Full Specimen Plate
Begonia masoniana
Iron Cross Begonia
Quick Facts
Aroid Atlas Price Guide
Community estimate — limited market data
See full auction data ↓Morphology
About
Begonia masoniana, the Iron Cross Begonia, is named for the dark brown-black cross-shaped mark radiating from the centre of each puckered, textured leaf against a bright apple-green background — a genuinely distinctive pattern that needs no variegation to stand out. A rhizomatous begonia rather than a cane type, it grows low and spreading from a thick creeping rhizome. The plain species is widely available and inexpensive; its variegated selection adds irregular cream sectoring to the same iron-cross pattern, a considerably rarer and pricier form.
Native Range
Vietnam
Collector Popularity Review
Aroid Atlas Collector Review: Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia) is ranked as Common rarity on the market. Rating is calculated based on overall cultivation difficulty, aesthetic appeal, and search popularity among active collectors.
Market Analysis
Auction History & Retail Data
Historical eBay auction metrics and live retailer listings updated weekly.
No eBay auction history available yet. Data is collected automatically as sales appear on eBay UK.
Before You Buy
Species-specific things to check when evaluating a listing
- Check for powdery mildew — common on this fuzzy-leaved species
- Rhizome should be firm, not soft or discoloured
- For the variegated form, confirm the cream sectoring pattern matches photos
Propagation Guide
Growing More Plants
3-5 months
Cultivar character is preserved through vegetative cuttings
Roots readily from leaf sections or rhizome division. Keep warm and humid until plantlets emerge.
Care Guide
Growing Conditions
Light, well-draining mix: 50% perlite, 30% potting compost, 20% orchid bark.
Allow the top half of the substrate to dry between waterings. Water at the base.
55-75%.
Balanced liquid fertiliser at quarter strength every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Every 12-18 months in shallow, wide pots suited to the rhizomatous habit.
Common Problems
Powdery mildew
Poor air circulation with high humidity
Improve airflow and avoid wetting leaves
Botrytis (grey mould)
Overwatering, dead leaves left on plant
Remove dead foliage and increase airflow
