Begonia masoniana

Iron Cross Begonia

Native to the subtropical forests of Guangxi in southern China and northern Vietnam, Begonia masoniana is best known for the distinctive chocolate-brown cross marking that fills the centre of each puckered, apple-green leaf — the feature behind its common name. It grows from a surface rhizome, reaching 30–45 cm tall, and spreads steadily to form a bold, leafy clump. It does best in bright indirect light with humidity consistently above 50%, and benefits from careful watering at the roots; water on the leaves promotes powdery mildew.