Begonia Varieties: The Complete Guide to Every Type of Begonia Plant

Begonias are among the most diverse and underestimated plants in the horticultural world. With over 2,000 species and thousands more named cultivars and hybrids, the genus Begonia spans flowering bedding plants, architectural foliage giants, cascading basket trailers, and rare collector's pieces — all united by their lopsided, asymmetrical leaves and cheerful, self-cleaning flowers. Whether you're a complete beginner or a dedicated collector, there's a begonia variety that's perfect for your space.

This guide covers every major begonia group, with the most important varieties within each, plus how to choose the right type for your needs and growing conditions.

How Begonias Are Classified

Botanists classify begonias by their root structure — a practical system because it tells you immediately how to care for each type. The three main categories are:

• Fibrous-rooted begonias — grow from a dense fibrous root system; includes wax begonias, cane begonias, and shrub begonias
• Rhizomatous begonias — grow from a thick horizontal stem (rhizome) at or just below the soil surface; includes rex begonias and many foliage types
• Tuberous begonias — grow from a swollen underground tuber; includes the large-flowered types and the Boliviensis cascading group

Within these three categories, horticulturalists recognise nine distinct growing groups, which we'll explore below.

Cane Begonias — The Elegant Uprights

Cane begonias get their name from their bamboo-like jointed stems, which grow upright and can reach impressive heights — sometimes 2 m or more. They're known for their wing-shaped (oblique) leaves, often splashed or spotted with silver, and their large, drooping clusters of flowers in pink, white, red, or orange.

Angel Wing Begonias (Begonia coccinea hybrids)

Angel wing begonias are the most popular cane begonias, instantly recognisable by their glossy, wing-shaped leaves with silver polka dots on the upper surface and deep red or burgundy undersides. They bloom prolifically — producing large pendant clusters of coral, pink, red, or white flowers — and they do so almost year-round in good light.

Best varieties:

• 'Torch' — vigorous, upright, bright orange-red flowers, heavily spotted silver leaves
• 'Sophie Cecile' — large-leaved, pink flowers, classic angel wing form
• 'Looking Glass' — grown for foliage: silver leaves with minimal spotting, incredibly reflective
• 'Cracklin' Rosie' — compact form with ruffled pink flowers and spotted leaves

Care: Bright indirect light, consistent moisture (not soggy), humidity of 50%+, temperatures 15–27°C. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser.

We cover angel wing begonias in detail in our guide on how to care for angel wing begonias.

Dragon Wing Begonias

Dragon wings are a cross between cane and wax begonias, producing large, glossy, wing-shaped leaves and abundant pendant flower clusters in deep red or pink. They're exceptionally heat-tolerant and bloom continuously from spring through frost, making them one of the best options for summer pots and hanging baskets. Unlike many begonias, they handle full sun in cooler climates.

Best for: Summer containers, hanging baskets, outdoor patios
Size: 30–45 cm tall and wide

Maculata (Polka Dot Begonia) — Begonia maculata

Perhaps the most photographed houseplant of the last decade, Begonia maculata has become a social media phenomenon. Its wing-shaped, olive-green leaves are covered in perfectly round silver spots on the upper surface, while the undersides are deep crimson-red. White flowers with yellow centres appear throughout the year on arching stems.

It grows vigorously — reaching 60–90 cm+ — and is surprisingly undemanding once established in the right conditions (bright indirect light, 60%+ humidity).

Best for: Statement houseplants, social media-worthy arrangements
Light: Bright indirect — avoid direct sun
Size: 60–120 cm tall

Wax Begonias — The Garden Workhorses

Wax begonias (Begonia ×semperflorens-cultorum) are the fibrous-rooted, compact plants you see in every garden centre each summer. Their round, waxy leaves and continuous small flowers make them one of the most popular bedding plants in the world.

