Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera)

Strawberry Begonia is an eye-catching trailing houseplant with fuzzy, silver-veined leaves and strawberry-like runners, perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, and mixed plant displays.

Strawberry Begonia, scientifically known as Saxifraga stolonifera, is a compact, trailing houseplant with velvety, round leaves and bright runners that spill over the edge of the pot like a strawberry plant. Despite its common name, it isn’t a true begonia or a strawberry—it simply resembles both, making it a fun, quirky addition to any indoor plant collection.

This plant forms a dense rosette of green leaves marked with silvery veins and a warm reddish underside, sending out long stolons tipped with baby plantlets that you can root and share. It stays relatively small and tidy, making it ideal for hanging planters, shelves, and terrarium-adjacent displays where you want movement and texture without a huge footprint. Native to East Asia, Strawberry Begonia thrives in cooler, bright indoor spaces and rewards good care with delicate sprays of small white flowers in the growing season.

Common names include Strawberry Begonia, Strawberry Geranium, Creeping Saxifrage, and Mother of Thousands.

Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light—near a window with filtered sun or bright ambient light.

• Can tolerate medium light but may become leggy and lose vibrancy in very low light.

• Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the fuzzy leaves.

Water

• Keep the soil lightly moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

• Water thoroughly and let excess drain away; don’t leave the pot sitting in water.

• In cooler or lower-light conditions, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot.

Humidity & temperature

• Enjoys moderate humidity and will appreciate being grouped with other plants or near a humidifier.

• Performs best in typical indoor temperatures around 60–75°F; avoid cold drafts and temps below the mid-50s.

Soil & fertilizer

• Plant in a well-draining, peat- or coco-based houseplant mix with added perlite for aeration.

• Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer about once a month during spring and summer, and reduce or pause feeding in fall and winter.

Growth & maintenance

• Naturally produces runners with baby plants at the tips; you can trim and root these in fresh potting mix to create new plants.

• Trim any yellowing or crispy leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage fresh growth.

• Works beautifully in hanging baskets or on shelves where the runners can trail freely.

Pet & child safety

• Strawberry Begonia is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, but it’s still best to discourage chewing and ingestion of any houseplant.