Strawberry begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera)
Care, watering, light and tips for Strawberry begonia on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Saxifragaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Strawberry begonia
Saxifraga stolonifera, also known as Strawberry Saxifrage or Mother of Thousands, is a small perennial plant, perfect for hanging baskets or as a groundcover. It is characterized by its rounded, variegated leaves in shades of green and silver, and by producing reddish stolons that give rise to new plantlets, resembling a strawberry. Its delicate white flowers with yellow spots appear on slender stems during spring and summer, adding a touch of grace.
Native range
East Asia: China, Japan, and Korea
Care tips
It prefers bright indirect light or partial shade; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Keep the substrate consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, as it is susceptible to root rot. Use a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix. A common mistake is allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, which can stress the plant and cause its leaves to wilt.
How to save a dying Strawberry begonia
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing leaves or brown spots. Dry, brittle stolons.
- First aid
- Check soil (should be slightly moist, not soggy). If dry, water; if soaked, aerate. Remove badly damaged leaves.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot, or lack of humidity leading to rapid dehydration.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and some green leaves or stolons remain. It's quite resilient.