Begonia ferox (spiky begonia or ferocious begonia)
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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
Shipping: We ship via DPD’s 24-hour tracked carbon neutral service.
Delivery times are 7-10 working days, but are usually much quicker. More details can be found here
We post all our plants to most of the UK, with the exceptions of the Islands of Scotland, the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Isle of White, the Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands due to the high cost of shipping.
Measurements: The plant heights provided encompass the plant stem and the foliage length, along with the depth of the grow pot, which includes the living root system, and not just the portion of the plant that is visible above the soil level.
Although we strive to provide plants within the specified size range, there may be some instances where the plants supplied could be slightly smaller or larger than the size selected.
