Begonia Species, Iron Cross Begonia

My spouse and I saw this plant last week in the tropical conservatory at the Huntington Library and Gardens near Pasadena, CA.
...Read Morer /> In addition to having graphic interest, the plant when shot close up also reveals an interesting texture to the leaves.

Iron Cross was a big surprise success outdoors as a potted porch plant for me. Grew fairly fast. Then I potted it up into a too large pot...Read More. A fast decline starting with rotting leaves,mildew showed up. I stopped watering it and put it on a low water diet. This spring it has responded with new large healthy leaves.
So,the warning is never keep the soil too wet or over pot. Without a doubt this Begonia is king of all foliage Begonia's..just dont treat it like a king and it will be happy.

I took a trip to Logee's Greenhouse with some friends last fall (Oct. 2005), and tho I was tempted by just about everything there I contr...Read Moreolled myself and bought only Iron Cross Begonia because I could enjoy it in my house over the winter. I just love this plant! It has a texture like a sci-fi hybrid reptile; pebbled, a little hairy, bright green with a maroon striping suggesting the cross it's named for. It thrived in my cool, somewhat dry Cape Cod winter indoors and seems to be content with its move to my shady outdoor deck. We'll see what happens out there over the summer, but so far things look good. I think that anyone who admires begonias would enjoy the unique look of this cultivar to add to their collection. Stay tuned...

Makes a wonderful unique houseplant. Needs to be grown on a humidity tray.