Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera): Trailing Plantlets for Hanging Baskets

Botanical Name: Saxifraga stolonifera

Strawberry Begonia forms a mound of rounded, scalloped leaves with decorative silvery veins, hairy with burgundy-red undersides. Its charm: long runners with dangling plantlets. Display in a hanging basket to show them off.

In native China/Japan, it's a groundcover spreading quickly by rooting runners. Likes cool temps but frost-tender. Keep cool and moist for easy care.

Sprays of tiny white star-shaped flowers on tall stems may appear in summer. Encourage more flowers with a cool, dry rest for a few weeks in winter.

Year-Round Care

• Repot: Spring every couple years or when roots fill pot. Hanging pot shows off plantlets. Drainage holes essential.
• Brown crispy leaves: (1) Direct sun = faded/brown. Avoid strong summer sun. (2) Dry air = shriveled leaves. Pebble tray/humidifier. Don't mist—hairs trap water, cause rot. (3) Dry soil—keep lightly moist.
• Winter: Cool dry rest (50–55°F/10–13°C). Water sparingly, don't dry out. Suffers in central heating dry air. Humidity tray/humidifier. Watch for spider mites (attracted to dry conditions).

Strawberry Begonia Care Quick Reference

• Origin: East Asia
• Height: 8 in (20 cm); runners trail to 12 in (30 cm)+
• Light: Bright year-round. Some morning sun OK; shade from strong sun.
• Water: Thoroughly, allow top inch (2.5 cm) to dry between. Less in winter. Overwatering → root/crown rot, fungus.
• Humidity: Moderate. Humidity tray if dry.
• Temperature: 50–75°F (10–24°C)
• Soil: Any good potting mix
• Fertilizer: Monthly spring/summer with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength
• Propagation: Easy from runners. Place small pots around parent. Hold plantlets down with bent paperclip into moist mix. Roots quickly. After 3 weeks, cut runners to detach.