How to Grow and Care for Strawberry Begonia

The Strawberry Begonia, Saxifraga stolonifera, has distinctive foliage with rounded, dark green leaves that feature prominent silver veining and reddish undersides. Its common name comes from its begonia-like leaves and the thin red runners, or stolons, that produce new plantlets like a strawberry plant. Despite its name, it is neither a begonia nor a strawberry but a member of the Saxifragaceae family. This plant is native to China, Japan, and Korea, where it grows on mossy rocks and cliffs.

General Care Guidelines

Light

A Strawberry Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light, making an east-facing window with gentle morning sun an ideal location. While the plant can tolerate lower light, its growth may become sparse and the leaf colors can fade. Intense, direct afternoon sun will scorch the delicate leaves, causing brown spots and damage.

Soil

A well-draining potting medium is required to prevent water from accumulating around the plant’s shallow root system, which can cause root rot. Use a standard potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration. This type of mixture helps maintain consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged while still being rich in organic matter.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Before watering, check if the top inch of soil feels dry. Water the plant thoroughly at its base, allowing excess to drain from the pot. Avoid wetting the leaves, as the fine hairs can trap moisture and lead to fungal issues. During the winter, the plant’s growth slows, so it will require less frequent watering.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant prefers average household temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It does not respond well to sudden temperature changes or drafts from windows or vents. While it tolerates average indoor humidity, it flourishes with more moisture in the air. You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of moist pebbles, grouping it with other plants, or using a humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every four to six weeks. This supports vigorous growth and the production of its runners. When growth slows in the fall and winter, suspend feeding to allow the plant a period of rest.

Propagation Methods

One of the most appealing traits of the Strawberry Begonia is its ease of propagation using the numerous plantlets it produces on its runners. The most straightforward method is to use these plantlets, or “pups,” to grow new plants. This process is most successful during the spring and summer growing season and allows you to easily expand your collection.

One technique is to root the plantlet while it is still attached to the parent. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix and place it next to the mother plant. Gently press the base of a plantlet onto the soil surface in the new pot, using a small wire or paperclip to hold it down. In a few weeks, the plantlet will develop its own roots, at which point you can snip the runner connecting it to the parent.

Alternatively, you can detach a plantlet from the runner before it has rooted. Snip the runner about an inch from the plantlet’s base and place the cutting in a small container of water. Roots should appear within a few weeks. Once the roots are an inch or two long, transfer the new plant into a pot with a suitable soil mix.

Common Issues and Solutions

Crispy, brown leaf edges are a sign of low moisture, either from underwatering or low humidity. This can be addressed by adjusting your watering schedule and increasing ambient humidity. Yellowing leaves at the base of the plant are a frequent indicator of overwatering. To resolve this, allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.

Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can be an issue, especially in dry conditions. These can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or treating the plant with an insecticidal soap.

Is Strawberry Begonia Toxic

The Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera) is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet owners. This is an important distinction from true begonias (Begonia spp.), which are toxic to pets and can cause illness if ingested.