Begonia solananthera

About the Family

Begonia is a large and diverse genus of over 1,800 species, renowned for its ornamental foliage and charming flowers. Native to tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, begonias are grown both as houseplants and garden plants, offering versatility and beauty throughout the year. Their foliage is particularly striking, ranging from glossy green to patterned silver, bronze, purple, and even near-black, often with dramatic veining or unusual textures. This makes them as valuable for their leaves as for their blooms.

Begonias produce an abundance of delicate, asymmetrical flowers, typically in shades of pink, red, orange, or white, which brighten containers, borders, and shaded corners. Flowering varieties, such as tuberous begonias, provide dazzling summer displays, while rex and rhizomatous types are cultivated primarily for their extraordinary foliage. Many are compact and thrive in pots, hanging baskets, or terrariums, making them suitable for small spaces or indoor gardening.

Most begonias prefer partial shade, high humidity, and well-drained but moisture-retentive soil, echoing their native woodland habitats. They are tender perennials, often treated as annuals in colder climates, but can be overwintered indoors. With their wide range of forms, colours, and growing habits, begonias remain a favourite for adding long-lasting interest to gardens and homes