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Begonia Maple Leaf
Begonia Maple Leaf
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Begonia ‘Maple Leaf’: A Dramatic Foliage Wonder with Classic Shape and Color
Your Complete, Easy-to-Follow Guide to Growing and Loving This Unique Rex Begonia
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a begonia that blends the structure of a maple leaf with the drama of bold, tropical color, Begonia ‘Maple Leaf’ is that dream come to life. With sharply lobed foliage, deep textures, and glowing red or burgundy tones edged in black or green, this Rex begonia is truly one-of-a-kind. It offers both form and flair—like autumn wrapped in velvet, but evergreen and ever-elegant indoors.
Whether you’re building a bold foliage display or just want something striking for your shelf, ‘Maple Leaf’ is a plant that gives you beauty, texture, and personality all in one.
What Makes Begonia ‘Maple Leaf’ So Special?
There’s no mistaking this variety. It’s shaped like a classic maple leaf—but with a tropical twist.
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Leaf Shape: Deeply lobed, pointed, and star-like—resembling a Japanese maple.
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Color: Fiery shades of red, mahogany, and burgundy—often with dark green or black edging.
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Texture: Velvety leaves with heavy veining and a subtle shimmer under light.
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Growth Habit: Compact and spreading, forming a full mound around 12–15 inches wide and 10–12 inches tall.
It’s like a bold, living sculpture—stunning from every angle.
Light: Bright, Filtered Light Keeps It Glowing
To maintain its rich colors and healthy growth, bright, indirect light is ideal.
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Indoors: Place near an east- or north-facing window. Use a sheer curtain if the window is bright.
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Outdoors (during warm months): Only in full shade or areas with dappled light.
Avoid direct sunlight. It can scorch the leaves and bleach the colors. If it starts to stretch or fade, that’s a sign it wants a little more brightness.
Watering: Stay Moist, But Not Wet
Begonia ‘Maple Leaf’ likes a steady supply of moisture—but never soggy soil.
Here’s your watering guide:
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Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
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Make sure your pot has good drainage to avoid root rot.
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Water the soil directly—not the leaves—to prevent mildew or spotting.
A consistent watering routine is key. This begonia doesn't enjoy surprises.
Humidity: Tropical Air, Please
This is a Rex begonia, so humidity matters—a lot. You’ll want to aim for 50–60% or higher.
Here are some ways to keep humidity up:
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Run a humidifier in the same room.
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Use a pebble tray with water below the pot (not touching the roots).
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Group your plant with other tropicals to build a shared humidity zone.
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Great candidate for a glass plant cabinet or terrarium.
Low humidity can lead to crisping leaf edges and slow growth. High humidity helps the plant stay lush and vibrant.
Soil: Airy and Quick-Draining
This begonia needs its roots to breathe. Use a light, well-draining soil.
A good recipe:
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1 part coco coir or peat moss
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1 part perlite or coarse sand
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1 part quality potting mix
You can also use a begonia mix or African violet mix from the garden center. These blends usually have just the right structure.
Feeding: Support the Color with Light Nutrition
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
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Avoid overfeeding—this can cause leggy growth or leaf tip burn.
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Hold off on feeding in fall and winter, when growth naturally slows.
Regular, light feeding keeps the foliage rich and full.
Temperature: Keep It Warm and Steady
Begonia ‘Maple Leaf’ thrives in temperatures between 60–75°F.
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Never expose it to temps below 55°F.
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Keep it away from cold drafts, AC vents, and heaters.
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Bring it inside well before the first fall frost if it spends summers outside.
Consistency helps prevent stress and keeps the colors bright and the shape compact.
Grooming and Maintenance
Just a little care keeps this begonia looking its best:
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Remove any faded or damaged leaves regularly.
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Pinch back long stems to encourage bushier growth.
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Clean the leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep their surface clear and reflective.
Begonias don’t require much, but they reward your attention.
Propagation: Yes, You Can Multiply the Maple!
You can propagate this begonia using leaf cuttings or rhizome division.
Leaf cutting method:
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Cut a mature, healthy leaf with a short petiole.
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Press the petiole into moist soil or lay the leaf flat with cuts across the main veins.
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Cover with a humidity dome or plastic bag.
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Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain moisture.
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Watch for baby plants to appear in 2–4 weeks!
It’s an easy and fun way to grow your collection or share with friends.
Pests and Problems: Keep an Eye Out
This begonia is pretty resilient, but here’s what to watch for:
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Spider mites – especially in dry air. Increase humidity and treat early with neem oil.
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Powdery mildew – can happen with low airflow. Space your plants and avoid wetting the leaves.
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Root rot – always avoid soggy soil and check moisture before watering.
Keeping your care consistent is the best way to avoid these issues.
Styling Tips: Let It Shine
Begonia ‘Maple Leaf’ deserves to be displayed with pride.
Try these style ideas:
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Pot it in a deep red, black, or neutral container to match or contrast its dramatic foliage.
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Use it as a living centerpiece on a coffee table or plant shelf.
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Pair it with soft-green or silver-leafed plants like ferns or pileas for contrast.
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Create a begonia blend with other Rex favorites like ‘Escargot,’ ‘Fireworks,’ or ‘Harmony Red Robin.’
Wherever it grows, it brings bold texture and natural beauty.
Why You’ll Love Begonia ‘Maple Leaf’
This plant is a favorite for a reason—it delivers high drama with low effort, and it's as beautiful as it is unique.
You’ll love it because:
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It offers year-round color without flowers
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Its leaf shape is instantly recognizable and stylish
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It thrives in containers and small spaces
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It’s easy to propagate and share
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It adds depth and texture to any foliage display
If you're ready for a plant that brings together fiery color, bold form, and year-round interest, Begonia ‘Maple Leaf’ is ready to take root in your space.
