Iron Cross Begonia Begonia masoniana

Iron cross begonia is a member of the Begoniaceae (begonia) family. Begoniaceae is a large, flowering plant family, the name of which honors Michael Begon (1638-1710), Governor of French Canada, and includes about 1500 different species and hundreds of hybrids. Mature begonia plants range in size from a few inches high to over 12 inches high, and the flowers, foliage colors, and sizes are very diverse.

Iron Cross Begonia, is a tender, herbaceous perennial, typically grown as an ornamental houseplant, that is native to China and Vietnam. It grows from a rhizome and is noted for its extremely showy foliage, rather than its meager floral display. The plant is winter hardy to USDA zones 11 and 12, preferring temperatures in the low 70s, and will not survive outdoors in temperatures below 55 degrees F.  When grown indoors, place it in bright but indirect or filtered light (for example, a southern, eastern or western window), use a peaty potting mix and keep soils evenly moist during periods of growth. When active growth slows down, slightly reduce water applications, allowing the surface of the soil to nearly dry before adding water. Do not over water. This is a finicky plant that prefers high humidity, which can be increased by placing the pot on wet gravel tray. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Keep foliage dry to help prevent onset of powdery mildew. Susceptible to bacterial leaf spot, blight, and stem/crown rot. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Plants taken outdoors in summer are susceptible to slugs and snails if pots are placed on the ground.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.