This informal group includes those species and hybrids that form upright, usually unbranched stems with thickened nodes. They resemble bamboo canes. These species and hybrids are members of the Begonia family (Begoniaceae). The species of the cane-type begonias have large green angel wing leaves with silver polka dots and the undersides are red. Depending on the hybrid, the leaf color can vary from green, silver, pink and purple with variegations and may be spotted or textured. The flowers are clusters of either white, pink, red or orange blooms. If maintained the plant usually measures 1 to 2 feet tall, but in some instances, it can grow up to 10 feet tall. Cane types are the most popular whether grown indoors, on the patio, or in the landscape as a border planting. Cane-type begonias perform best in partial shade, high humidity, and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Pinching the tips of the plant will promote new growth and keep it contained. The easiest method of propagation is from stem cuttings. The species can be grown from seed; however, the hybrids do not produce plants that are identical to the parent. Many people find that the cane-type begonia is easier to grow and the best performing. They are used primarily as a houseplant and are beautiful as an accent plant. They may be grown outside as a border or container plant, but they must be protected from frost and direct sunlight. Insects, Disease, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, and mealybugs. Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew, botrytis, and stem rot. More information on Begonia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
The species' leaves are spotted with an elongated heart-shaped, somewhat arrowhead-shaped or "angel wing"-shaped, and are dark green to olive green. The spots are gray to silver, and the undersides of the leaf are red. The hybrid leaf color varies from green, silver, pink, or purple with variegations. The undersides of the leaf color also vary from burnt orange to red.
Flower color
Orange; Pink; Red/Burgundy; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Panicle
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
The flower clusters may be red, pink, orange or white depending on the species or hybrid. The individual flower appears somewhat fan-shaped with a small yellow center.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Stem color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Stem detail
Sturdy, upright, and long stems with slightly swollen nodes and appear to be segmented. They resemble bamboo.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Brazil
Distribution
Native: Brazil Southwest. Introduced: Argentina, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Mexico
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Colorful; Easy to Grow
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Hanging Baskets
Design feature
Border
Garden tags
#herbaceous perennial #interesting leaves #problem for dogs #houseplant #showy flowers #problem for cats #humidity tolerant #container plant #colorful leaves #border #problem for horses #summer flowers #patio #variegated #acidic soils tolerant #problem for children #hortcontest #partial shade tolerant
Problems & Resistance
Problems
Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Deer; Drought; Rabbits
Propagation
Stem Cutting
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Roots; Sap/Juice
Poison symptoms
If ingested, Kidney failure (in grazing animals), vomiting, and salivation in dogs/cats. The most toxic part is the underground roots. Sap can cause skin irritation.