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Begonia masoniana 'Variegata'
Iron Cross Begonia Variegata
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Begonia masoniana 'Variegata' Morphology
About Begonia masoniana 'Variegata'
Begonia masoniana 'Variegata' is a cultivated selection derived from Begonia masoniana Irmsch., the 'Iron Cross Begonia' — a rhizomatous species associated with the humid forest habitats of southern China and northern Vietnam, grown in warm, shaded, humid conditions that replicate its native understory environment. The base species already has large, heavily bullate and hairy leaves bearing a prominent dark iron-cross marking at the centre of each blade. In the 'Variegata' form, irregular creamy-white variegation is added to this iron-cross pattern across the deep green to olive lamina, producing leaves with an additional layer of pattern. The creeping rhizome habit remains unchanged. It is sought after by collectors for its rarity within the masoniana lineage.
Native Range
Vietnam
Market Analysis
Begonia masoniana 'Variegata' Price Guide & Auction Value
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 — a white dusty coating on leaf surfaces, especially in dry conditions; it spreads rapidly between plants
- Inspect for mealybugs at leaf axils and the underside of stems where they hide in white cottony deposits
- Rhizome begonias should show firm, healthy rhizome tissue — avoid plants with soft, discoloured rhizomes
- Most begonias ship well as leaf cuttings — if buying a cutting, ensure it has a healthy petiole and no signs of rot at the cut end
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Begonia masoniana 'Variegata'
3-5 months
Cultivar character is preserved through vegetative cuttings
Most rhizomatous begonias root readily from leaf sections or petiole cuttings placed on moist substrate. Keep warm and humid until plantlets emerge at leaf margins.
Care Guide
Begonia masoniana 'Variegata' Care Guide & Growing Conditions
Light, well-draining mix: 50% perlite, 30% potting compost, 20% orchid bark. Begonias are susceptible to root rot — excellent drainage is essential.
Allow the top half of the substrate to dry between waterings. Water at the base — wet leaves invite fungal problems. Reduce in winter.
50–70%. More tolerant of average indoor humidity than tropical aroids, but consistent moisture prevents crispy leaf margins.
Balanced liquid fertiliser at quarter strength every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Do not feed in winter.
Every 12–18 months in spring. Begonias like shallow, wide pots that suit rhizomatous growth. Don't bury the rhizome.
Common Problems
Powdery mildew
Poor air circulation combined with high humidity
Improve airflow; avoid wetting leaves; treat with a dilute bicarbonate of soda spray
Botrytis (grey mould)
Overwatering, dead leaves left on plant, poor air circulation
Remove dead foliage promptly; increase airflow; reduce watering
Leggy stems
Insufficient light
Move to a brighter position — begonias need good indirect light to maintain compact growth
Cross Pattern, Now with Added Complication
Begonia masoniana is the Iron Cross Begonia — that pleasantly unfussy species with a rough, textured surface and the dark cross-shaped zone centred on each leaf blade. The variegated selection overlays cream or pale sectors across that already distinctive surface. Whether this improves upon the original is a matter of taste: the cross pattern is partially obscured, the overall effect is busier, and the care requirements become somewhat more demanding as variegated tissue is metabolically weaker. The original masoniana is a better houseplant. The variegated form is a more interesting collector specimen. Decide accordingly.
Also in: Iron-Cross & Bullate
Species with a raised, quilted leaf surface, including B. masoniana's namesake dark iron-cross marking.
