11 Popular Types Of Begonias

The Begonia family is one of the most diverse and visually stunning groups of plants, cherished by gardeners and houseplant lovers all over the world. With more than 2,000 species, there is truly a begonia for every taste, from those with vibrant, show-stopping flowers to others with breathtakingly patterned leaves. This huge variety can seem overwhelming, but we are here to help.

This guide provides a complete list of the most popular types of begonias, making it simple for you to identify and choose the perfect varieties for your Singaporean home.

Understanding the Main Begonia Classifications

Before diving into our list, it helps to know that the most reliable way to understand begonias is by looking at their roots. This simple classification tells us a lot about how they grow and what kind of care they need. 

Experts group them into three main categories: Fibrous, Rhizomatous, and Tuberous. Fibrous begonias have a standard root ball, rhizomatous ones grow from thick creeping stems, and tuberous varieties sprout from a round, potato-like bulb. That is why it is often said that they look like roses.

A List of Fibrous-Rooted Begonia Types

This group contains some of the hardiest, most versatile, and easiest-to-grow begonias, making them a wonderful starting point for beginners. They are known for their traditional, fine root system and their ability to provide constant colour and lush foliage with relatively little fuss. They adapt well to various settings, from garden beds to indoor pots.

1. Wax Begonias (Begonia semperflorens)

Wax begonias are hardworking little plants and a very common sight in Singapore's public landscapes and home gardens. They get their name from their glossy, slightly fleshy leaves, which can be a rich green or a deep bronze colour. These plants form neat mounds and are prized for their continuous production of small, delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. A simple flower care will go a long way.

Their resilient nature makes them a favourite for adding reliable colour to garden borders, window boxes, and outdoor containers. Unlike many other begonias, the wax begonia has a higher tolerance for direct sunlight, especially the morning sun. In Singapore’s climate, a spot with some afternoon shade is ideal to keep them looking their best. They are low-maintenance, simply requiring consistent moisture and a sunny spot to thrive.

2. Cane Begonias

Cane begonias are named for their distinctive stems, which are tall, upright, and have visible joints or nodes that resemble bamboo canes. This growth habit gives them an elegant, structural quality that sets them apart from other types. The stems can grow quite tall, making them excellent floor plants that add vertical interest to a room.

These begonias are grown for both their attractive foliage and their beautiful flowers. The leaves are often large and dramatic, while the flowers appear in generous, hanging clusters that can last for a long time. They are quite robust and perform well as houseplants in Singapore, as they appreciate the bright, indirect light found in many homes. For care, it is best to let the top layer of their soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root issues.

3. Angel Wing Begonias (A type of Cane Begonia)

Within the cane begonia category, the most famous and beloved are the Angel Wing Begonias. Their name perfectly describes their iconic leaves, which are shaped like the wings of an angel. What makes them truly spectacular is their colouring; the leaves are often a deep green or bronze, covered in a pattern of silvery-white spots or splashes, creating a stunning polka-dot effect.

Angel Wing Begonias are the perfect show-stopping houseplant, adding a touch of grace and drama to any living room or bright corner. Beyond their foliage, they produce beautiful pendulous clusters of pink, red, or white flowers. To keep their leaves vibrant and prevent scorching, place them in a spot with good air circulation and protect them from the harsh direct afternoon sun. Popular varieties like 'Lucerna' are well-loved for their vigour and beauty.

A List of Rhizomatous Begonia Types

This group contains the true foliage superstars of the plant world. While most produce delicate sprays of flowers, they are grown almost exclusively for their incredibly ornamental leaves. They grow from a rhizome—a thick, fleshy stem that grows horizontally along or just beneath the soil surface. Their general preference for shade and high humidity makes them perfectly suited to life as indoor plants in Singapore's climate.