Standard Wax Begonias

These compact (20–30 cm), mounding plants produce single or double flowers in pink, red, white, or bicolour combinations, with either green or bronze-burgundy foliage. They bloom nonstop from spring until frost and require almost no deadheading.

Key cultivar series:

Series	Height	Foliage	Flower Style	Sun Tolerance
Senator	25–30 cm	Bronze or green	Single	High (full sun)
Super Olympia	20–25 cm	Green	Single, large flowers	Moderate
Cocktail	20–25 cm	Bronze	Single	High
Doublet	25–30 cm	Green or bronze	Double (rose-form)	Moderate
Big	25–30 cm	Green	Single, very large	Moderate

Whopper Begonias

A giant form of the standard wax begonia, Whopper series plants grow 50–60 cm tall and wide — three times the size of standard types. They produce enormous leaves and large flowers and can handle full sun in most climates. Excellent as a single-specimen container or as a border plant that commands attention.

Rex Begonias — The Foliage Kings

Rex begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) are rhizomatous begonias bred primarily for their extraordinary foliage. Their leaves are the canvas: swirling patterns of silver, green, red, pink, purple, burgundy, black, and bronze are arranged in spirals, zones, and splashes that no other houseplant quite replicates.

How Rex Begonias Are Classified

Rex begonias are further grouped by their leaf shape and growth pattern:

• Spiral rex — leaves curl at the base into a tight corkscrew pattern
• Star-leaved rex — deeply lobed, star-shaped leaves
• Standard rex — broad, oblique leaves with complex colour zones

Best Rex Begonia Varieties

'Escargot' — The most iconic rex cultivar. Its leaves spiral tightly at the centre like a snail's shell (escargot = snail in French), with silver and green zoning. Compact, easy to grow, and unforgettable.

'Black Mambo' — Almost entirely dark purple-black with a narrow silver margin — one of the darkest-leaved begonias available. Stunning contrast in mixed arrangements.

'Red Kiss' — Broad silver leaves with a deep burgundy-red centre zone and red undersides. Bold and colourful.

'Fireworks' — Purple base colour with silver spots and pink margins — a riot of contrasting colours on a single leaf.

'Raspberry Torte' — Layers of raspberry, silver, and dark green in a complex zonal pattern. Compact and free-growing.

'Fedor' — Deeply cut, star-shaped leaves with silver and green patterning — an unusual form that stands out in any collection.

Care for Rex Begonias:

• Bright indirect light (no direct sun — leaves scorch easily)
• High humidity (60–70%) — crucial; dry air causes brown leaf margins
• Allow the top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings
• Avoid wetting leaves — water at the base only
• Temperatures of 18–26°C
• Feed monthly in growing season with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser

Tuberous Begonias — The Spectacular Bloomers

Tuberous begonias are grown for their flowers, which can be enormous — up to 15 cm across — and rivals the roses in their form and refinement. They grow from underground tubers that die back in winter and re-emerge in spring.

Upright Large-Flowered Tuberous Begonias

The traditional tuberous begonias of show benches and Victorian conservatories. Flowers can be single, double, or frilled, in every colour except blue. Double forms look almost identical to large hybrid tea roses.

Best series/cultivars:

• Non Stop series — the most popular tuberous series worldwide; compact (25–35 cm), prolific, long-blooming; available in 14+ colours including apricot, yellow, white, orange, red, and pink
• Illumination series — cascading habit; better for hanging baskets while still being fully double-flowered
• Picotee types — white or yellow petals with a contrasting coloured edge in red, pink, or orange — among the most elegant tuberous begonias

Boliviensis and Cascade Tuberous Begonias

Begonia boliviensis is the wild species behind the popular cascade hybrids. Its naturally pendant stems produce elegant, narrow, fuchsia-like flowers in red-orange, making it a spectacular hanging basket plant.

