Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’

The species background of Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’

Begonia masoniana grows naturally from Guangxi in southern China into Vietnam, in warm, humid tropical environments.

Looking after Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’

The hairy, quilted leaves of Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’ do well in bright filtered light to partial shade, with protection from strong direct sun. Keep it around 16–24 °C, with cooler periods above about 13 °C. Moderately humid air is helpful, and gentle circulation lets the foliage dry after splashing.

Keep the creeping rhizome at the surface of a broad, shallow pot filled with airy, freely draining mix. When roots or rhizomes fill the pot, move to a larger container without burying the rhizome. Leaf cuttings and firm sections of healthy rhizome can both be used for propagation.

Water once the surface is almost dry and allow the excess to drain. Use a weak balanced fertiliser every few weeks while the plant is producing new foliage.

What to look for when Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’ has problems

• Rough leaf margins turn dry and brown: The broad leaves may have experienced an uneven dry spell, hot airflow or too much direct sun. If the potting mix is dry, water thoroughly and let the excess drain. Moving the plant away from heaters and strong sunlight reduces further drying.
• White powder collects in the puckered surface: Powdery mildew can persist in the deep texture when air circulation is poor. Remove the worst-affected leaves and keep ‘Iron Cross’ separate while the foliage stays dry and airflow across the textured surface improves. Persistent mildew can be treated with a fungicide labelled for powdery mildew on indoor ornamental plants, following the label.
• The creeping rhizome becomes soft: Persistent wetness can cause rhizome rot. Cut soft or dark tissue back to firm, healthy material with a clean tool, then discard the rotted material and old mix before repotting the healthy sections in fresh potting mix.
• Fine pale stippling appears between the raised areas: Mites may be feeding on the undersides. Keep the plant separate while inspecting the textured foliage closely. A product labelled for mites on indoor ornamental plants can be used if mites are present, following its label.

Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• The roots and rhizomes contain the highest levels of soluble oxalates, and the sap can irritate skin.
• Chewing may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting or stomach pain. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

How did Begonia masoniana get its name?

Begonia honours Michel Bégon. The epithet masoniana honours the British plantsman Maurice Mason.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Begonia in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1056.

Rudolf Christian Ziesenhenne first described Begonia masoniana in 1971 in Begonian, volume 38, page 52; Edgar Irmscher had proposed the name.