The Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera) is a popular indoor plant. Despite common names like Strawberry Geranium or Mother of Thousands, it is not a true begonia or geranium; it belongs to the Saxifrage family. Its distinctive heart-shaped, fuzzy leaves feature silvery veins and reddish undersides. The plant’s cascading growth, with long runners producing baby plantlets, is appealing for hanging baskets.
Essential Care for Strawberry Begonias
Light
Strawberry Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window provides enough light. Direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon rays, can scorch the leaves, leading to damage. Insufficient light may cause the plant to become leggy, with stretched stems and dull foliage.
Watering
Consistent moisture benefits Strawberry Begonias, but they do not tolerate soggy conditions. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Overwatering leads to root rot, causing yellowing, mushy leaves. Underwatering results in crispy, browning leaf edges and wilting. It is better to slightly under-water than over-water, as recovery from drought is easier.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is ideal for Strawberry Begonias. A blend including perlite or pumice helps improve aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging. A slightly acidic pH, around 5.5 to 6.5, is also beneficial. Use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent root issues.
Temperature and Humidity
Strawberry Begonias prefer moderate temperatures, thriving between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). They are sensitive to extreme heat and cold drafts, causing stress or leaf damage. While they tolerate average household humidity, moderate to high levels (around 50-60%) are preferred. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray filled with water or group plants, but avoid misting fuzzy leaves directly, as this can lead to fungal problems.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize Strawberry Begonias every two to four weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Ensure the soil is slightly moist before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Propagating Strawberry Begonias
Strawberry Begonias are easy to propagate through their runners (stolons). These long, slender stems produce small plantlets at their tips. To propagate, select a healthy plantlet and either root it while still attached to the mother plant or snip it off.
When rooting while attached, place a small pot of moist, well-draining soil next to the mother plant and pin the plantlet onto the soil surface. Once the plantlet develops roots, it can be separated from the mother plant by snipping the runner. Alternatively, detached plantlets can be rooted in a glass of water until roots form before transplanting into soil. Division of older, root-bound clumps in spring is another effective method.
Repotting and Pruning Strawberry Begonias
Repotting Strawberry Begonias is needed every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound (roots growing from drainage holes or circling the pot). Spring is the time for repotting. Choose a pot only one size larger than the current one to prevent the soil from retaining too much moisture. After removing the plant, loosen any circling roots, place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape, encourages bushier growth, and removes dead or yellowed foliage. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off any discolored or damaged leaves. If stems become leggy, prune them back just above a leaf node. Trimming back runners can also help control the plant’s spread and direct energy towards the main plant.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues with Strawberry Begonias. Browning leaf tips or crispy edges indicate low humidity or insufficient watering. Increasing ambient humidity with a pebble tray or adjusting the watering schedule can help. Yellowing leaves point to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings and ensuring proper drainage can resolve this.
Leggy growth (stretched stems and sparse foliage) suggests the plant is not receiving enough light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight can encourage more compact and robust growth. Strawberry Begonias can attract houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly inspecting the plant helps in early detection. If pests are present, they can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil applications.