Light
Bright indirect • ≈ 10–20k lux • Grow light target: DLI 6–12
Begoniaceae
Begonia masoniana 'Iron Cross'
VAT included · plus
Quick overview of our standard shipping rates, free-shipping thresholds and typical transit times for the countries we currently serve. Remote-area surcharges for certain postcodes are added automatically at checkout where applicable.
For full details, winter shipping rules and packaging information, please visit our Shipping & Delivery page.
| Country | Shipping | Free from | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Belgium | € 8.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Bulgaria | € 21.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Croatia | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Cyprus (²) | € 39.95 | No free shipping | 5–7 working days |
| Czechia | € 16.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Denmark (¹) | € 16.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Estonia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Finland | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| France (¹) | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Germany | € 8.95 | € 70 | 1–2 working days |
| Greece (¹²) | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Hungary | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Ireland | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Italy (¹) | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Latvia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Lithuania | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Luxembourg | € 12.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Malta (²) | € 39.95 | No free shipping | 5–7 working days |
| Netherlands | € 8.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Poland | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Portugal (¹) | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Romania | € 21.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Slovakia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Slovenia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Spain (¹) | € 14.95 | € 125 | 2–4 working days |
| Sweden | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Switzerland | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
Notes
- ¹ Island / remote-area surcharge: added automatically at checkout for affected postcodes, including Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Faroe Islands, Azores, Madeira, Balearic Islands, and selected Greek island postcodes. Canary Islands: we currently do not ship there.
- ² Cyprus, Greece & Malta: delivery is possible, but courier reliability can vary; arrival times and plant condition cannot be guaranteed. Our 28-day guarantee does not apply to plants shipped to these destinations due to unpredictable transit times.
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal – your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
Secure shipping – carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee – if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns – simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Begonia masoniana 'Iron Cross'
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~25–40% dry
Potting mix
Fine but airy • Moisture-buffered • Balanced • Fine
Temperature
Ideal: 18–24 °C • Avoid below: 13 °C
Growth habit
rhizomatous begonia
Support
none
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 50 cm • Max. spread: 50 cm
Toxicity & safety
Toxic
Origin & habitat
China (Guangxi) to Vietnam; wet tropical biome
How to read these metrics
These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.
Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level; DLI is the daily light “dose” for grow lights.
- Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
- Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
- Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
- Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.
- Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
- Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
- Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
- Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
- Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.
Begonia masoniana 'Iron Cross' – Classic Foliage Begonia with Textured Leaves and Dark Cross Pattern
Begonia masoniana 'Iron Cross' is the most iconic cultivar of this Chinese species, named for the bold dark cross that marks the center of its puckered, light green leaves. This rhizomatous Begonia forms compact clumps of textured foliage covered in tiny hairs that catch the light, giving each leaf a unique sheen. Alongside its striking foliage, it occasionally produces clusters of small greenish-white flowers, adding another delicate feature to this highly collectable plant.
What Makes Begonia 'Iron Cross' Special
- Leaf pattern: Distinctive dark “iron cross” marking over pale green blades
- Texture: Puckered, pubescent leaves with a natural glossy sheen
- Growth style: Rhizomatous clumps, compact and manageable indoors
- Flowers: Occasional greenish-white blooms
Background and Native Context
Begonia masoniana was first described from southern China and northern Vietnam, where it grows in shaded, humid forest habitats. The cultivar 'Iron Cross' quickly gained popularity in horticulture for its distinctive foliage markings, making it one of the most widely recognised Begonia varieties worldwide.
Care Guide for Begonia masoniana 'Iron Cross'
- Light: Bright, indirect light highlights the leaf markings; avoid harsh sun
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings
- Humidity: Benefits from 60%+ humidity for best leaf health
- Temperature: Ideal at 18 – 26 °C; sensitive to drafts and cold
- Soil: Airy, organic-rich substrate with good drainage
- Fertilization: Diluted balanced fertilizer every 3 – 4 weeks in active growth
Growth and Seasonal Notes
'Iron Cross' keeps its foliage indoors year-round, with new leaves emerging regularly from rhizomes. Growth may slow during winter, but resumes strongly under spring warmth and steady humidity.
Common Issues and Remedies
- Brown leaf edges: Caused by low humidity or irregular watering
- Faded markings: Usually linked to insufficient light; move closer to filtered brightness
- Pests: Occasionally affected by mealybugs or spider mites; inspect and treat early
Questions About Begonia 'Iron Cross'
- How big does it get? Indoors it usually grows 20 – 30 cm tall and wide.
- Does it flower? Yes, it occasionally produces clusters of small greenish-white flowers.
- Is it pet safe? No, like all Begonias it contains oxalates and should be kept out of reach of pets and children.
Etymology of Begonia
The genus Begonia was named in the 18th century by Charles Plumier, in honour of Michel Bégon (1638 – 1710), a French administrator and amateur botanist. The epithet masoniana recognises Benjamin Mason, an English horticulturist. 'Iron Cross' remains the most popular cultivar, known worldwide for its distinctive foliage.
Why Add Begonia 'Iron Cross' to Your Collection?
With its textured green leaves, bold dark cross, and occasional delicate flowers, Begonia masoniana 'Iron Cross' is a true classic. Order today and let this iconic cultivar bring structure and character to your indoor collection.
Plant Care Basics:
- Care basics – Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week – Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light – How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering – When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots – Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity – When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing – Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests – Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro – How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
Please head to our FAQ Page or Contact us.
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Begonia masoniana 'Iron Cross'
Sale price€16,00
Begoniaceae
VAT included · plus Shipping costs
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal – your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
Secure shipping – carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee – if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns – simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Begonia masoniana 'Iron Cross'
Quick Care Guide
Light
Bright indirect • ≈ 10–20k lux • Grow light target: DLI 6–12
Watering
Water when ~25–40% dry
Potting mix
Fine but airy • Moisture-buffered • Balanced • Fine
Temperature
Ideal: 18–24 °C • Avoid below: 13 °C
Growth habit
rhizomatous begonia
Support
none
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. height: 50 cm • Max. spread: 50 cm
Toxicity & safety
Toxic
Origin & habitat
China (Guangxi) to Vietnam; wet tropical biome
How to read these metrics
These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.
Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level; DLI is the daily light “dose” for grow lights.
- Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
- Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
- Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
- Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.
- Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
- Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
- Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
- Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
- Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.
