Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Strawberry begonia
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Strawberry begonia
Saxifraga stolonifera · Creeping saxifrage, mother of thousands
Round, silver-veined leaves with red undersides and runners that dangle baby plants like a strawberry.
Part shade to bright indirectLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Part shade to bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Avoid direct sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Keep evenly moist.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-10–28°C (14–82°F)
CoolWarm
Frost hardy outdoors.
Growth
Moderate, trailing
SlowFast
Grows 15 cm, runners 60 cm.
Soil
Quality potting mix
LeanRich
Moist but free-draining.
Fertiliser
Monthly
RarelyOften
Diluted fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to pets.
About this plant
Native to East Asia, it's neither a strawberry nor a begonia. It sends out runners with plantlets and loves cool shade.
Best spots
Shaded balconies, hanging baskets and indoor shelves.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Saxifraga stolonifera |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Origin | East Asia |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Mature size | 15 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Flowers | Dainty white sprays |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Runners |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Propagate
Fertilise
PlantFloweringPropagateFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Crispy leaves | Too much sun or dry. |
| Rot | Overwatering. |
| Leggy | More light. |
| Mealybugs | Treat early. |
Common questions
Is it a begonia?
No.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Does it trail?
Yes, via runners.
Is it frost hardy?
Yes.
