Begonias are renowned for their stunning foliage, making them a popular choice for indoor gardens. With a wide variety of sizes, shapes, patterns, and colors, there is a begonia type to suit every taste.
In this article, we will introduce you to 21 beautiful varieties of begonias that will add a touch of elegance to your indoor space.
1. Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’
One of the most eye-catching begonias is the Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’, also known as the “Polka Dot Begonia.” This variety features remarkable foliage with bright, uniform white spots on olive green leaves, creating a striking contrast. The undersides of the leaves are a vibrant red, adding to its beauty. As a relatively low-maintenance cultivar, it is perfect for beginners.
To ensure the healthy growth of Begonia maculata ‘Wightii,’ it requires bright, indirect sunlight and well-watered, aerated soil with higher humidity levels. With the right care, this begonia will reward you with clusters of bell-shaped pinkish or white flowers.
2. Begonia ‘Gryphon’
The Begonia ‘Gryphon’ is another begonia variety known for its majestic foliage. Its maple-shaped leaves are adorned with silver and purplish patterns, which stand out against the dark green background. ‘Gryphon’ is relatively easy to maintain and thrives with regular watering, bright, indirect sunlight, and fair humidity levels. The soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
3. Begonia ‘Maurice Amey’
Named in honor of the late Maurice Amey, a member of the American Begonia Society, Begonia ‘Maurice Amey’ is a type of cane begonia that boasts stunning foliage. This cultivar grows like a tall bush with large leaves in alternate shades of green, metallic pink, and coppery red. The color of the leaves intensifies with more exposure to sunlight.
Begonia ‘Maurice Amey’ is primarily grown for its colorful foliage, although it produces reddish flowers in ideal light and soil conditions. To ensure its optimal growth, provide it with ample sunlight and well-drained soil.
4. Begonia ‘Erythrophylla’
For collectors of rare plants, the Begonia ‘Erythrophylla’ is a must-have. This unique begonia variety features round leaves in green to bronze colors with light green venation. Often referred to as the Beef Steak Begonia or Kidney Begonia due to its resemblance to aged beef steak, it can thrive in tropical and milder temperatures.
Being a non-fussy plant, Begonia ‘Erythrophylla’ is beginner-friendly. It requires bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity levels. Its hardy nature makes it a great addition to any indoor garden.
5. Begonia pavonina
Begonia pavonina is an exotic begonia species found in the cool mountains of Malaysia. This begonia appears ordinary until light falls on its leaves at certain angles, revealing its magical, iridescent nature.
The green leaves transform into a beautiful peacock blue with copper undersides, earning it the name Peacock Begonia.
To mimic its natural habitat, Begonia pavonina requires very high humidity levels and is best grown in a terrarium or greenhouse environment. Providing the right conditions will allow this begonia to thrive and display its stunning colors.
6. Begonia ‘Lucerna’
Begonia ‘Lucerna’ is a variety of the Angel-winged Begonia known for its eye-catching foliage. The leaves have red undersides, are fairly large, and feature silvery spots against an olive green background.
This begonia is also known as the Bat-Winged Begonia due to the resemblance of its foliage to bat wings. While it produces red to pink colored flowers, they are secondary to the beauty of its foliage.
Begonia ‘Lucerna’ is a fast grower and can reach heights of up to 6 to 8 feet. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers shade to partial sun, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil.
7. Begonia ‘Pink Minx’
Begonia ‘Pink Minx’ is a gorgeous variety that captivates the senses with its pink foliage and flowers. The leaves have deep cuts with splashes of silvery-pink against a dark green background.
The pink flowers hang in clusters, adding to its allure. ‘Pink Minx’ prefers slightly higher humidity levels compared to other begonia types. Pinching out the tips will encourage a bushier, fuller appearance.
To ensure the healthy growth of Begonia ‘Pink Minx,’ provide it with its ideal growing conditions, including higher humidity levels, well-drained soil, and bright, indirect sunlight.
8. Begonia ‘Bower’s Black’
Begonia ‘Bower’s Black’ is one of the most beautiful varieties of begonias, thanks to its bewitching beauty. This begonia features small leaves with a greenish-black, velvety surface and stripes of yellowish-green.
Upon closer inspection, tiny ‘eyelashes’ can be seen at the ends of the leaves, adding to its charm. The pinkish-white blooms of Begonia ‘Bower’s Black’ beautifully contrast with its foliage.
This dwarf begonia type works well as an indoor and terrarium plant. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and high humidity levels. Begonia ‘Bower’s Black’ is fairly easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice among begonia enthusiasts.
9. Begonia egregia
Begonia egregia is a rare species of begonia endemic to the southeast of Brazil. Its foliage sets it apart from other begonia species, with leaves that fold inwards, are long and coarse, and have reddish serrated edges.
The plant produces clusters of white flowers that add additional interest. Begonia egregia is a unique addition to any indoor garden.
10. Begonia sericoneura var. lindleyana
Begonia sericoneura var. lindleyana is an unusual begonia variety grown for its exquisite foliage. The fairly large leaves display a bright green color with red markings and a bullate appearance.
The foliage has a fuzzy texture with tiny hairs on the surface, inviting you to touch and feel the plant. As a bonus, the plant also produces small white flowers, although they take a backseat to the impressive beauty of the foliage.
This begonia thrives in terrariums and indoor environments. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent humidity levels.
11. Begonia melanobullata
Begonia melanobullata is a unique begonia variety that combines attractiveness with an intimidating appearance. The bright green leaves are adorned with black teeth-like projections or bullae, giving the plant an otherworldly look.
