How to Grow and Care for Begonia White Ice

The Begonia ‘White Ice’ is a modern hybrid cultivar. As a cane begonia, it has an upright, branching growth habit that resembles bamboo. Its long, narrow leaves are shaped like angel wings, featuring a medium green background adorned with numerous silvery-white spots. This distinct appearance and its relatively easy-going nature make it a popular houseplant.

White Ice Begonia Care

Light

This plant thrives in medium to bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and cause the vibrant colors to fade. While ‘White Ice’ can tolerate lower light, its growth may become less compact.

Soil

‘White Ice’ begonias prefer a well-draining potting medium that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A standard houseplant potting soil amended with perlite or orchid bark improves aeration and drainage. This composition helps prevent root rot.

Water

Keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy, watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure any excess water can drain away freely from the pot. Watering is more frequent during the spring and summer growing season and should be reduced in winter.

Temperature and Humidity

‘White Ice’ prefers standard home temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and must be protected from cold drafts. As a tropical plant, it flourishes in high humidity, ideally above 60%. You can increase humidity by misting the plant, placing it on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer, ‘White Ice’ benefits from regular feeding to support its growth. Use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks. Fertilizing can be paused during the fall and winter months.

Pruning White Ice Begonia

Pruning maintains the shape and vigor of a ‘White Ice’ begonia. As a cane begonia, it can become “leggy” with long, bare stems, and regular trimming encourages a fuller appearance. Pruning also helps control the plant’s size and directs its energy toward new growth.

Using clean, sharp shears, cut stems just above a leaf node to encourage new branches to sprout. This can be done as needed to remove dead leaves or to shape the plant. Pruning is best performed during the active growing season in spring or summer.

Propagating White Ice Begonia

This begonia is easily propagated through stem cuttings, a process best done in the spring or summer. Select a healthy stem and use sterile shears to take a cutting that is several inches long with at least two leaf nodes. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only one or two at the top.

The cutting can then be placed in a glass of water with the nodes submerged. Alternatively, dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it directly into moist potting soil. Roots will begin to form within a few weeks.

Common Problems

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves on a ‘White Ice’ begonia are a common sign of overwatering. When the soil remains too wet, the roots cannot get enough oxygen, leading to stress and foliage discoloration. Review the soil and watering instructions to correct this.

Brown Crispy Edges

If the edges of the leaves turn brown and crispy, the likely cause is low humidity. These begonias are native to tropical environments and require more moisture in the air than many homes provide. Refer to the humidity care guidelines to resolve this.

Pests

‘White Ice’ can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs and whiteflies. These insects feed on the plant’s sap and can cause damage if left unchecked. Regularly inspecting the undersides of leaves helps catch an infestation early. If pests are found, treat them by wiping them away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap.