Begonia Iron Cross | Care Guide and Pro Tips - Delivery from Toronto across Canada - JOMO Studio

4" Pot

JOMO FavouriteEasy Care

Begonia Iron Cross

$25

Medium - Bright

When mostly dry

Medium

+ More

Size:

4" Pot

Variant

Begonia Iron Cross, scientifically known as Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’, also known as Iron Cross Begonia or Mason’s Begonia, is one of the most instantly recognizable foliage begonias in cultivation. Native to southern China and northern Vietnam and introduced to cultivation in 1955, this striking plant is famed for its bright green, heavily textured leaves marked with a bold reddish-brown cross-shaped pattern reminiscent of the German Iron Cross. The leaf surface is bullate—covered in raised, blister-like bumps tipped with fine, scabrous points—giving it a dramatic, almost prehistoric texture. An evergreen, rhizomatous perennial, Begonia ‘Iron Cross’ has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, making it both a collector’s favourite and a proven ornamental performer.

What to expect

The plant comes with a default nursery pot. The nursery pot is usually 0.5" - 1" smaller than stated to fit into the same size decorative pot. Washable Paper Planter Bags are sold separately.

As with all living things, no two plants are alike. There is some natural variation in size, shape, and characteristics. We make every effort to bring you a plant that as closely as possible matches the plant as it appears on our website, in the size you have chosen, and have a good potential to happily grow in your home.

Carbon-neutral delivery

All of our deliveries are carbon neutral.

In store shopping and free local pick up available at our store located at 21A Bathurst St, Toronto.

Free local delivery* available within City of Toronto and surrounding areas including Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Scarborough.

Shipping options are available for plants and planters that are 7" or smaller to all provinces in Canada. We ship out on every Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) for orders placed by Saturday midnight.

Winter safe packaging

We check the destination weather for each package to make sure they arrive safely with whatever it takes. Complimentary heat packs and insulations are included to protect your plants from cold damage when mailing in a box, if weather requires.

Visit us in person

All of our plants available online are also available at our downtown Toronto store. Feel free to visit us and explore our green oasis for more inspiration and a firsthand look at our diverse collections. Our team is there to answer any questions and help with all your plant needs, whether you're shopping online or in-store.

Pro tips

Grow in a well-draining, airy soil mix with peat, perlite, and bark. Water at the soil level rather than over the leaves to protect the textured surface. Fertilize lightly every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. As a rhizomatous begonia, it prefers shallow pots and should only be repotted when crowded. Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth. With all begonias, it is best to dry them out between watering, and even a little bit of wilt stress is beneficial for begonias. To get a full bushy plant, simply prune Begonia Iron Cross after flowering and during the summertime, cut the rhizomes back if they are hanging out of the pot.

Care Guide

How to take care of Begonia Iron Cross

Sun: Indirect

Begonia Iron Cross should not be in a position to see the sun directly, although early morning or late evening sun is fine. Filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain is best and most homes are comprised primarily of indirect sunlight. The best spot for them is where they do not see the sun during the majority of the day but still get bright, indirect light.

Light: Medium - Bright

Begonia Iron Cross will thrive in bright light, but also can tolerate medium light. A good medium-light place in your home would be in the middle of a room that has a regular size window. They can be placed anywhere between the middle of the room and the window. Remember that plants will grow based on how much light they receive.

Water: When mostly dry

Begonia Iron Cross likes the soil to be relatively dry before the next watering. That usually takes about 2 weeks in an average home environment. It will vary depending on the time of year, your environment and lighting conditions, but for them, it's always safer to underwater or water when you see signs of lack of water (i.e. droopy, floppy, or soft leaves). Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.

Humidity: Medium

Begonia Iron Cross will do well in average humidity environments but will appreciate a little bit of humidity if provided, give them a mist daily or get a humidifier.

Pet Caution

Begonia Iron Cross is moderately toxic and can cause some adverse reactions when ingested so it is best to not let your pets eat it, which we advise for all plants in general. The severity of the reaction will depend on how much of the plant is ingested but, if you know your pet typically does not eat your plants, this plant will be suitable for your home.

Plant Bio

About Begonia Iron Cross

Botanical Name: Begonia masoniana ‘Iron Cross’

Common Name: Iron Cross Begonia, Mason’s Begonia

Origin: Southern China & Northern Vietnam

Plant Story

Introducing the Begonia Iron Cross, an iconic foliage plant that celebrates resilience, history, and the strength found in standing out. With its unmistakable markings and textured leaves, it symbolizes protection, endurance, and the beauty of bold identity.

Native to southern China and northern Vietnam, this evergreen, rhizomatous begonia was introduced to cultivation in 1955 and has remained unforgettable ever since. Its bright green leaves are dramatically marked with a deep reddish-brown pattern resembling the German Iron Cross, making each leaf instantly recognizable. The foliage surface is strongly bullate — raised between the veins into blister-like forms, each tipped with a subtle, scabrous point — giving the plant a rugged, almost armoured texture that contrasts beautifully with its vibrant colour.

Thriving in bright, indirect light, the Iron Cross Begonia shows us that strength doesn’t require harsh conditions. Like its native forest understory habitat, it prefers gentle light, steady warmth, and consistent moisture without excess. Water when the soil begins to dry slightly, allowing its rhizomes to remain healthy and supported.

Compact yet commanding, this begonia grows low and wide, anchoring itself with confidence. Its Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society speaks not only to its ornamental value, but to its reliability and enduring appeal — proof that distinctive beauty can also be dependable.

Welcome the Begonia Iron Cross into your collection, and let it inspire you with its symbolism of resilience, identity, and timeless strength. It’s not just a plant; it’s a reminder that embracing what makes us different is often what makes us unforgettable.

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Begonia Iron Cross

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