4. Rex Begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum)

Rex Begonias, often called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, are living works of art. Their foliage displays a breathtaking assortment of colours, patterns, and textures unlike any other plant. The leaves can feature mesmerising swirls of metallic silver, deep purple, vibrant pink, and rich green, often with dark, contrasting veins or margins. No two varieties are exactly alike, making them a favourite for collectors.

These begonias are best for those who want to add a serious "wow" factor to their indoor plant collection. They make a stunning centrepiece on a table or can be grouped together for a dramatic effect. Because they grow from a rhizome, it is crucial not to overwater them, as this can easily cause rot. They thrive in the high humidity of our climate but need their soil to be well-draining. The 'Escargot' variety, with its unique spiral leaves, is a perfect example of how weird and wonderful this group can be.

5. Iron Cross Begonias (Begonia masoniana)

The Iron Cross Begonia is another rhizomatous type known for its highly distinctive leaf pattern. It gets its name from the bold, dark brown, cross-shaped marking at the centre of its bright green leaves. Adding to its unique look is the leaf's texture, which is puckered and covered in fine bristles, giving it a rough, almost reptilian feel.

This is a wonderful plant for anyone looking to add interesting textures and patterns to their houseplant collection. It’s a real conversation starter. Its care is similar to that of Rex Begonias, as it requires warmth, high humidity, and protection from direct sunlight. Careful watering is key to keeping the rhizome healthy and preventing rot.

6. Eyelash Begonias (Begonia bowerae)

Eyelash Begonias are charming, smaller-scale rhizomatous plants perfect for compact spaces. Their delightful name comes from the fine, hair-like growths, or cilia, that line the edges of the leaves, resembling tiny eyelashes. The leaves themselves are often star-shaped and come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, typically in shades of green, black, and bronze with lime green markings.

Due to their more manageable size, Eyelash Begonias are ideal for desktops, terrariums, or small shelves where their intricate details can be appreciated up close. 

They are known for being relatively easy-going compared to some of their flashier relatives, making them a great entry point into the world of decorative foliage begonias.

A List of Tuberous Begonia Types

If you are looking for big, bold, and beautiful flowers, look no further than the Tuberous Begonias. This group is famous for producing some of the largest and most spectacular blooms in the entire plant kingdom. They grow from a fleshy, dormant tuber that stores energy, fuelling their incredible floral display. They are fantastic for adding a powerful punch of colour to containers and hanging baskets.

7. Upright Tuberous Hybrids

The upright Tuberous Hybrids are the divas of the begonia world. They produce magnificent, often very large, double flowers that bear a striking resemblance to perfect roses or camellias. Their colour palette is warm and vibrant, featuring brilliant shades of yellow, apricot, orange, scarlet, pink, and pure white. Some varieties even have petals edged in a contrasting colour, known as a picotee.

These begonias are born to be stars. They are best grown in pots and containers on a patio or balcony where their stunning flowers can be the centre of attention. 

To perform their best, they need rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture during their growth period. It is essential to protect them from Singapore's intense direct sun, which can burn their delicate petals and leaves.

8. Trailing (Pendula) Tuberous Begonias

Trailing, or Pendula, Tuberous Begonias have been specially bred for a graceful, cascading growth habit. This makes them the ultimate choice for hanging baskets. They produce a profusion of beautiful flowers on trailing stems that spill elegantly over the sides of the container, creating a living waterfall of continuous colour.

These are perfect for adding life and vibrancy to HDB balconies or condo patios. While the individual flowers are usually a bit smaller than those on the upright hybrids, they are far more numerous, ensuring a spectacular and long-lasting display. To sustain their prolific blooming, they may require more frequent watering and feeding than other begonia types.

9. Bolivian Begonias (Begonia boliviensis)

Bolivian Begonias offer a different, more delicate and graceful form. Instead of large, rounded flowers, they produce clusters of slender, trumpet-shaped blooms in fiery shades of red, orange, and white. These flowers dangle from elegant, arching stems, giving the plant a light and airy appearance.

