Beleaf Arctic Breeze Begonia

Beleaf Arctic Breeze Begonia (Begonia 'Beleaf Arctic Breeze') is a compact foliage plant, about 45cm high and wide, grown for large heart shaped leaves in cool metallic silver. Mature leaves are silver above and plum red beneath, with fine dark green stripes. It is a warmth loving houseplant that also earns a place on a shaded patio.

Why you'll love it

• Cool silver foliage. Mature leaves are silver with fine dark green stripes, and plum red on the underside.
• Colour that builds. The pattern develops as the plant grows, so a young plant looks greener than a mature one.
• Bushy and compact. Beleaf begonias are bred to be healthy and low maintenance, and they grow faster than traditional rex begonias.
• Indoors or out. It grows as a houseplant in warm humid rooms and outdoors in shaded tropical gardens, baskets and containers.
• Textured leaves. The large, heart shaped leaves have a textured surface that adds depth to any group of plants.

Where it works best

Indoors. Give it a warm, humid room with bright but filtered light. Like all begonias it is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it where pets cannot chew it.

Containers and hanging baskets. In summer it makes a striking basket or pot on a sheltered patio. Bring it in before the nights turn cold.

Shaded tropical gardens. Plant 40cm apart as underplanting in shaded or semi shaded beds in frost free gardens.

Growing Beleaf Arctic Breeze Begonia in Australia

Position and climate. A shaded or semi shaded position with filtered light or indirect sun. It wants a warm, humid atmosphere, and if the air is dry a light mist helps. Outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens, and it must always be protected from frost.

Soil. Use a free draining potting mix rich in organic matter, or well drained, humus rich ground in a shaded bed.

Water and feed. Water lightly but regularly for the first 12 weeks or until established, and avoid overwatering. Feed with a liquid fertiliser at half strength every 8 weeks, and take care not to overfeed.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed beyond removing tired leaves. Foliage may die back in the cooler months while the plant rests: stop feeding, ease off the water, and repot in spring only if it has become rootbound.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Beleaf Arctic Breeze Begonia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, and the silver deepens as it grows, so give it a few months before judging the final leaf. Pot it into a free draining mix or plant it into shaded ground soon after delivery, and keep it out of cold draughts.

Tube stock is raised by our grower and is not always available. When it shows as sold out, the notify button on this page sends you an email the day plants are back.

Plants are 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

• Browse indoor plants
• Low light indoor plants
• Tropical plants for warm gardens
• How to keep indoor plants alive

Common questions

Can I keep it indoors all year?

Yes. Choose a warm, humid room with bright but filtered light, and keep it away from cold draughts and direct afternoon sun.

Why are the leaves dying back?

In cooler months the plant may go dormant and the foliage can die back. Stop feeding and reduce watering until new leaves appear.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so place the plant out of reach.