Despite its ferocious appearance, Begonia melanobullata is a lovely and non-fussy species that thrives in terrariums and greenhouses. It requires high humidity levels, bright, indirect sunlight, and well-drained soil.
12. Begonia amphioxus
Begonia amphioxus, also known as the Pink Spotted Begonia, is an exotic species with foliage that commands attention. This newly discovered begonia species was first spotted in the tropical jungles of Borneo.
The lance-shaped leaves feature pinkish-red spots against a green background. While it produces small green flowers, they are less attractive than the foliage itself.
As a humidity-loving plant, Begonia amphioxus requires consistent humidity levels of more than 60% to thrive. It also demands precise care and attention, making it less beginner-friendly compared to other begonia varieties.
13. Begonia brevirimosa
At the top of the list of begonia species with the most beautiful foliage is Begonia brevirimosa. The cupped leaves naturally showcase a variegation of pink and black, giving the impression that someone painted them.
The colors of the foliage deepen in warmer temperatures with exposure to bright light, compared to cooler temperatures. Showy pink and white flowers grow all year, adding charm and beauty to the plant.
Begonia brevirimosa thrives in high humidity levels, bright, indirect light, and well-drained potting mix. Adequate moisture levels should be maintained to ensure the plant’s health.
14. Begonia ‘Escargot’
Begonia ‘Escargot’ stands out with its interesting and dramatic foliage, resembling the shape of snails, hence its name. The hairy leaves have spiral leaf shapes and stunning patterns, earning it the nickname “Painted-leaf Begonia.” This begonia variety also rewards its caretakers with pretty pink flowers when provided with the right conditions.
‘Begonia ‘Escargot’ prefers moderate to bright indirect sunlight, high humidity levels, and well-drained soil. The top layers of the soil must dry between waterings, and the potting mix should be loose and well-draining.
15. Begonia ferox
Begonia ferox bears a striking resemblance to Begonia melanobullata due to its spiky leaves. This Chinese native lithophyte develops thorny projections on mature leaves, distinguishing it from melanobullata.
Despite its ferocious appearance, Begonia ferox is a non-fussy species that thrives with higher humidity levels and good airflow. It prefers moist soils and bright indirect sunlight. In ideal conditions, the plant can grow around 12 to 15 inches tall, making it suitable for terrariums.
16. Begonia kingiana
Begonia kingiana is a rare begonia species native to Thailand and Malaysia, known for its unusual-looking foliage. The teardrop-shaped leaves feature bright green venation and deep green to maroon spots, forming beautiful iridescent patterns. With age, the colors deepen, and the patterns become more prominent.
Kingiana is a compact-sized plant that grows well in pots and terrariums. It appreciates moderate to high humidity levels and bright, indirect light. The soil should be medium-draining to retain a certain amount of moisture between waterings.
17. Begonia luxurians
Begonia luxurians, also known as the Palm tree Begonia, is an unusual Brazilian species that features long, palmate leaves. The leaflets have a green surface with reddish copper undersides and crimson red stems, giving the appearance of a palm tree. Apart from its eccentric foliage, the plant produces clusters of white fragrant flowers from early spring to summer.
Luxurians prefers medium humidity levels, warm temperatures, and bright indirect sunlight. In ideal conditions, it can grow up to 6 to 8 feet tall, adding a touch of tropical flair to any indoor garden.
18. Begonia acetosa
Begonia acetosa is a popular Brazilian begonia species grown for its glamorous foliage. The cupped leaves have a lavish, velvety appearance with yellowish venation and red undersides. This variety also produces clusters of small white flowers that enhance the plant’s beauty.
The growing needs of Begonia acetosa are similar to those of other begonia types, including high humidity levels, warm temperatures, and bright indirect sunlight. To maintain its health, use well-draining potting mix with consistent moisture levels.
19. Begonia ‘Marmaduke’
Begonia ‘Marmaduke’ holds a special place in the family of begonias due to its theatrical appearance. The maple-shaped leaves feature chocolatey brown speckles on a neon yellow background, creating a color combo that looks too good to be real. In addition to its extraordinary leaves, it produces pretty white flowers in late winter.
To ensure the healthy growth of Begonia ‘Marmaduke,’ provide it with plenty of humidity and well-draining soil with consistent moisture levels.
20. Begonia soli-mutata
Begonia soli-mutata is a variety known for its striking foliage and a unique feature. The heavily textured leaves have a color-changing ability when exposed to sunlight, earning it the name Sun change Begonia.
The green surface with light green veins turns into darker shades of green with red venation and undersides. While it loves sunlight, it should be kept away from harsh afternoon rays. Part sun with warm temperatures and high humidity is ideal for the plant’s growth.
21. Begonia ‘Fireworks’
Begonia ‘Fireworks’ boasts some of the most dramatic foliage in the begonia family, resembling a spectacular display of fireworks. The leaves are covered with shades of pink, purple, and metallic silver, creating an unusually artistic pattern. This begonia variety also produces gorgeous pink flowers, making it an irresistible choice for an indoor garden.
The best part about Begonia ‘Fireworks’ is its low-maintenance and non-fussy nature. It can thrive in part to full shade, high humidity, and warm temperatures in your room. Providing a good amount of fertilizer during its initial stages guarantees a stronger and taller growth rate.
In conclusion, these 21 beautiful begonia varieties offer a wide range of options to elevate the aesthetics of your indoor garden. From the striking foliage of Begonia maculata ‘Wightii’ and Begonia ‘Gryphon’ to the unique appearances of Begonia ‘Erythrophylla’ and Begonia melanobullata, each variety brings its own charm. Choose the begonia types that resonate with your style and create a stunning indoor garden that will captivate everyone’s attention.
Do you have any begonias indoors? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!