Saxifraga stolonifera
This plant is one that we have been obsessed with since it hit our shelves. It has surprised, excited, and impressed us over and over again. So, it was about time we gave it the proper attention. The Variegated Strawberry Begonia is an adorable low-growing-trailer that makes an exceptional hanging plant. Her leaves have texture, color variation, and structure that needs no flower to make our heads turn.
The Strawberry Begonia’s variegation is noticed from the white edging on its leaves. The more sunlight that the plant gets, the more pink this edging becomes. In general, it doesn’t prefer to dry out for too long but rather appreciates regular attentive waterings for optimal health. As it grows it sends down long strings that initially look like silly strands without much function. In time, clusters of leaves begin to form in a little ball. This feature creates an adorable ornament like effect that is unique from most common houseplants on the market. The only other houseplant whose style is comparable, would be the spider plant. Which, excitingly enough, you can take these pups just like you would a spider plant, and propagate them as well! Simply separate the clusters from the strand and either place them directly in soil, or in water until they develop a root system. As you do this make sure you are spreading out the plant to ensure you get the bottom side in the soil, and are keeping the soil moist to promote root growth. In no time you’ll have plenty of Strawberry Begonia babies to share with friends.
Despite the very suggestive name, the Strawberry Begonia isn’t even a Begonia at all, it’s genus is actually Saxifraga. Saxifraga is most commonly referring to a perennial flowering plant that we sell at the nursery during the springtime, sometimes called rockfoil. But with this genus being the largest in the family Saxifragaceae, it is no surprise that these two found a relation to each other despite their differences.
An easy and delightful plant whose beauty seems disproportionate to how easy it is to care for, we happily carry them in our shop for anyone excited to get a little diversity in their collection without the stress of maintenance. Come check them out!
