Strawberry Begonia
Saxifraga stolonifera
Neither a strawberry nor a begonia: a tough saxifrage with fuzzy olive-green leaves, silver veins, and maroon undersides. Red runners carry tiny plantlets that cascade from hanging planters. Easy when light is bright and soil stays evenly moist.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Friendly
This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Care Notes
Light
Place in bright, indirect light and skip harsh direct sun that scorches leaves. Cooler spots in the home often suit it.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist without sogginess. Water when the surface feels dry. Avoid soaking the foliage so rot stays away. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
A humus-rich, well-draining potting mix works well. Pin plantlets into soil or snip them to root in water or moist compost when you want more plants.
Humidity & Temperature
Moderate humidity is enough. In very dry rooms, use a pebble tray or humidifier to prevent leaf browning.
Common Issues
Brown edges often mean dry air. Soft, yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Scorched patches mean the plant needs less direct sun.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, humus-rich potting soil.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
6-8 inches tall, with runners trailing 2-3 feet.
Growth Rate
Fast
Propagation
Stolons, runners, or division.
Common Varieties
Tricolor
Rounded fuzzy leaves with olive-green centers and irregular creamy white and pink margins.
Maroon Beauty
Rounded scalloped leaves with silver veins on bronze-green surfaces and rich burgundy undersides.
Harvest Moon
Rounded scalloped foliage in golden-yellow to chartreuse instead of the usual silver-veined green.