'Santa Cruz Sunset' — Rich coral-orange flowers, cascading habit, heat-tolerant
'Bossa Nova' — Available in multiple colours; very free-flowering and vigorous; National Gardening Association award winner
'Bonfire' — Orange-scarlet flowers, excellent heat tolerance, great for summer baskets

Solenia and Begonia ×hybrida

Modern series like Solenia bridge the gap between tuberous and wax types — they have a semi-tuberous root system and produce double flowers that look like miniature roses. They're more weather-tolerant than traditional tuberous types and excellent in containers.

Rhizomatous Begonias — The Foliage Collectors

Rhizomatous begonias grow from a thick, fleshy horizontal stem (rhizome) that creeps across the soil surface. They're primarily grown for their extraordinary leaf diversity — often more so even than rex begonias — and are the darlings of serious begonia collectors.

Eyelash Begonias

A group within rhizomatous begonias notable for fine white eyelash-like hairs on their leaf margins. Begonia bowerae (the original eyelash begonia) has small, bright green leaves edged with white hairs and dark spots. Many named hybrids extend this into complex colour patterns.

Star and Pond Lily Begonias

Some rhizomatous begonias have deeply cut, star-shaped leaves — sometimes called star begonias — while others produce nearly circular leaves that float above the rhizome like pond lily pads. These are collector's pieces, rarely seen outside specialist nurseries.

Notable Rhizomatous Varieties

• 'Iron Cross' (Begonia masoniana) — textured, bumpy green leaves with a distinctive dark cross pattern in the centre; one of the most recognisable begonia species
• 'Cleopatra' — maple-leaf-shaped, yellow-green leaves with chocolate-brown markings; a classic from the 1970s that remains widely grown
• 'Torchlight' — small, round leaves with silver spots and dark margins; delicate but vigorous

Shrub Begonias — The Architectural Types

Shrub begonias produce multiple branching stems from the base and grow into dense, bushy plants. Unlike cane begonias, their stems don't have prominent nodes; unlike rhizomatous types, they don't creep. They're sturdy, often large, and make excellent specimen plants.

Key examples:

• Begonia metallica — metallic-sheen olive-green leaves with red veins; large, shrubby; pink flowers
• Begonia schaffii (formerly B. haageana) — hairy leaves, large pink-white flowers; can reach 1.5 m
• Begonia scharffiana — velvety leaves, white flowers; robust grower

Trailing-Scandent Begonias — The Climbers and Trailers

A small but interesting group with stems that naturally trail or climb when given support. Begonia radicans and related species produce long, arching stems with small leaves and pendant clusters of red or orange flowers — excellent for large hanging baskets or trained up a trellis.

Thick-Stemmed Begonias — The Statement Plants

These begonias develop thick, woody, cactus-like stems over time that store water and give the plant a dramatic structural presence. Begonia sceptrum is a good example — rarely seen but worth seeking for its architectural quality. They need bright light and somewhat reduced watering compared to most begonias.

Complete Begonia Variety Comparison Table

Group	Grown For	Size	Light	Humidity	Difficulty
Wax / Fibrous	Flowers, garden colour	20–60 cm	Full sun to partial shade	Moderate	Easy
Cane (angel wing)	Flowers + foliage	60–200 cm	Bright indirect	Moderate–high	Easy–moderate
Dragon Wing	Flowers, heat tolerance	30–45 cm	Full sun to partial shade	Moderate	Very easy
Maculata (polka dot)	Foliage statement	60–120 cm	Bright indirect	High (60%+)	Moderate
Rex	Foliage colour/pattern	30–60 cm	Bright indirect	High (60–70%)	Moderate
Tuberous (upright)	Large flowers	25–60 cm	Bright indirect	Moderate	Moderate
Tuberous (cascade)	Hanging basket flowers	Trailing 40–60 cm	Bright indirect to partial sun	Moderate	Moderate
Rhizomatous	Collector's foliage	20–50 cm	Medium indirect	Moderate–high	Moderate–advanced
Shrub	Architectural specimen	60–150 cm	Bright indirect	Moderate	Moderate

Essential Begonia Care Principles

While individual groups have specific requirements, most begonias share a set of core care principles that apply universally.

Light

Begonias generally prefer bright indirect light. Most burn in harsh direct afternoon sun, while too little light reduces flowering and causes stretched, weak growth. Exceptions exist: wax begonias tolerate full sun (especially bronze-leaved types), and dragon wing begonias handle more sun than most. For indoor growing, a bright east- or north-facing window is often ideal; supplement with a grow light if needed.

See our guide on the best grow lights for houseplants for indoor light solutions.

Watering

Begonias like consistently moist soil but despise waterlogging. The rule: water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Never let them sit in water. Fibrous and cane types are more forgiving; rhizomatous and rex types are more sensitive to overwatering. Always use pots with drainage holes.

For a complete diagnosis of water-related problems, see our guide on overwatered vs. underwatered plants.

Humidity

Humidity is critical for most indoor begonias, especially rex and maculata types. Aim for 60%+ relative humidity. Good methods:

• Place pots on a pebble tray with water (the pot should sit above the water line, not in it)
• Group plants together to create a microclimate
• Use a humidifier in winter when central heating dries the air
• Avoid misting — it causes powdery mildew and leaf spots on begonias

Our complete guide on humidity for houseplants covers all methods with effectiveness comparisons.

Soil and Potting

Begonias need light, airy soil that holds some moisture but drains well. A standard potting mix with 20–30% added perlite works well. Rex and rhizomatous begonias particularly benefit from an airy mix — they're prone to root rot in heavy soils. Keep pots snug — oversized pots hold excess moisture and increase rot risk.

Feeding

Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through summer) with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength. Foliage begonias (rex, rhizomatous) benefit from slightly higher nitrogen; flowering types benefit from a balanced or slightly higher potassium formula once flower buds form. Stop feeding in winter when growth naturally slows.

Our plant fertiliser guide covers timing and product selection in detail.

Temperature

Most begonias thrive between 15–26°C and dislike drafts, air conditioning blasts, or temperatures below 10°C. Tuberous begonias go dormant below 10°C; other types may simply struggle and drop leaves. Keep them away from cold windows in winter.

Common Begonia Problems and Solutions

Powdery Mildew

The most common begonia disease — a white powdery coating on leaves caused by fungal infection. It thrives in poor air circulation combined with dry soil and humid air.

Fix: Improve air circulation (a small fan nearby helps); avoid wetting leaves; treat with a dilute potassium bicarbonate or neem oil spray; remove affected leaves. Maculata and cane begonias are particularly susceptible.

Botrytis (Grey Mould)

Grey-brown fuzzy patches on leaves, stems, or flowers — a fungal problem triggered by cool temperatures, low light, and waterlogged soil or high humidity without air movement.

Fix: Remove affected plant parts immediately; improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly and water less; treat with a copper-based fungicide if severe.

Brown Leaf Margins

Cause: Usually low humidity (especially in winter with central heating), but can also indicate fertiliser salt buildup, root rot, or fluoride sensitivity in tap water.

Fix: Raise humidity, flush soil with pure water to clear salt buildup, and check roots for rot.

Leggy, Stretched Growth

Cause: Insufficient light

Fix: Move to a brighter location or add a grow light. Prune back leggy stems to promote bushier regrowth — begonias respond well to hard pruning.

Leaf Drop

Cause: Sudden temperature change, cold draft, or overwatering are the most common triggers.

Fix: Stabilise temperature and position; check watering; avoid moving the plant frequently.

Pests

Begonias' moist growing conditions attract a few common pests:

• Mealybugs — white cottony masses in leaf axils and on stems; treat with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap
• Fungus gnats — larvae in moist soil; allow soil to dry more between waterings and use yellow sticky traps. Read our complete guide on how to get rid of fungus gnats.
• Thrips — silvery streaks or stippling on leaves; treat with neem oil or spinosad
• Spider mites — fine webbing, yellow stippling; increase humidity and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap

See our full plant pest identification guide for visual diagnosis.

