Begonia masoniana

Common Names

Iron Cross Begonia

Summary

Iron Cross Begonia is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial native to southern China and northern Vietnam. It features large, asymmetrical, rough-textured green leaves with a cross-shaped dark brown center, and small white flowers in erect panicles; the plant is cultivated mainly for foliage and reaches about 0.3–0.6 m tall and 0.3–0.5 m wide.

In cultivation it prefers bright indirect light, avoids harsh direct sun, and grows best in a well-draining, moist soil; water when the surface dries and keep humidity around 50% or higher; temperatures range from 18–24°C; repot every 1–2 years; fertilize monthly at half strength with a balanced fertilizer; propagate by leaf cuttings or division; pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites may occur; commonly grown as a houseplant or under glass in frost-free environments and is toxic if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-1.5 feet

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 11-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade (dappled light/bright shade; no direct sun).

Soil Type

Well-drained, porous soil with slight acidity (pH 5.5–6.5), often peat-based or African Violet potting mix.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

5.5–6.5, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Brown and Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Leaf cuttings, Stem cuttings, Rhizome cuttings, Division (root or rhizome)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinating insects