Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
Strawberry Begonia is a charming trailing houseplant known for its soft, fuzzy green leaves accented with silvery veins and rich burgundy undersides. Long, strawberry-like runners produce baby plantlets that cascade over the edge of the pot, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, shelves, and windowsills. Despite its common name, Strawberry Begonia is neither a true begonia nor a strawberry. (Missouri Botanical Garden)
The proper botanical name is Saxifraga stolonifera. It is also commonly known as Creeping Saxifrage, Strawberry Saxifrage, or Mother of Thousands because of the numerous plantlets it produces along its runners. Native to China and Japan, it naturally grows on rocky, shaded slopes and forest floors. (Plant Toolbox)
Strawberry Begonia does best in bright, indirect light. It appreciates filtered light and can even tolerate a little gentle morning sun, which may enhance the reddish coloring on the undersides of the leaves. Avoid harsh afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the foliage. (Plant Toolbox)
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away. This plant prefers evenly moist soil but does not like sitting in water. Reduce watering slightly during the cooler months while maintaining light moisture. (Plant Toolbox)
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage. A blend of houseplant soil with added perlite and coco coir works well, providing the right balance of moisture retention and airflow around the roots.
Strawberry Begonia prefers cool to warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. It thrives in average household humidity but appreciates extra moisture in drier environments. Keep it away from heating vents, cold drafts, and prolonged hot, dry air. (Houseplants Nook)
This plant naturally spreads by sending out long runners with baby plantlets that can be left to trail or easily rooted to create new plants. Its cascading growth habit makes it especially attractive in hanging baskets, and it is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate. (Missouri Botanical Garden)
Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera) is generally considered pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it's always best to discourage pets from chewing on houseplants, this species is regarded as a safe choice for pet owners. (Houseplants Nook)
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
