Despite its common name, the Strawberry Begonia is neither a true strawberry nor a begonia. It gets its name from the strawberry-like runners it produces and begonia-like leaves. This plant is valued for its ornamental foliage, graceful growth habit, and adaptability to indoor and outdoor conditions in temperate climates.

Quick Facts

• Botanical Name: Saxifraga stolonifera
• Common Names: Strawberry Begonia, Strawberry Geranium, Creeping Saxifrage
• Type: Herbaceous perennial (houseplant or groundcover)
• USDA Zones: 6–9 outdoors; anywhere indoors
• Height: 4–8 inches
• Spread: Up to 18 inches with runners
• Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading, and cascading
• Flowering: Late spring to early summer
• Flower Color: Small white blooms with yellow and pink markings

Foliage Features

• Rounded, velvety leaves with deep veining and scalloped edges
• Undersides often have a reddish hue
• Produces stolon-like runners (like strawberries), which root and form new plants

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

• Bright, indirect light is best.
• Tolerates medium light but may grow slower.
• Avoid direct sunlight—it can scorch the leaves.
• Outdoors, choose dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade.

Temperature

• Prefers temps between 60–75°F (15–24°C).
• Protect from cold drafts and extreme heat.
• Indoors: Avoid placing near heaters or cold windows.
• Outdoors: Hardy in Zones 6–9; mulch in colder zones or grow in containers to overwinter indoors.

Humidity

• Likes moderate to high humidity.
• Great for bathrooms, terrariums, or grouped with other humidity-loving plants.
• If air is dry, increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.

Soil and Potting

• Use a well-draining potting mix; standard houseplant mix is fine.
• Add perlite or sand to improve drainage if needed.
• A shallow, wide container works well due to its spreading habit.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
• Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot and mildew.

Fertilizing

• Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
• Do not fertilize in winter.

Propagation

• Extremely easy to propagate via runners (stolons).
  • Simply pin a runner with a baby plantlet into soil (in the same or a separate pot).
  • Once roots form (usually in 2–3 weeks), it can be severed from the parent plant.

Maintenance and Pruning

• Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant tidy.
• Pinch runners if you want to limit spread and encourage fuller growth.
• Trim flowering stems after blooming.

Pests and Problems

• Watch for:
  • Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids—treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Root rot—caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
  • Powdery mildew—if airflow is low and humidity is too high.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use

Indoors

• Great for hanging baskets, shelves, or terrariums.
• A good option for lower light spots with consistent moisture.

Outdoors

• Use as groundcover in shaded gardens.
• Spreads well under trees or in rock gardens in temperate zones.
• Bring inside before frost in colder climates.

Summary of Care