Propagating Begonias

Begonias are among the easiest houseplants to propagate, and the method varies by type.

Stem Cuttings (Cane, Wax, Shrub, Dragon Wing)

1. Take a 10–15 cm cutting just below a node
2. Remove lower leaves, leaving 2–3 leaves at the top
3. Allow cut end to dry for 30 minutes
4. Insert into moist perlite or a peat-free propagation mix
5. Cover with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity
6. Roots develop in 2–4 weeks at 20–24°C

Leaf Cuttings (Rex, Rhizomatous)

Rex and rhizomatous begonias can be propagated from leaf sections — one of the most magical tricks in the plant world:

1. Take a healthy leaf and cut it into 3–5 cm sections, each including a main vein
2. Insert each piece vertically (vein end down) into moist propagation mix, leaving the cut end just below the surface
3. Maintain 70%+ humidity and 22–25°C
4. Small plantlets emerge from the vein cuts in 4–8 weeks
5. Pot individually once they have 2–3 leaves

Division (Rhizomatous Begonias)

Rhizomatous begonias can be divided at repotting — simply separate sections of rhizome, each with roots and at least one growing tip, and pot independently.

Tuber Division (Tuberous Begonias)

Large tubers can be divided in early spring before growth begins. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the tuber so each section has at least one growth eye. Dust the cut surfaces with sulphur or cinnamon to prevent rot and pot in fresh mix.

Seasonal Care for Begonias

Spring

Begin resuming watering and feeding. For tuberous begonias, start tubers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Rex and rhizomatous types may show new growth as days lengthen. Repot if root-bound using fresh mix. Begin propagating stem cuttings for more plants.

Summer

Peak growing season. Water more frequently (check soil every 2–3 days), feed monthly, and ensure adequate humidity in air-conditioned environments. Deadhead wax and fibrous types to encourage continuous flowering. Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid conditions.

Autumn

Begin reducing watering and feeding as growth slows. Bring outdoor begonias in before first frost. Tuberous begonias will signal dormancy by yellowing and dying back — stop watering completely when this happens, then store tubers dry at 5–10°C over winter.

Winter

Most indoor begonias rest but don't go fully dormant. Reduce watering (every 10–14 days for rhizomatous and rex types), stop feeding, and maintain temperatures above 10°C. Increase humidity if central heating creates dry air. Tuberous types rest as bare tubers — check monthly that they're firm and not rotting.

Choosing the Right Begonia for Your Space

Best Begonias for Beginners

• Wax begonias — nearly indestructible, flowers all season, handles sun and shade
• Dragon wing begonias — same ease, bigger scale, handles heat and full sun
• Angel wing begonias — beautiful foliage and flowers, more forgiving than rex types

Best Begonias for Foliage Impact

• Rex begonias ('Escargot', 'Black Mambo', 'Fireworks') — unmatched leaf colour and pattern
• Begonia maculata — bold silver polka dots, photographically striking
• 'Iron Cross' (Begonia masoniana) — unique cross pattern, textured leaves

Best Begonias for Flowers

• Non Stop tuberous series — rose-form double flowers in 14+ colours, long season
• Boliviensis cascades — spectacular hanging basket impact all summer
• Angel wing begonias — year-round flowering indoors

Best Begonias for Hanging Baskets

• Dragon wing — pendant clusters, heat-tolerant
• Illumination series tuberous — fully double flowers, cascade habit
• 'Bossa Nova' boliviensis — multiple colours, very free-flowering

Best Begonias for Small Spaces

• Compact wax begonias (Super Olympia, Cocktail series) — 20–25 cm mounds
• Mini rex cultivars — bred specifically for small pot culture
• Eyelash begonias (Begonia bowerae) — small, delicate, interesting

Frequently Asked Questions About Begonia Varieties

How many types of begonia are there?

