive mounding shape that makes it an excellent choice for indoor decoration.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct sunlight which can scorch 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: Prefers 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 to prevent root rot
  • Propagation: Easily propagated through leaf cuttings or rhizome division

13. Rieger Begonia’s Double Flowers

Rieger Begonias are prized for their stunning double flowers that resemble miniature roses or carnations. These eye-catching blooms appear in vibrant shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and white, creating an impressive display that can last for several months. The densely packed petals form perfect rosettes, and the flowers stand out beautifully against the plant’s dark green, glossy foliage.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; protect from hot 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 good organic content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; avoid dry air
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during blooming period with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Pots with drainage holes; can be grown indoors or outdoors in appropriate climate
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14. Escargot Begonia’s Spiral Leaves

The Escargot Begonia features distinctive spiral-shaped leaves that resemble a snail’s shell, giving this exotic plant its unique name. Each leaf displays a enchanting swirled pattern with varying shades of green and silver, creating a striking visual effect. The spiral pattern starts from the center of the leaf and unfurls outward in a clockwise direction, making it a enchanting addition to any indoor plant collection.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from direct sun which can scorch leaves
  • 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
  • Humidity: High humidity (60-80%); use a humidifier or pebble tray
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • Growing Medium pH: 5.5-6.5

15. Cane Begonia’s Bamboo-Like Stems

Cane Begonias, also known as Angel Wing Begonias, feature distinctive bamboo-like stems that grow tall and upright, giving them an elegant, architectural appearance. These stems are segmented like bamboo and can reach heights of 2-6 feet, supporting clusters of wing-shaped leaves and hanging flowers. The stems are sturdy yet flexible, allowing the plant to bend without breaking, and they often develop a woody texture as they mature.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; can tolerate some direct 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 perlite or orchid bark
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-60%); mist leaves or use humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Pruning: Trim leggy stems in spring to encourage bushier growth and remove dead stems