Begonia ferox

Fierce Begonia

Moderate careLithophyteMildly toxic15–45 cm

Discovered in 2013 on the limestone hillsides of Longzhou County in Guangxi, China, Begonia ferox is a lithophyte — a plant that grows on rock rather than soil, drawing nutrients from thin organic deposits in limestone crevices. Its very dark green leaves are covered in prominent dome-shaped bullae — raised, glossy bumps each tipped with a fine bristle — which give the plant its dramatic texture and its name. It does best in the steady warmth and high humidity of a closed terrarium, and grows slowly enough to remain manageable as a feature plant for years.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Fierce Begonia image

Photo by 彭鏡毅 (Peng Jingyi)·CC BY-SA 3.0

Care

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
12°C – 26°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)Rocky

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Appearance

Growth habit

Upright

Leaf shape

Heart

Leaf texture

Rough

Distribution

Propagation

Take healthy leaf cuttings and place in a moist, well-draining mix. High humidity is essential — a closed container or terrarium environment works well. Roots and new growth typically appear within 3–6 weeks.