Begonia Strawberry

Strawberry Begonia, which is a common name for the plant Saxifraga stolonifera, also known as Strawberry Begonia, Strawberry Geranium, or Creeping Saxifrage. Despite its common name, Strawberry Begonia is not actually a begonia but rather belongs to the Saxifragaceae family.

Here's some information about Strawberry Begonia:

1. Appearance: Strawberry Begonia is a herbaceous perennial plant that produces rosettes of glossy, round leaves with scalloped edges. The leaves often have reddish undersides, which is where the common name "Strawberry Begonia" originates. The plant also produces long, slender stolons (runners) that trail along the ground and produce small plantlets resembling strawberries, hence the name.

2. Native Habitat: Strawberry Begonia is native to East Asia, particularly Japan and Korea. It is commonly found growing in shady, moist woodland areas, often as ground cover.

3. Light: Strawberry Begonia prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. It can tolerate some morning sunlight, but direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.

4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain away. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

5. Humidity: Strawberry Begonia prefers high humidity levels. Mist the leaves regularly with room-temperature water to increase humidity, especially if you are growing the plant indoors.

6. Temperature: Strawberry Begonia thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It is not cold-hardy and should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.

7. Soil: Plant Strawberry Begonia in a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter, such as a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and compost. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

8. Fertilization: Feed Strawberry Begonia with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or eliminate fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant's growth slows down.

9. Potting and Repotting: Repot Strawberry Begonia as needed when it outgrows its pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage and fresh potting mix. Repotting is best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.