Begonia masoniana in pot

Credit: Illustratedjc

Begonia leaf Iron cross close-up

Credit: Ping an Chang

Begonia masoniana flower

Credit: KHQ Flower guide

Begonia hairs Iron cross

Credit: Gianni del Buffalo

Begonia masoniana, an iron cross on velvet foliage

If Lemmy Kilmister had collected houseplants, he would have adopted a Begonia masoniana. Native to southern China, this representative of the Begoniaceae family features a motif on its foliage that is dear to Motörhead fans, bikers and rebels of all stripes.

How to recognize Begonia masoniana, the Iron Cross begonia?

Begonia masoniana is a rhizomatous perennial with a rounded habit. It grows to between 25 and 60 centimetres in height, with an equal spread.

Begonia masoniana has velvety-soft, embossed green leaves reminiscent of those of Begonia rex. Cordiform and asymmetrical, they are covered with a fine red down. In the center of the leaf blades is a brown pattern resembling the Iron Cross, a German military decoration. Does your specimen have a star-shaped pattern and burgundy leaf margins? It's probably a rarer variety, a Begonia masoniana variegata!

Grown for its evergreen foliage, Begonia Croix de fer is also a flowering plant. White, slightly pink flowers appear in panicles.

Often associated with the Second World War, the Iron Cross is a distinction that actually dates back to the early 19th century and to King Frederick William III of Prussia. Some historians even claim that it adorned the armor of knights going on crusades in the Middle Ages! Today, the motif is most popular with HellFest musicians, bikers and surfers. With a healthy dose of provocation, it has become the symbol of the diehard and those who reject the established order.

While the iron cross is harmless as a tattoo or pendant, Begonia masoniana is toxic. Like begonia maculata, it causes irritation and digestive problems. If you live with pets or young children, keep the plant out of their reach.

Our maintenance tips

Begonia masoniana are tropical plants. They need high humidity but don't like wet foliage. You shouldn't mist them or water their leaves. And to keep their shape harmonious, remember to turn the pot a quarter turn every month.

Watering

Your Iron Cross Begonia tolerates thirst better than excess water. Water only when the soil is three to five centimeters dry. Choose moderate rather than heavy watering, and always use non-calcareous water at room temperature.

If you use a planter or saucer, drain off any stagnant water. It can rot the roots.

Spray

Your begonia masoniana hates wet foliage. You must not mist the plant.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Begonia masoniana to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Begonia masoniana are fast-growing plants. They need to be repotted every year.

Choose a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Fill the bottom with clay balls or gravel to promote drainage.

Then pour in potting soil for green plants. To make it lighter, you can mix it with sand or perlite.

Plant your Iron Cross Begonia. Fill with substrate and tamp to remove air bubbles. Water for the first time straight away.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

To promote the growth of your Begonia masoniana, add a special green plant liquid fertilizer to its watering.

Prune

Remove flowers when they bloom. Their growth is detrimental to that of the foliage.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take a healthy leaf with its petiole. You can separate it from the stem with your hands or with a clean, sharp tool.

Soak your cutting in a glass of water at room temperature. Only the stem end should be immersed. Change the water every three days to keep it clear.

Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Begonias - Begoniaceae
Type	Begonia - Begonia
Species	Iron Cross Begonia - Begonia masoniana
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Rhizome Herbaceous
Tags	Fritillary Toxic
Origin	Central Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors