Begonia pavonina

Peacock Begonia, Blue Begonia

Expert careTerrestrialMildly toxic10–40 cm

Known as the Peacock Begonia, Begonia pavonina is native to the cool, shaded hillside forests of Peninsular Malaysia, where it creeps low across the ground in deep forest shade. Its leaves appear an ordinary dark green under normal light but shift to a vivid iridescent blue at certain angles in dim conditions — an effect produced by specialised chloroplast structures called iridoplasts, which scatter short-wavelength light rather than absorb it. It is among the most demanding begonias to keep: very low light is needed to preserve the iridescence, humidity should stay above 60%, and the plant does best with a consistent drop of around 8 °C between day and night temperatures.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Peacock Begonia image

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

Care

Prefers high humidity, low light, with 12–27 °C, and reaches 40 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

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

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
12°C – 27°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)Sphagnum mix

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Propagation

Take 2–4 inch stem cuttings and allow the cut end to cure for around 7 days before planting 2–3 inches deep in a moist, well-draining mix. High humidity and low light must be maintained throughout — a closed container or humid terrarium is strongly recommended.

Native range

Native to Malesia.

Appearance

Growth habit

Creeping

Leaf shape

Heart

Leaf texture

Smooth

Frequently asked

Can Peacock Begonia grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Peacock Begonia prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.

Does Peacock Begonia need drainage?

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

What humidity does Peacock Begonia need?

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

Is Peacock Begonia pet-safe?

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

How tall does Peacock Begonia grow?

Peacock Begonia typically reaches 10–40 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Peacock Begonia?

Peacock Begonia can be propagated by stem cuttings or rhizome division.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2

    Here But Not — Begonia pavonina Care & Culture

    https://herebutnot.com/begonia-pavonina-care-culture/
  3. 3

    Plantophiles — Begonia Pavonina Care

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

    Strange Wonderful Things — Begonia pavonina

    https://www.strangewonderfulthings.com/318.htm
  5. 5