Maori Haze Begonia

Maori Haze Begonia (Begonia 'Maori Haze') is a compact foliage plant, about 45cm high and wide, with large heart shaped leaves in silver blue. Burgundy plum shading gathers in the centre of each leaf and around its edges, giving a hazy, shimmering look. It is at home in a warm lounge room or a sheltered, shaded corner of a frost free garden.

Why you'll love it

• A shimmering silver blue. Mature leaves carry plum maroon shading in the centre and along the edges, which gives each one a hazy, layered look.
• Colour that deepens. The shading intensifies at the centre and edges as the plant matures.
• Bushy and low maintenance. Beleaf begonias are bred to be compact and healthy, and they grow faster than traditional rex begonias.
• Lounge room or patio. It enjoys warm, sheltered, humid conditions, so it works indoors or on a patio from spring to autumn.
• Bold texture. Large heart shaped leaves with a textured surface catch the light from every angle.

Where it works best

Indoors. Place it in a warm room with filtered light. Begonias are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it where pets cannot chew it.

Patio containers and baskets. From spring to autumn it suits a pot or hanging basket on a sheltered patio, then comes inside when nights cool.

Shaded tropical gardens. Plant 40cm apart under larger plants in shade or semi shade, in gardens that do not see frost.

Growing Maori Haze Begonia in Australia

Position and climate. Shaded or semi shaded, with filtered light or indirect sun. It likes warmth and humidity, and a light mist helps when the air is dry. Outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens, and it must be kept from frost.

Soil. Free draining, organic rich potting mix in pots, or humus rich, well drained soil in a shaded bed.

Water and feed. Water lightly but regularly for the first 12 weeks or until established, and do not overwater. Use a liquid fertiliser at half strength every 8 weeks at most.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed other than removing old leaves. In the cooler months the foliage may die back as the plant rests, so skip feeding, water sparingly and wait for new leaves. Repot in spring only if rootbound.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Maori Haze Begonia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, and its hazy silver blue colouring strengthens as the plant grows. Pot it or plant it into shade soon after delivery, and keep it away from frost and cold draughts.

The tube is supplied by our grower, so availability comes and goes. A sold out tube simply means none is ready today: press the notify button on this page and we will email you the day it returns.

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

• Our full range of indoor plants
• Plants for full shade
• More tropical plants
• Keeping indoor plants healthy

Common questions

Can Maori Haze go outside?

Yes, in a frost free garden. It suits shaded or semi shaded spots with filtered light, and on a patio from spring to autumn.

Do I need to mist it?

Misting is only needed when the air is dry. Begonias like humidity, so a light spray can help indoors.

Is it pet friendly?

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