This species is a fantastic choice for adding a unique shape and texture to mixed containers and hanging baskets. Popular hybrids like the 'Bonfire' series are renowned for their heat tolerance and ability to bloom non-stop. They can also handle a bit more sun than the large-flowered tuberous types, making them a resilient and rewarding choice for our climate.

Other Interesting Begonia Types

Beyond the three main classifications, there are a few other groups and unique varieties that showcase the incredible diversity of the genus. These types often have distinct characteristics or growth habits that set them apart.

10. Hardy Begonias (Begonia grandis)

The Hardy Begonia is a unique tuberous type known primarily for its ability to withstand cold temperatures, a trait uncommon in the mostly tropical begonia family. It features large, heart-shaped green leaves, often with red undersides, and produces delicate sprays of fragrant pink or white flowers in late summer.

While its cold tolerance is its main claim to fame elsewhere, in Singapore's tropical climate, it behaves as a beautiful, lush perennial. It will grow happily year-round in a shady, moist spot in the garden, adding a touch of woodland charm. It dies back to its tuber if conditions become very dry but re-sprouts readily when moisture returns.

11. Shrub-like Begonias

This is not a single type but a large, diverse group of fibrous-rooted begonias that are characterised by their bushy, multi-stemmed growth habit. Unlike Cane Begonias, they do not produce a single main stem but instead branch out from the base to form a full, shrubby plant. This category includes a vast number of species and hybrids, many of which have interesting leaves and bloom freely throughout the year. They are excellent for filling out mixed containers or serving as lush background foliage plants.

Conclusion On The Types of Begonia Flowers

The world of begonias is a truly fascinating one, filled with an almost endless variety of shapes, colours, and forms. By understanding the main classifications of Fibrous, Rhizomatous, and Tuberous, you can confidently navigate this diverse family of plants. 

Whether you are captivated by the intricate foliage of a Rex Begonia or the stunning blooms of a Tuberous hybrid, there is a perfect begonia for every home and garden. We hope this guide inspires you to explore your local nursery and start your own beautiful begonia collection.

We at Singapore Florist love flowers of all shapes and sizes. We are passionate about blooms and would love to share them with you.

Contact us today if you have any flower bouquet in mind or if you need help in picking the best flower for a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Types of Begonia Flowers

What Are the 3 Main Types of Begonias?

The three main types of begonias are classified by their root systems. They are fibrous-rooted begonias, which have standard, fine roots; rhizomatous begonias, which grow from a thick, horizontal stem called a rhizome; and tuberous begonias, which grow from a round, potato-like tuber.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Begonia?

The most popular and commonly grown type of begonia is the Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens). As a member of the fibrous-rooted group, it is loved for its hardiness, constant blooming, and ease of care, making it a staple in public parks and home gardens worldwide.

How Many Different Types of Begonias Are There?

The Begonia genus is one of the largest plant genera, containing over 2,000 officially recorded species. When you include the countless hybrids and cultivars developed by growers, the number of different types of begonias is well into the tens of thousands.

Which Begonia Is Easiest to Grow?

For beginners, the easiest begonias to grow are typically the fibrous-rooted types. Wax Begonias and many Cane Begonias (like Angel Wing Begonias) are known for being particularly forgiving, adaptable, and resilient, making them an excellent starting point for new plant owners.

What Is the Most Beautiful Begonia?

Beauty is entirely in the eye of the beholder, so the "most beautiful" begonia is a matter of personal taste. If you adore large, vibrant flowers, you might find a Tuberous Hybrid the most beautiful. If you are fascinated by complex patterns and metallic leaf colours, you would likely choose a Rex Begonia.

Are Begonias Indoor or Outdoor Plants?

Begonias can be both. In Singapore's tropical climate, many varieties thrive outdoors year-round in shady spots or on balconies. Types with delicate, decorative foliage like Rex Begonias are typically grown as indoor houseplants to protect them from the elements, while hardy types like Wax Begonias are commonly used for outdoor landscaping.