The genus Begonia contains over 2,000 species, making it one of the largest plant genera. Add thousands of named cultivars and hybrids, and the number of distinct "begonias" available to collectors easily exceeds 10,000.

Are begonias annuals or perennials?

It depends on the type and your climate. Wax and dragon wing begonias are typically grown as annuals in temperate climates, but are actually tender perennials — bring them inside before frost and they'll continue growing for years. Rex, rhizomatous, cane, and shrub begonias are grown as perennial houseplants. Tuberous begonias are true perennials that go dormant each winter.

Do begonias like direct sun?

Most begonias prefer bright indirect light and will scorch in harsh afternoon sun. Exceptions are wax begonias and dragon wings, which can handle full sun if adequate moisture is maintained. For indoor growing, a bright north or east window is often ideal for most types.

Are begonias toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes — most begonias are toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic compounds (oxalic acid and other substances) are concentrated in the underground parts (tubers and rhizomes) but are also present in leaves. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep begonias out of reach of pets.

If you need beautiful, safe plants for a pet-filled home, explore our pet-friendly houseplant collection or read our guide on non-toxic plants for cats.

What is the easiest begonia to grow indoors?

Angel wing begonias are generally the easiest indoor begonias — they tolerate more light variation than rex types, are less humidity-demanding, and produce beautiful flowers with minimal fuss. For absolute beginners, a wax begonia grown on a bright windowsill is the most forgiving starting point.

Why is my rex begonia losing leaves?

Rex begonias lose leaves for several reasons: low humidity (the most common cause in winter), overwatering, cold temperatures, or a natural semi-dormant period. Check humidity first — if it's below 50%, the plant will consistently drop leaves. Rex begonias also naturally go semi-dormant in winter with reduced light; reduce watering and wait for spring growth.

Can begonias grow outdoors year-round?

In frost-free climates (USDA zones 9–11), many begonias can be grown as permanent outdoor plants. Cane, shrub, and rhizomatous types are particularly well-suited to this. In colder climates, treat tender types as seasonal container plants and overwinter indoors, or dig and store tuberous begonia tubers.

Exploring the Divine Roots Begonia Collection

If begonias have caught your attention — or if you're already a devoted collector — Divine Roots carries a curated selection of houseplants chosen for beauty, ease of care, and quality. While our selection rotates with availability, you'll regularly find interesting foliage plants including begonia types in our new arrivals, and our best sellers reflect what the plant community loves most.

For complementary plants that share begonias' love of warmth, humidity, and indirect light, explore our Fittonia and nerve plants — gorgeous, patterned foliage lovers that make perfect companions for rex begonias in a humidity-loving collection. Our terrarium plants collection also includes many humidity-loving small species that suit the same growing environment as compact begonias.

For care guidance on related plants, explore:

• How to care for Calathea — another humidity-loving foliage star
• How to care for Fittonia — small, colourful, terrarium-friendly
• How to care for Peace Lily — elegant flowering houseplant
• How to care for Episcia — a close relative of begonias with stunning foliage

Final Thoughts: The Begonia World Awaits

Few plant genera offer the sheer variety of begonias. From the workaday reliability of summer wax begonias to the breathtaking foliage art of a prize rex cultivar, from cascading baskets dripping with boliviensis flowers to the bold architectural statement of a mature maculata — every begonia enthusiast finds their own niche in this vast genus.

Start with the type that appeals most to you: a polka-dot maculata for the statement-maker, a 'Non Stop' tuberous for the flower lover, a wax begonia for the practical gardener who just wants nonstop colour. Once you've succeeded with one type, the rest of the genus becomes irresistible.

Browse our full collection at Divine Roots, and check the beauty without the fuss collection for plants that deliver maximum impact with manageable care — a principle every good begonia cultivar embodies.