A Guide to Indoor Begonia Plants: Types and Varieties

Begonias are a diverse group of plants, cherished for their vibrant blooms and striking foliage. These plants thrive indoors, making them perfect for adding a touch of nature to your living spaces. With over 1,800 species and numerous hybrids, Begonias offer a plethora of options for every plant enthusiast. Here, we delve into the most popular and unique Begonia varieties that are perfect for indoor cultivation.

Types of Begonias Plants for Indoor

1. Begonia ‘Escargot’

This variety of rex begonia is known for its spiral-shaped leaves that resemble a snail’s shell, with striking green and silver tones. It’s a captivating foliage plant that adds an artistic touch to any indoor garden.

2. Begonia Maculata (Polka Dot Begonia)

A showstopper with its angel-wing shaped leaves adorned with silver polka dots and deep red undersides. It’s not just a visual delight but also relatively easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light.

3. Begonia Boliviensis

Known for its vibrant orange or red tubular flowers, this variety cascades beautifully, making it ideal for hanging baskets. Its lush, green foliage complements the bright blooms, creating a striking contrast.

4. Begonia Masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia)

This variety is distinguished by its dark brown cross-shaped pattern on green leaves. The texture of the leaves is puckered, adding an interesting dimension to its appearance.

5. Begonia Erythrophylla (Beefsteak Begonia)

A classic indoor Begonia, known for its glossy, round leaves with a rich green top and reddish-brown underside. It’s a hardy plant, making it a perfect choice for beginners.

6. Begonia ‘Lucerna’ (Angel Wing Begonia)

This hybrid variety boasts large, wing-shaped leaves with silver spots and produces clusters of pink or red flowers. It’s a vigorous grower and can reach impressive heights if supported with a stake.

7. Begonia ‘Nonstop’

Renowned for their continuous blooming cycle, these hybrids offer a profusion of large, double flowers in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and white. They are compact and bushy, making them ideal for smaller spaces.

8. Begonia ‘Rieger’ (Elatior Begonia)

These begonias are bred for their bright, showy flowers that bloom in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange. They are often grown as short-term houseplants due to their specific light requirements but can be incredibly rewarding.

9. Begonia Conchifolia

This variety is known for its shiny, rounded leaves with a bright, green hue. It also produces small, charming pink flowers, making it a delightful addition to any indoor plant collection.

10. Begonia ‘Fimbriata’

With fringed petals and vibrant colors, ‘Fimbriata’ begonias are a visual treat. These are tuberous begonias, valued for their large, eye-catching blooms and ability to flower consistently throughout the growing season.

11. Begonia ‘Crispa Marginata’

A standout variety with ruffled white flowers edged in vibrant red or pink. The leaves are equally striking, with deep green and red-tinted edges. This variety adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any indoor garden.

12. Begonia Pavonina (Peacock Begonia)

Named for its iridescent blue-green leaves that shimmer like a peacock’s feathers. This variety thrives in low light conditions, making it an excellent choice for dimly lit spaces.

13. Begonia ‘Richmondensis’

A hybrid variety known for its durable nature and ability to flower year-round. The rich, green foliage contrasts beautifully with the bright pink or white flowers, creating a stunning visual display.

14. Begonia ‘Gryphon’

A bold and dramatic variety with large, deeply lobed leaves that are green with silver marbling and dark undersides. ‘Gryphon’ begonias are robust and can grow quite large, making them a focal point in any indoor plant collection.

15. Begonia ‘Big’

As the name suggests, these begonias are known for their large size and vigorous growth. They produce an abundance of large, colorful flowers and have lush, green foliage. They are perfect for creating a statement in spacious indoor areas.

16. Begonia ‘Benitochiba’

This variety boasts silver, pink, and purple hues on its foliage, with deeply lobed leaves that create a dramatic effect.

17. Begonia ‘Belleconia’

Known for its large, ruffled flowers, ‘Belleconia’ begonias come in shades of orange, pink, and white. They are perfect for hanging baskets and containers.

18. Begonia ‘Silver Jewel’

True to its name, this variety has striking silver leaves with dark green veins and red undersides. It’s a stunning addition to any plant collection.

19. Begonia ‘Pink Minx’

A trailing variety with small, rounded leaves and bright pink flowers. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or cascading over the edges of pots.

20. Begonia ‘Mocha Mix’

This type has dark, chocolate-colored leaves with pink edges and clusters of pink flowers. It’s a unique and eye-catching variety.

21. Begonia ‘Fireflush’

Features green leaves with vibrant red undersides and tiny red hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance. The flowers are small and white, contrasting beautifully with the foliage.

22. Begonia ‘Orange Rubra’

Known for its bold, orange flowers and green, glossy leaves. It’s a compact variety that blooms profusely throughout the year.

23. Begonia ‘Luxurians’

A foliage variety with lush, deeply divided, palmate leaves that resemble a hand. The leaves are dark green with a glossy finish, giving it a tropical appearance that’s perfect for indoor settings.

24. Begonia ‘Dragon Wing’

An excellent choice for indoor or outdoor settings, ‘Dragon Wing’ begonias feature glossy, green leaves and red or pink flowers. They are robust and easy to care for.

25. Begonia ‘Fireworks’

This variety showcases vibrant, deep purple leaves with bright pink and silver patterns, resembling a burst of fireworks.

26. Begonia ‘Capricorn’

A begonia rex variety known for its unique mint and lavender leaves with a deep contrasting edge.

27. Begonia ‘Marmaduke’

A striking Rex Begonia variety with large, chartreuse leaves adorned with dark maroon veins and edges. The bold color contrast and unique leaf shape make it a standout in any indoor collection.

28. Begonia ‘Black Fang’

A unique variety with dark, almost black leaves that have a fang-like shape. The leaves are complemented by small, white flowers.

29. Begonia ‘Red Tango’

Features rich, red leaves with a velvety texture and bright pink flowers. It’s a striking variety that adds a touch of elegance to any plant collection.

Care Tips for Indoor Begonias

While Begonias are relatively easy to care for, there are a few tips to keep them thriving indoors:

• Light: Most begonias prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can inhibit blooming.
• Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt.
• Humidity: Begonias thrive in high humidity. Consider placing them on a humidity tray or using a room humidifier, especially in dry climates.
• Temperature: These plants prefer warm conditions, ideally between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Avoid exposing them to cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one designed for African violets or other moisture-loving plants.
• Fertilizer: Feed your begonias with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Exploring the vast array of Begonia varieties can be a rewarding experience for any plant lover. Whether you are drawn to their vibrant blooms or their striking foliage, there is a Begonia plant for every indoor space. With the right care and attention, these plants can thrive and bring a touch of nature’s beauty into your home. Happy planting!