Begonia ferox (spiky begonia or ferocious begonia)
ADD A BEAUTIFUL FITTED POT (OPTIONAL)
Begonia ferox, also known as the spiky begonia or ferocious begonia, is one of the most extraordinary and conversation-starting rare houseplants available in the UK. Famous for its dramatic, heavily textured leaves adorned with striking black spines, Begonia ferox brings an edgy, almost prehistoric look to modern indoor spaces. The dark green leaves with a deep, almost metallic sheen create a bold backdrop, while the spiky projections offer an unexpected, tactile twist. This is a true showstopper that captures attention and sparks curiosity wherever it’s placed.
Native to the limestone forests of Guangxi, China, Begonia ferox thrives in high humidity, making it perfect for plant lovers looking to create an exotic jungle feel indoors. Often found clinging to rocky outcrops where it enjoys dappled light, this unusual Begonia species for terrariums and humid rooms rewards enthusiasts with new leaves that emerge in soft red hues, gradually hardening and developing their iconic spines.
Begonia ferox size
Our Begonia ferox plants are supplied in a W12cm pot and reach around H20cm. As they mature, they develop their signature spines and produce leaves up to 15cm wide, offering both compact charm and dramatic impact—making it a true statement houseplant for modern homes.
Styling Begonia ferox at home
Here are some creative ways to showcase the ferocity of your Begonia ferox:
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Statement piece: Place it in a terracotta pot or dark-toned ceramic planter to accentuate its gothic beauty and let it shine as a standalone centrepiece.
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Terrarium star: Its love of humidity makes it perfect for large terrariums, domes, or vivariums, especially for collectors seeking rare houseplants in the UK that thrive in these settings.
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Shelf drama: Add it to a well-lit shelf or side table where its textured leaves will invite admiration up close.
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Contrast companion: Pair with smooth-leaved exotic indoor plants UK like Calathea or Alocasia to create an eye-catching contrast of texture and form.
Begonia ferox care requirements
Begonia ferox is a rewarding plant if you can meet its needs. Here’s how to keep it thriving:
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves, but do ensure good light to bring out its colour and spines.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
Humidity: This is a true high humidity houseplant (over 60%). Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or grouped with other plants to create a lush indoor jungle.
Temperature: Best grown in temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Feeding: Feed monthly during the growing season with Happy Houseplants’ Organic Tropical Plant Food—a gentle, vegan formula designed to keep your Begonia ferox lush and healthy.
Why choose Begonia ferox?
Begonia ferox is ideal for plant lovers looking for something truly extraordinary. Its alien-like appearance makes it a standout in any plant collection, and while it requires a little more attention than your average houseplant, the rewards are well worth the effort. Whether you're a terrarium enthusiast or love statement houseplants for modern homes, Begonia ferox offers a bold, artistic edge to your living space.
Interesting facts about Begonia ferox
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Its name ferox means ‘fierce’ or ‘ferocious’ in Latin—a nod to its dramatic, spiky appearance.
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The spines are not sharp like cactus spines but are firm and textured, designed to deter herbivores in the wild.
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In the right conditions, Begonia ferox may produce delicate pinkish flowers, though its foliage is the true star of the show.
Begonia ferox FAQs
Q: Is Begonia ferox safe for pets?
A: Like many Begonias, Begonia ferox is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so it’s best kept out of reach of curious pets.
Q: How do I encourage the spines on my Begonia ferox?
A: The spines develop as the leaves mature in high humidity and bright, indirect light. Ensure your plant is well-fed and not exposed to dry air for the best results.
Q: Can Begonia ferox go in a terrarium?
A: Absolutely. It’s a perfect unusual Begonia species for terrariums, especially if you’re aiming to create a unique, exotic landscape.
Q: Where to buy Begonia ferox UK?
A: You can buy Begonia ferox directly from Happy Houseplants, the UK’s number one shop for rare houseplants and exotic indoor plants.
Explore More:
If you're keen to learn more about houseplant care, be sure to check out our blog for tips and tricks! If you’re looking for a special gift, don’t miss our Plants with Pots collection or explore our Gifting collections, perfect for any occasion. Plus, remember that every purchase comes with a free gift card to share your love for plants!
All our plants are sold in plastic nursery pots
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At Happy Houseplants, we ship all live plants via DPD’s 24-hour tracked carbon-neutral service. Delivery usually takes 7–10 working days, but in most cases your plants will arrive much sooner. You can read more about delivery here.
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Looking for more vibrant and easy-care houseplants? Check out our Easy Care Houseplants collection or browse our Pet Friendly Houseplants if you’ve got furry friends at home. And why not read the Happy Houseplants blog for more styling ideas and plant care tips?
Happy Houseplants runs the UK’s number one houseplant blog with expert tips and guidance.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe buying a plant is only the start — helping it thrive is what really matters. That’s why we run the UK’s number one houseplant blog, filled with expert advice on watering, light, feeding, pest care and more.
Every plant we sell comes with straightforward care tips, and if you’d like to dive deeper you’ll find hundreds of helpful guides and styling ideas on our blog. Explore them here: Happy Houseplants Blog.
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Happy Houseplants makes plant gifting simple with handwritten cards and nationwide delivery.
At Happy Houseplants, we believe plants make the perfect living gift — thoughtful, long-lasting, and always a joy to receive. Unlike flowers that fade quickly, a houseplant grows and thrives, becoming a lasting reminder of your care.
Sending a gift is simple. Just add your message at checkout and we’ll handwrite it on a card for you. We never include prices or invoices, so your plant arrives as a pure surprise.
Our carefully chosen range includes everything from easy-care indoor plants for beginners to rare and unusual plants for collectors — ideal for birthdays, thank-yous, housewarmings or simply to brighten someone’s day. Every gift is hand-packed in sustainable, plastic-free packaging and delivered nationwide with DPD’s carbon-neutral tracked service.
When you send a gift from Happy Houseplants, you’re not just giving a plant — you’re sending a beautiful, meaningful gesture that lasts.
Happy Houseplants makes it easy to find pet-safe and easy-care houseplants in the UK.
At Happy Houseplants, we know every home is different. That’s why we make it easy to find plants that fit your lifestyle — whether you’re looking for pet-safe options or low-maintenance plants that thrive with minimal fuss.
Our Pet-Friendly Houseplants are carefully chosen so you can add greenery to your home without worry around cats or dogs.
Our Easy Care Houseplants are perfect for beginners or busy households, with varieties that don’t demand constant attention but still bring life and beauty to your space.
