Begonia bowerae
Eyelash Begonia, Miniature Begonia
Native to the tropical forests of Oaxaca and Chiapas in southern Mexico, Begonia bowerae is a compact rhizomatous begonia grown for its emerald green leaves, which are marked with chocolate-brown blotches and edged with fine white bristles — the distinctive 'eyelashes' that give it its common name. It spreads via a creeping rhizome and builds into a low, mounding form, making it an effective groundcover in a closed terrarium. One of the more forgiving begonias to keep, it tolerates lower light and does well in the steady warmth and humidity of an enclosed setup.

Photo by Steffen Zahn·CC BY 4.0
Care
Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 13–27 °C, and reaches 30 cm at maturity.
Light
Humidity
Temperature
Soil
Moisture
Soil pH
Propagation
Frequently asked
Can Eyelash Begonia grow in a closed terrarium?
Yes. Eyelash Begonia prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.
Does Eyelash Begonia need drainage?
Eyelash Begonia prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.
What humidity does Eyelash Begonia need?
Eyelash Begonia does best in high (60–80%) humidity.
Is Eyelash Begonia pet-safe?
Eyelash Begonia is mildly toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children.
How tall does Eyelash Begonia grow?
Eyelash Begonia typically reaches 10–30 cm at maturity.
How do you propagate Eyelash Begonia?
Eyelash Begonia can be propagated by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings or rhizome division.
References
- 1
Forward Plant — Begonia bowerae
https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/begonia-bowerae/ - 2
ASPCA — Begonia Toxicity
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/begonia - 3
POWO — Begonia bowerae
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30424-2 - 4
NC State Extension — Eyelash Begonia
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/begonia-rhizomatous-types/common-name/eyelash-begonia/ - 5
Houseplant Alley — Eyelash Begonia Care
https://houseplantalley.com/eyelash-begonia-care/ - 6
Indoor Plants — Begonia bowerae
https://indoor-plants.net/begonia-bowerae/