Begonia masoniana

Iron Cross Begonia

Moderate careTerrestrialMildly toxic20–45 cm

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.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Iron Cross Begonia image

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 13–30 °C, and reaches 45 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
13°C – 30°C

Soil

Peat moss(preferred)Well draining

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Take 3-inch rhizome or stem cuttings in early summer and press into a moist peat and perlite mix. Cover loosely to maintain humidity and keep in bright indirect light. Roots establish within a few weeks.

Native range

Native to China and Indo-China.

Appearance

Growth habit

Bushy

Leaf shape

HeartToothed

Leaf texture

Rough

Frequently asked

Can Iron Cross Begonia grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Iron Cross Begonia prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Iron Cross Begonia need drainage?

Iron Cross Begonia prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Iron Cross Begonia need?

Iron Cross Begonia does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Iron Cross Begonia pet-safe?

Iron Cross Begonia is mildly toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children.

How tall does Iron Cross Begonia grow?

Iron Cross Begonia typically reaches 20–45 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Iron Cross Begonia?

Iron Cross Begonia can be propagated by stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2

    Guide to Houseplants — Iron Cross Begonia

    https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/iron-cross-begonia.html
  3. 3

    Plantophiles — Begonia Masoniana Care

    https://plantophiles.com/plant-care/begonia-masoniana/
  4. 4

    NC State Extension — Begonia masoniana

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/begonia-masoniana/
  5. 5