Begonia ‘Amazon River’

Begonia 'Amazon River' (Begonia 'Amazon River') is grown for its leaves rather than its flowers. It stays neat at about 40cm tall and 40cm across, with patterned foliage marked in silver and deep green that holds its interest every week of the year. It is frost tender, so most Australians grow it as an indoor plant or in a sheltered courtyard.

Why you'll love it

• The foliage carries the plant. Variegated, patterned leaves look the same in July as in January, which is more than a flowering pot plant offers.
• It fits where space is tight. At 40cm each way it suits a shelf, a bathroom sill, a desk or a grouped arrangement on a balcony.
• Humidity is a plus, not a problem. Steamy bathrooms and humid subtropical courtyards suit it, where many indoor plants sulk.
• No pruning schedule. Pinch a stem back if it stretches, take off tired leaves, and that is the whole maintenance routine.

Where it works best

Indoors. This is where most of them live, and it removes the climate problem entirely: a bright room away from direct sun works in Hobart the same as in Cairns.

Pots, balconies and courtyards. Outdoors it needs a frost free position in tropical, subtropical or warm temperate gardens, in shade or dappled light. In cooler southern gardens, keep it potted so it can come under cover for winter.

One caution. Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so place it out of reach in a household with pets that nibble foliage.

Growing Begonia 'Amazon River' in Australia

Position and light. Bright indirect light gives the strongest leaf pattern. Direct sun through glass scorches the foliage, and deep shade flattens the markings and stretches the stems.

Potting mix. Use a premium mix opened up with perlite or fine bark, in a pot with a working drainage hole. Begonias resent sitting in water, so tip the saucer out after watering.

Water and humidity. Water once the top 2cm of mix feels dry, and water the mix rather than the leaves, since droplets on the foliage invite leaf spot. Group pots or stand the pot on a pebble tray to lift humidity.

Feeding. A half strength liquid feed every two to three weeks through spring and summer keeps the new leaves large and well marked. Stop feeding over winter, when growth naturally slows.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown as tube stock, so your plant arrives young: a small rooted plant with a handful of leaves, ready to pot straight into a 150mm to 200mm pot. It fills that pot over a season and reaches full size in its second year.

Soft begonia foliage is more delicate in transit than a woody plant, so the odd bruised or creased leaf on arrival is normal and grows out quickly. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor plant care tips for beginners
• Browse the indoor plant range
• Plants with variegated foliage
• Plants that suit a balcony

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Begonias contain compounds that irritate the mouth and stomach if chewed, and the tubers are the most concentrated part. Keep it on a shelf or in a room your pets do not use.

Why are the leaf edges going brown and crisp?

Usually dry air or letting the mix dry out too far between drinks. Move it away from air conditioning vents and heaters, and lift the humidity around the pot.

Can I grow it outside all year?

Only in frost free gardens, in a shaded, sheltered spot. It is frost tender, so anywhere with real winter cold it needs to be potted and brought inside.

Does it flower much?

It produces modest clusters of pink and white flowers, most often in the warmer months. Treat them as a bonus, because the leaves are the reason to own this plant.